Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) plans to celebrate the first annual Paddy Murphy Week at Ferris from April 7 to 12.
According to legend, Paddy Murphy was the right-hand man of Al Capone during the prohibition in Chicago in the 1920s. Murphy was gunned down by Elliot Ness, a federal agent. Upon Murphy being shot, Ness discovered they were both a part of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
“Ness cracked open one of Murphy’s finest barrels of whiskey and drank shot for shot until Paddy passed away,” senior automotive management and SAE member Frank Kennedy said.
Ness set up a full Irish funeral for Paddy.
As a part of Paddy Murphy Week, SAE will be reenacting a funeral procession from the Business building to South Quad. The ceremony is free and designed for students to experience the heritage of the fraternity.
Ferris sophomore construction management major Anthony Marzano is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and said celebrating Paddy Murphy signifies the bond of brotherhood.
“Paddy Murphy is important to students at Ferris because he represents the loyalty that each student should have towards each other,” Marzano said. “He is a piece of American history.”
Multiple events will also be set up during the week to raise money for Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.
“We have always celebrated Paddy Murphy, but we decided to get the school involved because it will help us get more involved on campus and all the proceeds from this week long event will go towards a great cause,” Marzano said.