DePaul mourns the passing of trustee and Double Demon Malik Murray

At just eight years old, Malik Murray was already running a lawn care business with 20 clients and earning $200 a week—a glimpse into the enterprising spirit that would define his life. A standout athlete from Chicago’s South Shore, Murray​ earned a basketball scholarship to DePaul University, where he balanced the rigors of Division I athletics with a strong commitment to academics. Though he once dreamed of the NBA, a life-changing internship at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange introduced him to the world of finance, setting him on a path to become a respected leader at Ariel Investments and a dedicated trustee at his alma mater.

Murray died of an apparent heart attack on April 19 at the age of 50. His life was a testament to the power of mentorship, discipline, and giving back—a legacy that continues to inspire the DePaul community and beyond.

“The moment Malik walked into a room, he had a meaningful presence—genuine, kind, and full of grace. In everything he did, he embodied DePaul’s Vincentian values, always leading with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to service,” said President Robert L. Manuel. “I am heartbroken by his loss and will miss his counsel and friendship dearly. Wilmara and I hold his family in our hearts and prayers during this time of profound grief.”

Murray joined DePaul’s Board of Trustees in 2023. He served on the Finance and Investment Committee and was co-vice chair of the Athletics Committee. A Double Demon, he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the Driehaus College of Business in 1996 and his MBA in finance from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in 2004. He also addressed the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business graduates as a commencement speaker in 2022.

As a four-year letterwinner for the DePaul men’s basketball team, Murray played under Head Coach Joey Meyer from 1992 to 1996. ​

“There are no words to fully capture the heartbreak we feel with the passing of Malik,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. “He was the very embodiment of what it means to be an alumnus—loyal, generous, and deeply committed. Always just a phone call away, he never hesitated to lend his time, insight, or resources to uplift DePaul and our student-athletes. His presence was constant, his support unwavering, and his impact immeasurable. Malik’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the many ways he helped shape our community. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth, Kamau, and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

As an undergraduate, Murray’s internship at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange placed him in a fast-paced, competitive environment where many former college athletes thrived. There, he met alumnus Brett Burkholder, a former DePaul basketball player and NBA draft pick, whose mentorship Murray credited with changing the course of his life—opening his eyes to opportunities beyond professional sports.

Murray spent his career giving back. He established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Basketball and Finance at DePaul. He served on the DePaul Department of Finance Advisory Board. He also held leadership roles with the National Association of Securities Professionals.

“Malik was such a special soul and someone I really grew close with in my first year,” said Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Holtmann. “He was so kind, generous, and supportive of our program, staff, and DePaul Basketball as a whole. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers and condolences are with Malik’s family during this time.”

Professionally, Murray served as senior vice president and head of business development and institutional marketing at Ariel Investments, a global asset management firm. Before joining Ariel in 2004, he spent eight years at Bank One Brokerage, where he served as lead broker on the European shift for its international exchange-traded products group.

Murray also gave back to his high school alma mater, Saint Ignatius College Prep, where he served on the board of trustees and chaired the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. In honor of his mother, he established the Linda Diane Murray Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund to help subsidize tuition for deserving students.

“Malik brought extraordinary heart, vision, and dedication to our board,” said DePaul Board of Trustees Chair Mike Scudder. “He led with humility and joy, always lifting up others. His commitment to DePaul and our students was evident in every conversation and every action. We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family and the many who loved him.”

Murray was the son of Cook County Circuit Judge Leonard Murray and Linda Diane Murray, who had been a longtime teacher and assistant principal at Hyde Park Academy until her death in 2021. Murray is survived by his partner, Elizabeth; his father; two sisters, Nubia and Kai; and one brother, Kamau. 

You can read his obituary in the Chicago Tribune​. Memorial details follow. Please note that the processional and ​​burial service is private.​