HR38: HR38 Murphy, Mary Kay; lifetime of distinguished service to education and community; commend

25 LC 129 0021 House Resolution 38 By: Representatives Hilton of the 48th, Beckles of the 96th, Reeves of the 99th, Efstration of the 104th, Martinez of the 111th, and others A RESOLUTION Honoring Mary Kay Murphy for a lifetime of distinguished servic e to education and1 community; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Mary Kay Murphy has dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence in3 education, earning a PhD in education administration from Georg ia State University, a4 master's degree in education and English from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Arts in5 English and philosophy from Loretto Heights College; and6 WHEREAS, Mary Kay Murphy has exemplified an outstanding commitment to the teaching7 profession, with seven years of experience as a public-school t eacher in Georgia and8 California, inspiring students in grades 9 through 12; and9 WHEREAS, she has played a pivotal role in the advancement of ed ucational institutions10 through her extraordinary career in private fundraising, securing over $475 million in support11 of academic programs, faculty research, and campus infrastructu re, thereby enhancing12 educational opportunities for countless students; and13 WHEREAS, Mary Kay Murphy has shown exemplary dedication to her community, serving14 as a volunteer teacher at Hopewell Baptist Church, a longtime member of Mary Our Queen15 H. R. 38 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0021 Catholic Church, and as President of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta, becoming the first woman16 to hold that office in 80 years; and17 WHEREAS, her leadership has significantly impacted public education as an elected member18 of the Gwinnett County School Board for over two decades, durin g which time she was19 elected chairman five times and vice chairman five times, ensuring the continued growth and20 success of the district; and21 WHEREAS, Mary Kay Murphy has extended her service beyond education, contributing as22 a civilian representative to the National Security Seminar at t he United States Army War23 College and as a member of numerous civic organizations, including Leadership Atlanta and24 the Development Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta; and25 WHEREAS, her exceptional contributions have been recognized thr ough numerous26 prestigious awards, including the Scott Hudgens Distinguished C itizen Award, Paul Duke27 Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Award for Service28 in Public Education; and29 WHEREAS, Mary Kay Murphy alongside her husband, Michael C. Murphy, a distinguished30 retired attorney and civic leader, has raised three daughters a nd is a proud grandparent of31 two, further demonstrating her dedication to family and community; and 32 WHEREAS, Mary Kay Murphy's lifetime of unwavering commitment to education, civic33 leadership, and community service will leave a lasting legacy, and she stands as a beacon of34 inspiration for future generations.35 H. R. 38 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0021 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that36 the members of this body honor Mary Kay Murphy for her lifetime commitment to education37 and community service as well as extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health38 and happiness.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized40 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Mary41 Kay Murphy.42 H. R. 38 - 3 -