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Michael Murphy '08 accepts his diploma from President Lindgren while Michael's father,
Frank Murphy, looks on.
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On October 26, 2008, Michael Murphy '08 headed for the starting line at the Marine
Corps Marathon in Arlington, Virginia. From there he wound his way through George
Washington Parkway, scaled the Lee Highway and meandered through Georgetown. He
continued along the grueling 26.2-mile route, passing the Kennedy Center and the
U.S. Capitol. Finally, he zipped through Crystal City, past the Pentagon and finished
up at the Marine Corps Memorial. Michael finished the Marine Corps Marathon
in 2:18:41!
Just as interesting and inspiring as the race course itself is the journey that
motivated Murphy to train for this monumental endeavor. It’s a circuitous route,
one paved with challenges and determination, as well as a healthy dose of tenacity.
A native of McLean, Virginia, Murphy graduated in 2004 from The Potomac School in
McLean, Virginia, where he had been an avid football and baseball player. He began
his college career at R-MC in the fall of 2004, delving into the dual challenge
of a rigorous academic schedule and participation in baseball and football.
An accident in 2007 left Murphy a paraplegic, but he continued his college studies
that summer, after undergoing surgery and during months of physical therapy. Says
Murphy, "I worked with wonderful therapists, learning how to take care of myself...with
the goal to have complete independence by the beginning of my senior year at Randolph-Macon."
And that he did. In 2008 Murphy graduated from R-MC with a major in history and
a double minor in art history and classical studies. "Yes, I am slightly obsessed
with history," he admits.
As a member of Team Reeve, Michael raised an amazing $14,630 for spinal cord research,
surpassing his goal of $14,000!