The College recently reconnected with Lee Murphy (SPC 1992-97) who has crafted a successful career in IT and recalls his favourite memory of school at SPC was spending every recess and lunch at the popular jerk (handball) courts.
Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
I went to Ballarat University for a while before getting a job at IBM. I have been in IT as solution Architect (designer) for Cloud Computing for most of the last 20 years, now based in Melbourne at another IT Company (Datacom). I live in the outer suburbs of Melbourne but still have strong ties to Ballarat and am often back in the Ballarat at a poker night with friends or visiting my brother.
I have travelled overseas multiple times to Canada, US, NZ and Asia. And now I am married with two young children and am a bit settled. I don’t travel much now outside of Victoria but I love exploring parts of our state.
Do you have family ties with SPC?
Yes, my brother Shane (SPC 1992-97) is a teacher at SPC currently and his children (my nephews both attend).
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
One hundred per cent my favourite memory of the school is the Jerk (Handball) Courts. I was sad when I learned that were no longer there but for most of my first few years I was there EVERY recess and lunch.
Beyond that I think my fondest memories were people. Two of my favourites were Mr (Peter) Farley and Mr (Michael) Brady who were always willing to say a nice hi to me when I see them (even though they were never actually my teacher).
Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you?
I think it would have to be Mr (Fred) Spittle. I had some issues growing up with behaviour and it was probably when I started art in his class that he sort of took me under his wing to help me get my behaviour on the right track. He was always available for a chat or otherwise as I needed.
How has your education shaped your professional life?
I think there has been a significant amount of my time at SPC that has helped in that regard. I built my career without a university degree (in IT, I have one in Accounting) but my first real access to computers and programming was in the 90s in SPC and that Computing program (I remember the time that they got those new Macs when I was in Year 9 or 10 and it was where I think learnt the basics of computing and led to what I do now).
How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?
I think my values were shaped immensely by my time at SPC. The mentors I had there such as above mentioned teachers as well as Football and sports coaches instilled community and caring into my values. I like to think a lot of the way I am now in my late 40s was from that time.
If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
Value the bonds and relationships you build and the words of those mentors. It is as important to be able to walk through the world with reason and kindness as it is to know the facts and figures you might encounter.
The world is not an easy place to live but having those friendships and bonds will help make it a better one.
