Seattle, Washington 98133
Phone : 206-364-6890 | Fax: 206-364-8325
Distinguished Graduate
Michael J. “Mike” Murphy
CKS Distinguished Graduate-2010
Mike is a Seattle native and is the eldest son of a family of 11 children; 8 sisters and 2 brothers. His first home in the parish was on Palatine and 115th and later on 110th and Second NW. Mike attended Christ the King School from Kindergarten to 8th grade. He got to know the neighborhood quite well by bicycle delivering the Seattle Times. A bit later, his sisters worked the front counter in the Rolling Pin Bakery on Greenwood Avenue and 103rd. Mike worked behind the scenes in the kitchen as the clean up kid.
Mike refers to his time at CKS as precious and has many fond memories of the Sisters and Fr. Michael Carroll and Father Lester Leahy. Mike began eighth grade a mere fifty years ago and while the memories of CKS are fondly held, the particulars are a bit fuzzy now.
After attending CKS, Mike studied for the priesthood at St. Edward’s and St. Thomas Seminaries in Kenmore for seven years. After his junior year of college at the seminary, he transferred to Seattle University where he earned a BA in History with 5 minors; two being Latin and Greek. Mike served our country in the U.S. Army; he was stationed in Germany and learned to speak German fluently. He began his work as a staffer for the State Treasurer in 1972 and was also music director at the 9:00 Mass at St. Michael’s in Olympia for four years. While working full-time and attending college at night, Mike earned his M.B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University.
In 1987, Mike was appointed Thurston County Treasurer following the death of his predecessor. Mike successfully ran for the office that year and again in 1990 and 1994.
In 1996, Mike ran for Washington State Treasurer. He won that election, as well as his races for re-election in 2000 and 2004. During this time he served on many boards and committees. He retired from office in 2009.
Mike is married to Teri Smith Murphy, who retired in 2001 after 30 years as a teacher in the Olympia School District. They have lived in Olympia on their sailboat but now split their time between Olympia and Tucson.
Needless to say, Mike has an impressive history and has successfully used his Catholic education to serve our country, state and community. Thank you.
John Hempelmann
Distinguished Graduate - 2009
John and his family visited CKS during Catholic Schools Week. He delighted us during a tour of the school with his tales of the days when there were 900 students at our school and a bus which was housed where the current music class is. He shared that our parish and school hold a special place in his heart. He told stories of how the BVM Sisters and Fr. Fitzgerald had a positive influence in his development. He has had a full Christ the King Parish experience as well; he was baptized here, experienced his first communion, served as an altar boy, and sang in the parish choir. Recently, his niece’s son was baptized at CKP.
John has put his Catholic education to good use. He is one of the founding partners of Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S., a full service Seattle law firm. John has nearly 40 years of experience and is recognized as one of the premier land use, natural resources and real estate development attorneys in the state of Washington.