Murphy Receives Citizen Award from Scouts

Wendell Murphy received the “Centennial Distinguished Citizen Award” May 8 before more than 300 friends, business associates and family members. The award, presented by the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America, honors Murphy for his business leadership, community service and character.

Murphy has worn many hats in North Carolina. The Rose Hill-native revolutionized the swine production industry with the introduction of contract farming. He served three terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives, and he served in the North Carolina Senate from 1989-1993. Murphy is also a strong champion of his alma mater, North Carolina State University, where his support has benefited student athletics, facilities, academics and university governance.

During the sold-out event, which was held at the Mad Boar Restaurant in Wallace, N.C., several of Murphy’s closest friends addressed the crowd with personal anecdotes. Speakers included:

• Sidney R. Lowe, head basketball coach for North Carolina State University

• The Honorable James B. Hunt, Jr., governor of North Carolina (1977-1985; 1993-2001)

• Dr. James L. Oblinger, chancellor of North Carolina State University

• Dr. M. Terry Coffey, president of Murphy-Brown East

• The Honorable Lauch Faircloth, U.S. Senator (1993-1999)

  Gary Hahn, the voice of the North Carolina State University Wolfpack, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

All proceeds from the event benefited the Tuscarora Council, which serves approximately 6,000 youth and their families in Duplin, Johnston, Sampson and Wayne Counties of eastern North Carolina.

  About the Centennial Distinguished Citizen Award
In honor of the 100^th anniversary of worldwide Scouting, the Centennial Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes noteworthy and extraordinary leadership of citizens in communities across the United States.  Honoring distinguished citizenship delivers a message to our youth that character counts. The lives of distinguished citizens put in place guideposts that serve to inspire our youth to lead, to accept responsibility and to care about principles and causes beyond self-interest.

Event Photos:
1. Sidney Lowe, head basketball coach from N.C. State, shared a few words about his friend.
2. Tom Yarboro (left) and Bill Bryan (far right) present the award to Murphy.
3. Wendell Murphy addresses the crowd.