Forbes 400 Entrepreneur Sam Wyly Honored for Lifetime Achievement
Entrepreneur Builds “Good Companies That are Good Places to Work”

Press Announcement Released by The University of North Texas Murphy Enterprise Center
November 7, 2003

In honor of a lifetime spent creating exemplary businesses in diverse industries, secure jobs for thousands, economic growth across the country and a generous philanthropic legacy, The University of North Texas Murphy Enterprise Center will recognize Texas entrepreneur Sam Wyly with the 2003 Murphy Award for Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurship on November 14 at the Hotel InterContinental in Addison, Texas.

Sam Wyly career highlights:
- Wyly founded his first venture, Universal Computer Company, in 1963 with only $1,000 and an idea.

- Wyly's companies helped break up the IBM and AT&T monopolies, creating the competition in technology and marketing that led to today's world wide web.

- Wyly built the Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chain into a 600-restaurant powerhouse and grew Michaels Stores into the world's largest picture framer and arts and crafts retailer.

- Over 3,000 people have become millionaires working in his companies.

- Wyly-founded hedge funds (Maverick and Ranger) consistently rank among the lower risk and better performing funds.

- In March 2000, Wyly sold Sterling Software and Sterling Commerce for a total of $8 billion.

- Wyly initiated two proxy fights against Computer Associates in 2001 and 2002, resulting in the creation of an independent board and the resignation of CA's Chairman and Founder.

- As founder of Green Mountain Energy, Wyly markets environmentally friendly electricity.

- Along with his brother, Charles, Wyly endowed Louisiana Tech with Chairs of Journalism and Business and the Wyly Tower of Learning, supported Harvard Medical School's Mind/Body Institute and funded a $10 million gift to University of Michigan's new Sam Wyly Hall.

- Wyly's newest entrepreneurial investment, K-12, is a powerful educational technology tool.

- Wyly is now writing an autobiography detailing his diverse and prolific career.

“We aim to create successful businesses for our investors and employees – companies that are good places to work and serve customers well,” notes Mr. Wyly. “I am honored to receive this prestigious award. I share it with my brother Charles and our families, past and present partners, investors, managers and employees whose commitment and dedication have made our dreams a reality.”