The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/337646
JULY 2014 ■ 151 ■ PACK PAST facilities. When it opened in 2003, the state- of-the-art football operation building in the south end zone of Carter-Finley Stadium was named the Wendell H. Murphy Center, with a bronze bust of its namesake placed promi- nently in the lobby. "Wendell has been a tremendous role model and mentor for me throughout my career," said Wolfpack Club executive direc- tor Bobby Purcell. "I admire a lot of things about him, but the thing I admire the most is that he has never forgotten where he came from. He's been extremely successful and built tremendous wealth, but he never forgot the people who were there with him in the beginning. That's a true reflection of char- acter to me. "He never let the wealth and success he has had change who he is at his core." Through the years, Murphy's distinguished service has been recognized by the state and the university, with such awards as the Order of the Longleaf Pine and the Watauga Medal. In his wildest imagination, however, he never thought his name would be beside Case, foot- ball coach Earle Edwards, basketball super- star David Thompson or quarterback Roman Gabriel in an athletics hall of fame. "If I could get used to this being a fact — it's almost like a dream," Murphy said. "Of all the recognition I've ever received, this would have to be at the very top. I was never an athlete, and I certainly never set any aca- demic records at NC State. I arrived at school kind of poorly trained. "But because we had the means to do so, I've tried to help the school in any way I could. I just keep on working to try to make things better." ■ Tim Peeler is a regular contributor to The Wolfpacker. He can be reached at tmpeeler@ncsu.edu. Phone: 336-988-5814 Email: Kerry@GravesInvestigations.com Toll-Free: 877-638-8254 P.O. Box 49917 • Greensboro, NC 27419 Visit our website for a complete list of services. www.GravesInvestigations.com • Process Serving • Workers Comp • Skip Tracing • Threat, Security & Executive Protection • Child Abuse & Neglect Cases • Criminal/ Forensic Services • Marital Infidelity Cases Graves Investigations, Inc. Dr. Kerry Graves, MSW, CFI, TDI Professor of Criminal Justice Our Specializations Include: Proud Alumni of NC State FOOD MASTERS, INC Restaurant Operations Professionals FM ACCOUNTING SERVICE For All Your Bookkeeping and Payroll Needs Food Masters, Inc • 5017 Memory Rd. • Raleigh, NC 27609 919-876-0957 • www.foodmastersinc.com Matt Moore: m.moore@foodmastersinc.com Proud Sponsor Of The Wolfpack Club Since 1977 Graham Baker Realtor/Broker CB Advantage 919-961-1436 Kelly Fox Loan Officer Class of '92 919-749-6090 " K e e p I t I n T h e W o l f p a c k F a m i l y " Relocating or just moving across town, visit GrahamBaker.com for community links, assistance in buying or selling & direct access to thousands of homes! Ask for 'e Wolfpack Special" Purchases and Refinances No Closing Cost Options kelly_fox@bellsouth.net 919-961-1436 (call/text) GB@GrahamBaker.com Whether Buying or Selling Locally or anywhere in the world, I can help through the Coldwell Banker network Ask for "The Wolfpack Special" Purchases and Refinances No Closing Cost Options kelly_fox@bellsouth.net Broker/Consultant Coldwell Banker Advantage Loan Officer Class of '92 "Keep It In The Wolfpack Family" 919-749-6090 Located in the south end zone of Carter-Finley Stadium, the state-of-the-art football opera- tion building that bears Murphy's name was opened in 2003. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS 148-151.Pack Past.indd 151 6/27/14 10:17 AM