2007 Luncheon :: Murphy Enterprise Center

The Jerry Durant Family of Dealerships

The 6th Annual Leadership Luncheon sponsored by the Jerry Durant Family of Dealerships was held at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Student scholarship winners and donors were recognized. The 2007 New Venture Creation Winners were also announced. Mr. Nolan Ryan gave his keynote address to over 700 individuals - sharing his times in professional baseball as well as his experiences as an entrepreneur. Mr. Ryan was recognized as the first Texas Star Winner. A Texas Star is awarded to someon who lives in Texas, who has contributed to the economy of Texas, and who has helped Texans to stay grounded and believing in the Free Enterprise System. Mr. Ryan has served as a role model and a mentor to thousands of Texans who have entered or are just entering the business world.

2007 Leadership Luncheon November 2, 2007 - Keynote Speaker Nolan Ryan

The Murphy Enterprise Center 2007 Leadership Luncheon was a great success with Nolan Ryan as the keynote speaker for the 2007 Jerry Durant Family of Dealerships Leadership Luncheon benefiting the Murphy Enterprise Center.

Nolan has lived in Texas his entire life, moving to Alvin, TX when he was six weeks old, where he grew up and lived until the spring of 2003.

In 1965, after graduating from Alvin High School, Nolan signed a professional baseball contract with the New York Mets and was sent to rookie ball in Marion, Virginia. By 1968, he was pitching in the Major Leagues, thus beginning his 27-year illustrous career in baseball. During his career, which spanned four decades, Nolan set or broke 51 major league records (including seven no-hitters and 5,714 career strikeouts).

After his retirement, Nolan was able to pursue his business ventures. Read the complete bio on Nolan Ryan.