During High Point University’s Homecoming weekend, Jerry Murdock, class of 1962, was honored for his continuous loyalty and service to High Point University. Pictured from left is his daughter Kendra Wells, wife Joan Murdock, Jerry Murdock and HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 4, 2023 – During High Point University’s Homecoming weekend, Jerry Murdock, class of 1962, was honored for his continuous loyalty and service to High Point University. A ceremony naming Patriots Plaza took place on Nov. 5.
A star-shaped plaque acknowledging Murdock’s humble beginnings, his impact on HPU, the country and the community was recently installed at Patriots Plaza.
“Jerry Murdock has blessed many students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the values and culture offered at High Point University,” says HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein. “Through his generosity, we graduate students with a commitment to service and a hope to change the world.”
As a God, Family and Country institution, HPU’s Patriots Plaza represents loyalty, honor and pride. Each year, the plaza hosts numerous student and community events honoring the United States of America and its military veterans, including the annual 9/11 memorial. Located at the heart of campus, this plaza features an American flag front and center, as well as smaller U.S. flags framing the space. Next, there are four pools with water descending into one another and 56 arched jets that encompass both sides of the pools. At the base of the pools, there is a crescent fountain with a vertical water column.
Murdock was born in Statesville, North Carolina, and grew up as an orphan at the Methodist Children’s Home in Winston-Salem. When he applied to High Point College, he was given a full scholarship and became a member of the track team and the TKE fraternity. He worked in the dining hall, library and maintenance department. These experiences instilled in him the desire to support his alma mater and serve his community. He vowed then to donate $1 million to the university to support students who came after him. To date, Murdock has gifted more than $3.5 million in support of various scholarships and programs. He embodies HPU’s values and serves as a model for the impact a dedicated alumnus can have through a lifelong relationship with their alma mater.
In 2018, Murdock received the Alumni Service Award for his continued involvement in various university service initiatives. The Murdock family continues to be loyal supporters and advocates of HPU through the Jerry W. and Joan S. Murdock Endowed Scholarship, HPU Fund for Extraordinary Education, Student Athlete Excellence Fund and Class of 1962 Endowed Scholarship. He also created a preservation endowment for campus improvements and enhancements.
“I’ve always felt inclined to give back to this university and community as it has always been so generous to me,” Murdock said. “High Point University has instilled their values in me, and it has been a blessing to provide the same opportunities to the students who have come after me.”
Upon graduating, Murdock served our country in the Navy. He was stationed in New Port, Rhode Island and on the Shangri-La aircraft in May Port, Florida. After departing, Murdock began his career in management and sales before deciding to start his business, IPS Packaging. Murdock started the company in his basement in 1976. Today, IPS is a nationwide leader in packaging products, equipment and service. He and his wife, Joan, have four children and nine grandchildren.
For more information on how to support HPU, please visit engage.highpoint.edu/waystogive.