Many college students ask the question, “What can I do with my education?” For Louisiana Tech University students, alumnus and billionaire Sam Wyly has a pretty good answer.

Wyly will join Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau on the first floor of the Student Center on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 11:15 a.m. to share his inspirational story with Tech students, friends and the community. He will also talk about his long-awaited autobiography, 1,000 Dollars & an Idea. This special event is free and the public is invited to attend.

Sam Wyly Author of ‘1,000 Dollars & an Idea’

From the struggles of growing up in a house without electricity on the banks of the Mississippi River to one of Forbes magazine’s 1,000 wealthiest people in the world, Wyly’s journey is one of personal conviction, commitment to an entrepreneurial spirit, and exemplifies the essence of the American Dream.

Notable people to endorse 1,000 Dollars & an Idea include President George Herbert Walker Bush, former presidential candidate Ross Perot, Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson and Milken Institute Chairman Michael Milken.

Wyly has worked as an entrepreneur for nearly a half century and has been the architect of such internationally respected companies as University Computing, Sterling Software, Sterling Commerce, Earth Resources, Gulf Insurance, Bonanza Steakhouses, Michaels Stores, and Maverick Capital and Ranger Capital. Wyly’s visionary thinking and propensity for taking direct action in business matters have earned him the reputation as a true ‘maverick’ in business and investing circles.

He is also an active proponent of clean air through clean energy, which led to his creation of Green Mountain Energy, the nation’s leading provider of cleaner commercial and residential electricity and carbon offsets.

Wyly and his wife, Cheryl, are generous contributors to countless philanthropic organizations, including the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, the Aspen-Pitkin County Animal Shelter and Louisiana Tech University.

Written by Dave Guerin