On Wednesday, January 29, Phi Delta Theta presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Paul Broyhill, UNC ’46 at the Broyhill Family Office in Lenoir, North Carolina. The Broyhill Family Office was established in 1980 to manage the proceeds from the sale of Broyhill Furniture Industries. Broyhill Furniture was, and remains, one of the country’s most respected furniture brands.
Brother Broyhill was initiated at North Carolina Beta (UNC) during the winter of 1943 and soon thereafter served his country in World War II. Returning from World War II, Brother Broyhill graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1946.
Following graduation, Broyhill soon began working with the family business, founded by his uncle. He became president and CEO in the early 1960s and held the job until his retirement in 1985. Under his leadership, Broyhill’s sales grew from $10 million to $325 million and employment jumped from 1,000 to 7,500.
Phi Delta Theta recognizes his success in business, civic engagement and philanthropic efforts. Andrew Cole, a Senior Development Officer with Phi Delta Theta, presented the award on Wednesday, January 28.
Paul and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Lenoir and I knew him to be outstanding in his ability to accomplish whatever he set out to do. His strong family background of community leadership prepared him for his high standard of values and character. His management ability was recognized during his time in service in WWII and his success in business was highly predictable. Paul is truly a distinguished alumnus of NC Beta.