J. Murry Bowden 1971
Growing up in Snyder, Texas, at 5' 11", 185 pounds, Murry Bowden was an undersized, yet strong linebacker whose quickness made him perfect as a roverback in Dartmouth's 5-2-4 defense. His penchant for being all over the field supporting the run, or defending the pass, earned him the title of the "Reckless Rover." His hard-hitting style resulted in both knee and shoulder injuries that required him to wear a specially designed brace to keep his shoulder in place.
Murry was co-captain of an undefeated, untied Dartmouth team in 1970 that won the Ivy League title as the East's best major college team, and led all NCAA Division I teams in defense against scoring with 42 points allowed. It was the last time an Ivy League team finished the season with a national ranking in the top 15. Murry's defense finished the season with a win over Cornell and its great running back Ed Marinaro, who led the nation in rushing. He led Dartmouth to a 28-8 record in his three seasons.
Murry's personal efforts resulted in his selection as a Walter Camp All-America as well as being named to the American Football Coaches Association Kodak All-America team. He became the seventh player from Dartmouth, and the first since 1977, to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
After graduating cum laude with a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth, Murry returned to his native Texas, where he received a juris doctorate from the University of Texas Law School, and began a successful career as a real estate entrepreneur and investor. In 1982, Murry co-founded The Hanover Company, a fully integrated Houston real estate investment firm. The firm stands among the most active private real estate companies in the United States, specializing in the development and management of high quality multi-family residential properties. Prior to forming The Hanover Company, he was an attorney in private practice, specializing in real estate and oil and gas transactions.
Murry's community involvement is wide ranging. He has served as President of the Alumni Council of Dartmouth College and as a member of the Dartmouth College Campaign to Excel's Major Gifts Committee. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Houston Holocaust Museum, a board member of the Houston Council on Alcohol and Drugs, and a Trust Manager on the board of Weingarten Realty Investors. Murry has also served on the Dartmouth Real Estate Advisory Committe. He is an active supporter of a variety of other charitable organizations throughout Houston.
Murry and his wife Polly reside in Houston and have two sons, Brandt and Jeb, who work and reside in Houston.