Sam Wyly devotes his time to educational organizations like Southern Methodist University and the Princeton Parents Association in addition to being an entrepreneur. The University of Michigan's Sam Wyly Hall is a testament to Wyly's commitment to advancing business leadership education.

Sam resides in Dallas with his six daughters, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is a devoted football-loving Texan.

Wyly's life is incredibly motivating. He came from humble beginnings but, with perseverance and great effort, was able to achieve incredible things. Wyly now leads a more sedate existence. He is a passionate advocate for politics and immigration and a devoted father and grandfather.

He was listed as one of Forbes' 10 greenest billionaires in 2010. Wyly also received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship in 1997 and the Murphy Award for Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Texas Murphy Enterprise Center in 2003. Wyly, a steadfast supporter of public television, gave the Dallas PBS station the initial funding needed to launch a top-notch news show in 1968. The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, one of the most dependable news sources in the country, eventually replaced the original program, Newsroom.

Early in his career, he started receiving honors and praise. Sam Wyly businessman was recognized by the U.S. Jaycees as "One of Ten Outstanding Young Men in America" in 1968 and as "One of Five Outstanding Young Texans" in 1967. Wyly earned Alger Awards from Southern Methodist University and the University of Michigan Business School in 1970.