Baylor University honored six individuals and six couples with meritorious achievement awards. Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, were named alumni of the year. Victor Boutros, a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice human trafficking prosecution unit, was named young alumnus of the year. Billy and Dawn Ray received the Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service and Sue Mayborn the Pro Texana Medal of Service. Michael Attas was honored for his contributions to the medical profession and Fred Tibbals for his work in scientific research. Grant and Donell Teaff were recognized as Baylor Legendary Mentors. 
More than 1,000 alumni, community members, faculty, staff and students participated in Howard Payne University’s homecoming festivities. Yellowjacket mascot Buzzsaw even made a few new friends as well. The Baylor Legacy award was presented to David and Shirley Lake, George and Martha Chandler, Winston Wolfe, and Matt and Dot Miller. Louise Herrington Ornelas received the Baylor Founders Medal.
Howard Payne University’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy presented the Douglas MacArthur Freedom Medal to George Aldridge, a 1975 HPU graduate. The award is presented to individuals who share Newman’s vision of promoting Judeo-Christian values, Western heritage and the free enterprise system. Aldridge has served as a U.S. Foreign Service officer in Jamaica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Belize, Morocco, Kenya, Tunisia and Sudan. He then became director of the Middle East Partnership office in Beirut.
Anniversaries
Fred Smith, fifth, as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler, Nov. 5.
Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort Worth, 100th, Nov. 13-15. The church’s history room will open at 6 p.m. Friday, and former pastor Joel Gregory will preach at 7 p.m. Former pastor Lloyd Elder will speak during a catered meal at 2 p.m. Saturday. Former pastor Frank Page will speak at 6 p.m. that evening. A continental breakfast will be provided at 9 a.m. Sunday. Pastor Jim Spivey will preach at 10:30 a.m. Clyde Glazener is pastor emeritus.
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