Dallas Baptist University presented the 2016 Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award to Joel Allison, who has announced plans to retire Feb. 1 as president and chief executive officer of Baylor Scott & White Health. Scott Turner of Frisco, a former cornerback in the NFL who represents Rockwall County and much of Collin County in the Texas House of Representatives, was featured speaker at the gala dinner where Allison received the award. Over the past 29 years, the fund-raising dinner has provided scholarship support for more than 2,400 DBU students.

David Slover HighGround Advisors, formerly the Baptist Foundation of Texas, named David Slover senior vice president and chief strategy and business development officer, effective Dec. 12. Since 2010, Slover served as president of the Buckner Foundation. Previously, he was senior director of development and campaign director for Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, director of planned and major gifts for Southern Methodist University, and assistant vice president for Baylor Health Care System Foundation. He holds bachelor of arts and master of business administration degrees from Baylor University.

Jerome Farris Jerome Farris, pastor of Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich., delivered the 14th annual McCoy Lecture at Wayland Baptist University. First Baptist Church in Plainview developed the lecture series with an estate gift from Dorothy McCoy, a longtime math professor at Wayland who died in 2001. In addition to speaking in chapel and at a lunchtime discussion on campus, Farris also spoke at First Baptist Church in Happy.

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio will present its 2016 Spirit of Health Award to Ernesto Gomez, founder and chief executive officer of CentroMed, an accredited federally qualified health center that has served San Antonio more than 40 years. The foundation selected Gomez for his dedication and commitment to providing health care to San Antonio’s underserved communities since 1973. CentroMed began as El Centro del Barrio, a family counseling program for low-income residents. It grew to 24 service sites in Bexar and Comal counties, providing health care to more than 78,000 individual patients a year. Of those, about 47 percent lack insurance, and 38 percent of patients are children or youth. The foundation will present the award at a reception at First Baptist Church in San Antonio Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

Baylor University named Jason D. Cook vice president for marketing and communications and chief marketing officer. Cook has served most recently as senior associate athletics director for external affairs at Texas A&M University, after serving as vice president for marketing and communications at Texas A&M from 2008 to 2013. In 2010-11, he also was chief communications officer for the Texas A&M University System. He previously was director of communications and marketing for Texas A&M AgriLife, director of public relations and marketing for the Texas Engineering Extension Service and assistant vice president of media and communications for HealthSouth Corp., based in Birmingham, Ala. A native of Tupelo, Miss., and son of a Baptist minister, Cook received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Mississippi State University. Cook and his wife, Leann, have two teenage sons, Brayden and Jace.

Jeff Sutton The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor named Jeff Sutton director of alumni relations, effective Jan. 2. For the past nine years, Sutton has been assistant director of campus activities at UMHB. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in religion at UMHB in 2007. He and his wife, Jen, have two children, Jude and Millie. They are members of First Baptist Church in Belton, where he is a deacon.

Howard Payne University sophomores Christopher Freeland from Bangs and Tyler Olin from Howe were semifinalists in parliamentary debate at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association Fall Championship tournament held recently in Tyler. HPU competed against 23 universities, winning second place in debate sweepstakes and fifth place in overall sweepstakes. Olin also was named top novice speaker in parliamentary debate.

Nineteen music students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor participated in the Texoma Region National Association of Teachers of Singing Conference at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. Students competed with singers of the same gender and length of study from colleges and universities throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Eight UMHB vocalists were semi-finalists in their divisions­—Katie White, Savannah Sepulveda, Julia Brown, Chaz Corder, Tiffany Collazo, Cardarious Bonner, Matthew McKinnon and Hannah Killough. Collazo ranked first in the senior women division. 

Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers worked from Nov. 3-29 in McAllen, helping the Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association minister to refugees from Latin America. TBM volunteers provided access to 279 showers and washed 185 loads of laundry. TBM began the deployment in McAllen at the same time some volunteers continued ministry to people in the Southeast affected by Hurricane Matthew. In the aftermath of the hurricane, TBM volunteers donated 668 volunteer days. During the response to Hurricane Matthew, they prepared 14,525 meals, provided access to 333 showers, washed 298 loads of laundry, completed 53 chainsaw jobs, present the gospel at least 26 times and distributed 46 Bibles. They recorded three professions of faith in Christ.

Dallas Baptist University earned “exemplary” status with the Online Learning Consortium on its quality scorecard for the administration of online programs. DBU is one of only four universities in the nation that received this status.

Baylor University, Dallas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Houston Baptist University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor earned the 2017 Military Friendly designation from Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse. The designation provides service members data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities. It is awarded to colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to support military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

Anniversary

Corey Ash, 10th at First Baptist Church in Bangs, where he is minister of worship.

James Ralson, 10th at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Greenville, where he is pastor.

Elaine Clark, 20th at First Baptist Church in Amarillo, where she is preschool minister.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor presented the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award to seniors Bailey Bohlken, an education major from Mount Vernon, and Maddie Rarick, a Christian studies major from Sugar Land, for the time and energy they devoted to ministry and community service while at UMHB. Each student received a $1,000 cash award, a portion of which could be donated to an organization of their choice. Bohlken, a four-year member of the Crusader softball team, is involved in Athletes in Action and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteers at Ralph Wilson Youth Club in Temple and recently traveled to Kenya to work at the Naomi’s Village orphanage. She used part of her cash award to make gifts to the orphanage and to Love Thy Neighbor charity in Mount Vernon. Rarick has been a Sunday school teacher and life group leader two years at First Baptist Church in Temple. At UMHB, she is co-director and founder of The Merge Project, a student organization designed to minister to students. She was student government chaplain two years, and for the last three summers, she worked as an intern at several churches across Texas. Rarick donated a portion of her award to Compassion International’s fund for disaster relief in Haiti.

Howard Payne University is exhibiting the sculptures of David Hill. Hill’s artwork features themes of ancient and contemporary martyrs and those who exhibit the spirit of martyrdom such as this sculpture of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, better known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Howard Payne University will exhibit “Whole,” the sculptures of David Hill, through Dec. 2 in the Dorothy and Wendell Mayes Art Gallery inside the university’s Doakie Day Art Center. Hill was born in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and raised by missionaries. His artwork focuses on and is inspired by his Christian faith. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the exhibition, contact David Harmon at (325) 649-8088 or dharmon@hputx.edu.

Claire Alexander, a freshman member of Tiger Cheer at East Texas Baptist University, prepares a toy-filled shoebox during the inaugural ETBU athletic department’s Operation Christmas Child wrapping party.Student athletes at East Texas Baptist University filled 181 shoeboxes with small toys and other gifts for impoverished and vulnerable children around the world. They delivered the filled boxes to Summit United Methodist Church in Marshall, the local collection point for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.

Marjorie DePriest An anonymous San Antonio donor with family ties to Howard Payne University established the first endowed scholarship for the university’s New Braunfels Center. The scholarship is named for Marjorie DePriest, a 1957 HPU graduate and longtime Spanish teacher who died July 18, 2015.

Henry Deneen, executive director of the Center for Global Strategies, was featured speaker of the T.B. Maston Lecture Series at Dallas Baptist Union. DBU President Adam Wright welcomes Deneen and his wife, Celia, to the campus. (Photo/Brittni Bean)Henry Deneen, executive director of the Center for Global Strategies and former president of Greater Europe Mission, delivered the T.B. Maston Lectures at Dallas Baptist University. Founded in 1985 by the T.B. Maston Foundation, the lecture series provides opportunities for Baptist schools to hear leading Christian thinkers as they address various ethical issues from a Christ-centered perspective. Deneen discussed various aspects of the refugee crisis in Northern Africa and Europe. “While we tend to stray away from areas where we see pain and suffering, Jesus gives us the ultimate example of stepping into pain and suffering,” he said. “Our call is to love people in the name of Jesus and that means being willing to enter into the hard situations.” The Maston Lecture Series is named in memory of former Baptist seminary professor and Christian ethicist T.B. Maston, known particularly for his work in race relations, family life, character formation, church and state relations, and Christian vocation.

Brandon SkaggsThe University of Mary Hardin-Baylor named Brandon Skaggs vice president for student life, effective Jan. 2, 2017. Skaggs joined the UMHB administration in January as director of alumni relations. He succeeds Byron Weathersbee, who will leave the post at year’s end to serve with his wife, Carla, as executive directors at Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center in Belton. Skaggs earned his undergraduate degree in business management and computer information systems at UMHB, a master of business degree in finance and management from Tarleton State University and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Dallas Baptist University. He served in a series of roles at DBU, including director of admissions and recruitment, international recruiter, graduate adviser, and assistant to the vice president and dean of the Gary Cook Graduate School of Leadership. At Oklahoma Baptist University, he was associate vice president for student development and dean of students. Skaggs and his wife, Sara, have four children—Sydney, Brady, Bennett and Beau. They are members of First Baptist Church in Belton.

Howard Payne University will host its 33rd annual Community Thanksgiving Feast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Mabee University Center. The meal—turkey, dressing and all the trimmings—is provided at no cost to guests. Local residents unable to attend can receive the meal by home delivery, coordinated by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, if they request the service by calling (325) 646-9535 before noon Nov. 21. The staff of HPU’s Sodexo Food Service prepare the meal, and volunteers from the campus and the community serve it. Last year, more than 1,800 meals were served on campus and through the home-delivery program. The program is made possible by financial contributions. Checks can be made payable to the “Community Thanksgiving Feast,” and mailed to Howard Payne University, Attn.: Bill Fishback, 1000 Fisk Street, Suite 210, Brownwood, TX 76801.

Sam DennisSam Dennis, senior pastor of Parkway Hills Baptist Church in Plano, delivered the keynote address at the East Texas Baptist University Calling Conference. Dennis reminded students of their opportunity to fulfill their calling to proclaim the gospel, beginning with their time as students. The conference included a panel discussion and breakout sessions designed to help participants clarify God’s calling on their lives.

Rachel Lamb

Rachel Lamb, a doctoral student at the University of Maryland, spoke during a Creation Care Week chapel service at Wayland Baptist University. Lamb’s research explores how climate change governance can reflect the complex and dynamic nature of social and ecological systems. Since Jesus is Lord of all, Lamb told the Wayland students, the Christian calling involves care for creation, as well as a responsibility to build the church and serve society. “We are tenants and stewards to whom God has entrusted this world. We cannot claim to love God while abusing his creation,” Lamb said.

Howard Payne University students and faculty who participated in a Mission Waco poverty simulation include (left to right) Dan Humeniuk, assistant professor of social work and chair of the department of criminal justice, social work and sociology; Maggie Van Nes, a junior from Keller; Sydney Spencer, a senior from Georgetown; Efrain Garces, a junior from Floresville; Millard Kimery, dean of the HPU School of Humanities and professor of English; Jaclyn Bonner, a senior from Lytle; Abbey Beardsley, a junior from Fort Worth; Brittiny Kelley, a junior from Brownwood; Jacey Martinez, a junior from San Saba; Sierra Spruill, a junior from Ranger; and Elijah Garces, a sophomore from Floresville. Nine Howard Payne University students and two faculty members from Howard Payne University recently participated in a Mission Waco poverty simulation. Mission Waco creates a safe, controlled weekend of experiences designed to increase empathy for people living in poverty in America. As a part of the weekend, the group attended a Church Under the Bridge worship service. Dan Humeniuk, assistant professor of social work and chair of the department of criminal justice, social work and sociology, participates in the simulation with his students each year.

At a Nov. 10 scholarship celebration dinner in Dallas, Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing recognized endowed scholarship donors Kari and Stephen Haywood of Dallas, Ellen Byrd of Dallas, Ben Thieme of Tyler, Mike and Pam Jones of Tyler, Stanford Brantley of Tyler, and Suzanne and Tom Martin of The Woodlands.

Ordinations

Brittany Caldwell to the gospel ministry at Lakeview Baptist Church in Waco, where is a part-time volunteer staff member.

Brian Dao to the gospel ministry at Christ the King Vietnamese Baptist Church in Hewitt, where he is a part-time volunteer staff member.

Pinky PampellHouston Baptist University received a $5 million gift from Pinky Pampell of Houston to expand its online academic programs, which will be named the Pinky Pampell Online Division. HBU plans to duplicate its 1,007 residential courses as online courses across 10 years. Previously, Pampell funded the construction of the Pampell Family Chapel at Houston Christian High School, a music conservatory in Dallas, Pinky’s Place at Star of Hope Mission in Houston, and The Point youth building and wedding chapel at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston.

Whitehouse Kindergarten Teacher Terri Cassels and her student express their gratitude to ETBU’s Toby the Tiger for visiting their class to inspire students to pursue college. ETBU’s Spirit Team visited Cain Elementary on Oct. 28 in support of the “No Excuses Program.”East Texas Baptist University’s Tiger Pom and Tiger Cheer teams traveled to Cain Elementary School in Whitehouse Oct. 28 to participate in the school’s “No Excuses Program” celebration. As part of the program, each class adopts, represents and learns about a college or university throughout the year. The kindergarten class taught by Terri Cassel selected their teacher’s alma mater.

The Texas Association of Teacher Educators named Carolyn Owens, professor emeritus at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the 2016 recipient of the Ted Booker Memorial Award, in recognition of 40 years at UMHB preparing teachers for service and her dedication to improving educator preparation programs statewide. The association established the Booker Award in 1972 to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of teacher education.

At its Nov. 7 annual meeting, Abilene Callahan Baptist Association recognized South Side Baptist Church in Abilene as Church of the Year. Scott Kemp, an elder of the congregation, accepted the award for the church. The association recognized as pastors of the year Toby Henson of First Baptist Church in Clyde and Vernon Ferguson of Broadview West Baptist Church in Abilene. Cindy Fox from Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene was named staff member of the year, and Shirley Stewart from  Broadview Baptist Church was named layperson of year. Elizabeth Hackman from Calvary Baptist Church in Abilene received the Jim Griggs Memorial Award as social ministries volunteer of the year.

Texas Baptist Men long-term disaster recovery has scheduled a 2017 Super Bowl of Caring home repair weekend Jan. 29 through Feb. 6. Spring break long-term disaster recovery mission trips are slated March 8-11 in Brazoria, March 12-16 in Southeast Texas and March 13-17 in Jennings, La. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Cost is $175 per worker, which includes insurance, a background check, food, lodging and a T-shirt. For more information, contact Marla Bearden at (214) 537-7358 or Gerald Davis at (214) 924-6401 or click here. To register a volunteer group, click here.

Students from Howard Payne University spent their fall break in Houston learning about three of the city’s marginalized populations and assisting with outreach programs to those groups. Led by Baptist Student Ministry Director Keith Platte, the group connected with the Church at UH (University of Houston) to learn about the needs of refugees, human-trafficking victims and the city’s homeless population, as well as finding out how churches are assisting them. Participants spent time with the children of Bhutanese and Burmese refugees, cleaned donated shoes for the Lord of the Streets homeless ministry and served breakfast to its clients, visited with representatives of the Elijah Rising ministry to trafficked women and toured the Museum of Modern-Day Slavery. Accompanying Platte and Campus Missionary Zac Sterling were Jaclyn Bonner, senior from Lytle; Karli Conrad, junior from Katy; Taylor Davis, freshman from Alvin; ZE, sophomore from Natalia; Sarah Fernandez, sophomore from Goliad; Lauren Gravell, freshman from Fredericksburg; Dillon Hughes, senior from Plano; Jessica Meeks, sophomore from Bridgeport; and Bailey Patton, freshman from Grand Prairie.

A dinner theater benefitting Heart of Texas Baptist Camp is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Hammons Auditorium at 8025 N FM 2125 in Brownwood. It features “The Christmas Night Show with Conny Jarson,” written and directed by Nick Ewen, assistant director of theater at Howard Payne University. The camp requests a $20 donation per adult, but any amount will be accepted. All proceeds go toward camp development and improvements. Seating is limited to the first 300 registrants. To register, click here or call (325)784-5821.

Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team recently competed in the Bayou City Swing tournament at San Jacinto College North in Houston. Braxton Clark, senior from Southlake, won Top Parliamentary Debate Speaker and second place in International Public Debate Association-style debate. Clark and teammate Tyler Olin, sophomore from Howe, were quarterfinalists in National Parliamentary Debate Association competition. Four students—Morgan Ashmore, senior from Weatherford; Christopher Freeland, sophomore from Bangs; Reagan Grisham, junior from Arlington; and Andrea Balderas, junior from Lytle—participated in the Southern Colorado Debate Challenge in Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation for international competition in Oxford, England, later in November.

Hymn writers and worship leaders Keith and Kristyn Getty (center) are welcomed to Dallas Baptist University by President Adam Wright (left) and Chancellor Gary Cook. (Photo/Brittni Bean)Contemporary hymn writers and worship leaders Keith and Kristyn Getty performed a concert at Dallas Baptist University and participated in DBU’s Institute for Global Engagement leadership lectures and a Worship Leadership Summit. During a chapel service, the Gettys, whose songs include “In Christ Alone” and “The Power of the Cross,” sang and took part in panel discussion with Jay Harley, vice president for student affairs, and Bob Brooks, dean of the Graduate School of Ministry. In addition to the Gettys, other speakers at the Worship Leadership Summit included Bryan Carter, pastor of Concord Church in Dallas; Brent Taylor, pastor of First Baptist Church in Carrollton; Jeff Warren, pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas; and Jim Denison, president and co-founder of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture and senior fellow in the Institute for Global Engagement. The Institute for Global Engagement is a joint effort between DBU’s Gary Cook School of Leadership and the Denison Forum. 

Patricia Morales, first lady of Guatemala, toured Buckner International campuses in Texas.Patricia Morales, first lady of Guatemala, toured several Buckner International campuses in Texas to discuss Buckner’s methods and strategy around engaging the faith community to learn how Guatemala can develop its foster care program. She has partnered with Buckner Guatemala, where Buckner offers locally led foster and kinship care services, along with other programming geared toward strengthening families. 

Churches in Brownsville and Matamoros recently distributed food to families in Mexican fishing villages affected by red tide, a harmful algal bloom that can kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat. Now the congregations are seeking to provide blankets to 500 families before winter. Every $5 contributed to the “River Ministry Blanket Challenge” by Nov. 30 will provide a blanket for a family in need. Contributions can be sent to Texas Baptists, Attn.: River Ministry—Blanket Challenge, 7557 Rambler Rd., Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75231. Participants are encouraged to post a photo of any group accepting the Blanket Challenge on Twitter with the hashtag #TXBBlanketChallenge. For more information, call (214) 828-5394. 

Howard Payne University recognized 10 individuals during homecoming celebrations, Oct. 28-30. Vernon Holleman, a Temple physician, and Robert Morrison, principal of Abilene High School, were named distinguished alumni. Brad Collins, a Grandview chiropractor, and Emily Gore, public health manager for the Dallas County Health and Human Services Public Health Preparedness Division, were recognized as outstanding young graduates. Martha Dufresne of San Angelo was named Coming Home Queen. Dwain Bruner, an auto dealer from Stephenville, received the Medal of Service. Stephen Haynes, mayor of Brownwood, was named Grand Marshal. Dan McGhee of Brenham, a four-year letterman at HPU and four-time All-Lone Star Conference selection, and Greg Nixon of Long Beach, Calif., All-American sprinter and two-time World Indoor gold medalist in the 4×400-meter relay, were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. Adrian Gil, director of Howard Payne’s El Paso Center, received the José Rivas Distinguished Service Award.

East Texas Baptist University launched the Christian Servant Leader Scholarship in partnership with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. The ETBU scholarship provides 50 percent of tuition and 100 percent housing for four academic years and will be awarded to two students, one male and one female. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be members of a congregation affiliated with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

College Choice listed eight Texas Baptist schools among its 50 Best Colleges and Universities in Texas for 2016-17. The Top 50 list included Baylor University at No. 8, Howard Payne University at No. 14, East Texas Baptist University at No. 18, Hardin-Simmons University at No. 20, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at No. 29, Baptist University of the Américas at No. 47, Wayland Baptist University at No. 49 and Dallas Baptist University at No. 50. It marked the first time BUA was ranked in the Top 50 list. In the 25 Best Online Colleges in Texas category, Baylor ranked No. 1, UMHB ranked No. 6, DBU ranked No. 13, and Wayland ranked No. 16.

Anniversaries

45th for South Garland Baptist Church in Garland. Larry Davis is pastor.

Elaine Clark, 20th as preschool minister at First Baptist Church in Amarillo.

Retirement

Leslie Adams from Calvary Baptist Church in Rockdale after 18 years as pastor.

“The Persecution of Believers: How You and Your Church Can Stand Up to Make a Difference” is the theme of a luncheon sponsored by the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative during the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting. Featured speakers are leaders of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative—President Randel Everett, former BGCT executive director, and Executive Vice President Elijah Brown, general secretary of the North American Baptist Fellowship. They will present firsthand testimonies about ISIS persecution of Christians in Iraq and Boko Haram’s attacks on Christians in Nigeria. The luncheon will be at 12 noon, Nov. 15, in the Texas Room South in the Waco Convention Center. Cost is $20. To order tickets, contact Elisabeth Doherty at (571) 297-3160 or email Elisabeth@21wilberforce.org. Tickets also can be ordered online here by indicating “BGCT Lunch” in the subject/memo box. 

David Cook lectured to Dallas Baptist University students on the grounds of Harvard University.During fall break, 27 Dallas Baptist University students traveled to New England for an interdisciplinary leadership study led by David Cook, associate dean of the Cook School of Leadership; Deborah McCollister, professor of English; and Nick Pitts, special assistant to the president at the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture. Students toured Boston-area historical sites including Lexington, Concord, the Old North Church and the Freedom Trail, as well as the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Anniversary

Kevin Burdette, 25th at Green Acres Baptist Church, where he is minister of adult impact.

About 300 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students, faculty and staff served a variety of Belton-area nonprofit organizations during the recent Reaching Out community service event.

East Texas Baptist University students (left to right) John Botello, Josiah Williams and Blake Corbin repair a damaged bedroom wall for a Baton Rouge, La., resident during a fall break mission trip.More than 50 East Texas Baptist University student-athletes, coaches and Baptist Student Ministry volunteers traveled to Baton Rouge, La., during fall break to help people who suffered from devastating floods.
Six ETBU crews worked with Church of Life Baptist Fellowship, Victory Academy Christian School and at two homes during the three-day mission trip. Led by Head Baseball Coach Jared Hood and BSM Director Mark Yates, students removed mud, installed sheetrock, painted, aided with general clean-up and provided devotional times of prayer, worship and Scripture reading for the flood victims.

Baylor University presented 2016 Meritorious Achievement Awards to alumni during homecoming weekend. Tom Rosenbalm, a Houston physician whose gift in honor of his late parents and sister make possible the renovation of Fifth Street and the addition of Rosenbalm Fountain, was named Alumnus of the Year, and Jeremy Courtney, co-founder of the global Preemptive Love Coalition, was named Young Alumnus of the Year. Bob and Julie Mendonsa, founders of Naomi’s Village, a children’s home in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, received the Pro Ecclesia Award. Melissa Rogers, special assistant to the president and executive director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, received the Pro Texana Award. Takashi Kitaoka, a World War II veteran and judge in his home state of Hawaii, received the Distinguished Achievement Award. Three alumni received awards for contributions to their chosen professions—Lisa Giocomo, assistant professor of neurobiology and researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine, for research, and Tim and Janice McCall, founders of Restoration Gateway in Uganda, for Christian ministry. Kim Lubel, president and CEO of CST Brands, received the Business Leadership Medal of Service. Roger E. Kirk, distinguished professor of psychology and statistics and master teacher at Baylor, received the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award. Baylor Legacy Awards went to Steve and Penny Carlile of Marshall, Claude and Becky Lindsey of Waco, Don and Jenny Riddle of Houston, and Carroll and Aline Webb of Waco. Jane Meyer, president of the Paul and Jane Meyer Family Foundation, received the Baylor Founders Medal.

MEDIAlliance International held its inaugural Media Leadership Summit recently on the Dallas Baptist University campus. The three-day event brought together 30 religious broadcasters from around the world. Ron Harris, founder of MEDIAlliance, serves on the DBU board of trustees and is a former DBU professor.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will honor alumnus Jerrell Freeman by retiring his jersey during a halftime ceremony at its homecoming game against Hardin-Simmons University Oct. 22. Freeman was a four-year letterman for the UMHB football program from 2004-07 and the first American Southwest Conference player to earn National Player of the Year honors. He was a two-time All-American, a three-time ASC All-Conference selection and also was named ASC Male Athlete of the Year for 2007-08. He finished his college career as the school’s all-time leader in tackles. Freeman signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent before going on to a three-year career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was an All-Star and played in two Grey Cup games with Saskatchewan before signing with the Indianapolis Colts. In four seasons with the Colts, Freeman led the team in tackles twice. He signed with the Chicago Bears as an unrestricted free agent this spring.

“The HPU Family Tree” is the theme of Howard Payne University’s homecoming. More than 30 events are scheduled Oct. 28-30. New events this year include a bonfire and fireworks at Brownwood’s Riverside Park at 9 p.m. Friday and an alumni association remembrance and reflection service at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at HPU’s Muse Plaza and Mall. Married alumni will have the opportunity to renew their vows during a 9 a.m. Sunday service in HPU’s Grace Chapel. For more information on homecoming events, visit www.hputx.edu/homecoming or contact the alumni relations office at (325) 649-8044 or e-mail alumni@hputx.edu.

Ordination

Dallas Huston to the gospel ministry at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at Center City Baptist Church in Goldthwaite, where he is pastor. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was edited Oct. 20 to correct information about Norma Hedlin, who was misidentified when the article originally was posted.

Buckner International sponsored an event at Cigarroa Elementary School in Dallas that involved more than 100 families in games, food, health screenings involving personnel from Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing and shoes distribution through Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. Buckner plans to provide new services in the Bachman Lake area in the near future. 

Happy Union Baptist Church in Plainview honored first responders at a Saturday luncheon. The church served meals to police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers and officers from the county sheriff’s office. Richard Miller is pastor.

East Texas Baptist University seniors Zachary Ervin and Abby Weaver (center) are congratulated by President Emeritus Bob Riley (left) and his wife, Gayle, and by President Blair Blackburn, and his wife, Michelle, upon receiving the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Awards. East Texas Baptist University awarded the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award to two senior students—Zachary Ervin, a business administration major, and Abby Weaver, an international studies major. Ervin, co-captain of the Tigers baseball team and the chapel worship team, is a member of First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant and also has been involved in the ministries of Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall. Weaver, a member of the volleyball team and president of the ETBU Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview. ETBU presents the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award annually to two upperclassmen students who exhibit exceptional servant leadership as recognized by peers, faculty and staff who nominate them.

Dallas Baptist University named Norma Hedin vice president of executive affairs. She has served as an adjunct professor since 2005 in DBU’s Gary Cook School of Leadership, and she has been a professor and senior fellow at the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. DBU also named Sena Baker dean of online education. She has served at DBU since 2008 in a variety of roles, most recently as program director for the master of arts in professional development degree and the master of liberal arts degree.

The board of trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges approved East Texas Baptist University to offer a master of education in college and university leadership degree, beginning next spring. The program will prepare students for professional careers in administrative leadership in higher education. Upon graduation, students can pursue positions in student services, financial aid, admissions and administration positions in both the community college and/or university setting. For more information, click here.

The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative is sponsoring the Speak Freedom Dallas Summit, Nov. 4-6. Featured speakers at the opening rally are author Os Guinness, social critic and senior fellow at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and Benjamin Kwashi, Nigerian Anglican archbishop. The kickoff rally for the summit will be at 7 p.m., Nov. 6, in the University Hall on the Dallas Baptist University campus. A public rally at Thanks-Giving Square in downtown Dallas is scheduled Nov. 7, and events in area churches are planned Nov. 8. To register for the rally at DBU, click here. For more information, contact Jared Jaggers at Jared@21wilberforce.org or call (469) 662-7087.

Darin Wood, pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland, will be the speaker at a luncheon sponsored by Texas Baptists’ Great Commision Team during the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting. “Elevate: Jesus Christ, His Cross, His Great Commission” is the theme of the evangelism luncheon at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 14, in the Waco Convention Center’s Texas Rooms South. Cost is $10. To purchase tickets, click here. 

Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary will sponsor the Friends of Truett Dinner prior to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting in Waco. The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 13, in the Blume Conference Center on the fifth floor of the Cashion Academic Building on the Baylor campus. General admission is $35. The deadline for making a reservation is Nov. 7. For more information, contact Liz Webb at (254) 710-3386 or email eventreply@baylor.edu.

The Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission will sponsor a luncheon marking the 20th anniversary of the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering at 11:45, Nov. 15, in the Texas Room North at the Waco Convention Center. Cost is $25 per person. For more information, contact Marilyn Davis at (214) 828-5194 or email marilyn.davis@texasbaptists.org. For reservations, click here. 

U.S. News & World Report ranked several Texas Baptist universities in their annual listing of best schools. Among national universities, Baylor University ranked No. 71 and Dallas Baptist University ranked No. 214. In the regional universities category, western division, Hardin-Simmons University ranked No. 33, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor ranked No. 52 and Houston Baptist University ranked No. 76. In the regional colleges category, western division, Howard Payne University ranked No. 7 and East Texas Baptist University ranked No. 10. The magazine also highlighted several of the universities in specific categories, such as “best value” and “best for veterans.”

The American College of Surgeons will present the ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award to Rebekah Naylor of Fort Worth, who served 35 years as a Southern Baptist medical missionary. Naylor will receive the award at an Oct. 18 ceremony in Washington, D.C., during the ACS Clinical Congress 2016. The organization specifically noted her work in improving and expanding Bangalore Baptist Hospital in Karnataka, India. After returning to the United States from India, she led in founding Mercy Clinic, a free clinic for the underserved and uninsured population in south Fort Worth.

About 100 East Texas Baptist University students gathered outdoors to pray for each other, their families, their community, the nation and the world at 7 a.m. Sept. 28 as a part of See You at the Pole. The international student-led prayer initiative started more than 25 years ago with 10 students who met to pray for their school in Burleson. In recent years, millions across the world have prayed on school and college campuses on the fourth Wednesday of September.

Laura Brandenburg Wayland Baptist University named Laura Brandenburg dean of the School of Languages and Literature, filling the post vacated by Cindy McClenagan, Wayland’s new vice president of academic affairs. Brandenburg has taught in Wayland’s School of Languages and Literature six years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Angelo State University. She holds two degrees from Texas Tech University—a master of arts degree in English and a Ph.D. in technical communication.

William Bates The Howard Payne University Alumni Choir will perform the premiere of alumnus William Bates’ setting of “O Sing to the Lord a New Song” in a concert at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29 in HPU’s Grace Chapel. Bates, a professor of organ and music history whose teaching career spans 46 years, composed the piece in honor of the Howard Payne music faculty of the class of 1966. The concert also will feature the HPU Concert Choir under the direction of Christopher Rosborough. Choir alumni who wish to participate should gather for rehearsal from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. For more information about the alumni choir, click here. 

Marzena MarroquinMarzena Marroquin, a sophomore business administration major from New Braunfels, received the J. Mart Findlater Scholarship from the Howard Payne University New Braunfels Center—the first scholarship presented by HPU in New Braunfels.

Anniversaries

Falls Baptist Association celebrated its 125th anniversary at its annual meeting, Oct. 2, at First Baptist Church in Marlin. Alan LeFever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection, was the guest speaker.

Retirement

Colorado Baptist Association will honor Anthony “Casey” DuBose and his wife, Rae Jean, at a retirement reception from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Nov. 6, at College Heights Baptist Church in Wharton. DuBose will retire Dec. 31 after 10 years as director of missions/executive director of the association.

Health care professionals used a BCFS mobile medical unit to provide health services for homeless veterans. Health care professionals used a mobile medical unit operated by BCFS (formerly Baptist Child & Family Services) Health and Human Services to serve homeless veterans at a Sept. 20 community event in Laredo. Twenty-three veterans received physical assessments, preventive-care injections, health screenings and other services at the mobile medical unit during the Stand Down For Homeless Veterans event, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Southern Oaks Baptist Church in Tyler is collecting items to help families affected by flooding in Louisiana. Specific items requested are cleaning supplies, preferably products with bleach; Shockwave for mold remediation; building materials such as sheetrock, screws and insulation; hammers, crowbars and cat claws to remove damaged drywall and flooring; new underwear and socks for children and adults; paper towels, plates, cups and plastic eating utensils; toiletries, including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and toilet paper; baby products such as diapers, wipes and formula; bottled water and sports drinks; easy-open nonperishable food; and gift cards to national discount centers or home-improvement centers. The church’s family life center at 601 E. Amherst in Tyler will serve as a donation drop-off site Oct. 10-28. Donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make donations on weekends, call Trey Greer at (903) 245-6005 to arrange a date and time. For more information, call the church office at (903) 561-8025.

This work by artist Barbara Fontaine White is among the pieces on exhibit in the Baugh Center for Visual Arts at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing Arts and the UMHB art department are presenting an exhibition titled A Square Foot of Peace: An Invitational Exhibition Celebrating International Day of Peace. Helen Kwiatkowski, a UMHB art professor, curated the exhibition in support of International Day of Peace. Artists were invited to create a 12-inch x 12-inch work that reflects their thoughts about peace. Artists include Wynona Alexander, Aubrey Carroll, Bonnie Chapa, Gabrielle De La Cruz, Nan Dickson, Amy Flinn, Barbara Fontaine-White, Alyssa Geiger, Hannah Goheen, John Hancock, Melanie Hickerson, Tom Hicks, Dave Hill, Ellen Huffman, Nancy Isett, Helen Kwiatkowski, Lori Lamb, Don McNeish, Robin McLauren, Lynn Millsap Clark, Donna Mullhollan, Hershall Seals, Pat Seals, Hugo Shi, Barbara Sorge, Sharron Stephenson and Ellen Van Truren. The show, in the gallery of the Baugh Center for Visual Arts on the UMHB campus, continues through Oct. 21. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Hershall Seals at hseals@umhb.edu.

East Texas Baptist University, in conjunction with both the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, will present a Worship Summit Oct. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Ornelas Student Center. This event is open to full- and part-time ministers of music and worship, as well as students preparing to enter worship leadership. The fee to attend is $20, which covers the conference, a continental breakfast and lunch. To register for the 2016 Worship Summit, click here.  For more information, call (903) 923-2158 or email music@etbu.edu.

At the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Ga., Jody Loudamy (center), chapter president of the Howard Payne University chapter of the organization for college students interested in business careers, placed fourth in the business presentation category during national competition. Others from HPU who attended the conference are (left to right) Hannah Ball, Rachel Mahagan, Mike Daub and Jessica Harris. Four members of Howard Payne University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, national organization for college or university students interested in business-related careers, competed at the group’s National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Ga. The HPU students who competed are Hannah Ball, a junior from Justin and chapter secretary; Jessica Harris, a junior from Brownwood and chapter vice president; Jody Loudamy, a senior from Goldthwaite and chapter president; and Rachel Mahagan, a senior from Georgetown and chapter historian. Mike Daub, associate professor of accounting at HPU and the chapter’s adviser, also attended. Loudamy placed fourth in the business presentation category at the national competition.

Cole Franklin (left, back row), director of the East Texas Baptist University debate team, took students to the Lee College Mendoza Debate Tournament in Baytown. Team members are (left to right, back) Shayne Davis, Andrew Franklin, Brandon Hancock, (left to right, front) Tele’ma Blackman, Jessica Alvarado and Markevia Holmes.The East Texas Baptist University debate team competed in the Lee College Mendoza Debate Tournament Sept.17-18 in Baytown. The ETBU team returned home with a third-place team finish, placing ahead of Stephen F. Austin State University, Southern Methodist University and Northwestern State University.

South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena observed Patriot Day Sept. 11 by honoring local first responders. Featured guests included M.W. Thaler, chief of the Pasadena Police Department; Lanny Armstrong, chief of the Pasadena Fire Department; and Phil Sandlin, constable in the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Precinct 8, along with many of their officers. Pastor Ron Lyles presented donations from the church to each of their departments in appreciation for their service. Thaler indicated his department would use the contribution to upgrade officers’ body armor, and Sandlin said the gift will provide riot gear for some of his officers. The Pasadena Fire Department—staffed entirely by volunteers—will apply its gift toward its annual toy collection for children in need.

Baylor University is seeking input from Texas Baptists and others regarding the professional and personal characteristics the university’s next president should possess, as well as soliciting names of candidates for the position. Baylor created a website for faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends of Baylor to provide input and receive updates on the search process.  “In addition to any input you would like to share, we ask for your ongoing prayers throughout this process—prayers that our university will continue to be on mission to shape the lives of our students for leadership and service; prayers for this search committee, that we will seek the candidate God intends for Baylor; and prayers for our next president, that he or she will recognize the call to serve Baylor University,” said Bob Brewton, chair of the search committee.  To access the input form, click here. The form will remain available online through Nov. 18.

Howard Payne University promoted three professors who had been serving as interim deans to permanent posts, effective at the beginning of the fall semester. HPU named Robert Bicknell, accreditation liaison, as dean of extended education;  Millard Kimery, professor of English and chair of the department of English, as dean of the School of Humanities; and Brad Lemler, professor of accounting, as dean of the School of Business. Also, Matthew McNiece, chair of the history department and assistant director of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, was named director of the academy.

Ellis Baptist Association will install Richard Cody as executive director at the association’s 111th annual meeting at 6:45 p.m., Oct. 10, at Southlake Baptist Church in Waxahachie. Guest speakers are Bruce Prindle, pastor of First Baptist Church in Midlothian, and Bob Dean, executive director of Dallas Baptist Association.

Anniversaries

First Baptist Church in Wilmer will mark its 100th anniversary with a celebration service at 10 a.m., Oct. 16. Jerry Mayfield, former pastor, is the guest speaker. A meal will follow the worship service. No reservations are required. David Bugg is pastor.

Trinity Baptist Church in Houston will celebrate its 100th anniversary at a 3 p.m. service Oct. 16. For more information, contact John Carranza, chair of the church’s centennial committee, at (713) 228-2301 or (210) 535-8941. Antonio Estrada is pastor.

Kevin J. Moore, fifth, as pastor of Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington.