A Fortunate Friendship

During a special ceremony in the building that bears his name, Baylor University recognized J. Harry Jeanes for his lifelong service to Baylor and the community by bestowing an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters upon the longtime Waco businessman, Baylor graduate and regent emeritus.
More than 30 Baylor administrators, friends and special guests honored Jeanes and his wife of 57 years, Anna, at the June 12 ceremony, which was held appropriately in the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the centerpiece of Baylor's Mayborn Museum Complex. Six years ago, the Jeaneses provided a significant gift that allowed the much-anticipated project to move forward, said Ellie Caston, director of the Mayborn Museum Complex and one of the participants in the ceremony.
"Mr. and Mrs. Jeanes have devoted their entire lives to the Waco community and to this university," President John M. Lilley said during the ceremony. "Universities, when they have that kind of friendship, are very fortunate indeed, and the Jeaneses have proved their enduring commitment to the University and remain strong for all ages to come. 
"In higher education, honorary degrees are a recognition reserved for eminent individuals with national or international reputations, or individuals who have rendered lifelong service to an institution through board membership, volunteerism and major contributions," Lilley said. "Mr. Jeanes is well qualified to receive this recognition under these guidelines. This honorary degree is indeed one of Baylor's highest honors, and it could not be going to a more deserving individual."
A native Wacoan, Jeanes, BBA '34, served 18 years as a Baylor trustee including two years as chairman in 1983 and 1984. He was elected regent emeritus in 1990.
Jeanes is a former chairman and chief executive officer of First Federal Savings and former director of Westview National Bank in Waco. Jeanes and Anna, BA '34, have dedicated their lives to civic and service activities and have maintained a high level of interest in and support of Baylor.
The University has honored Jeanes with the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award and in 1999 with the Baylor Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award. He also was a member of Baylor's Sesquicentennial Council of 150.
Together, the Jeaneses have received the Herbert H. Reynolds Award, the James Huckins Medallion for their service and loyalty to Baylor, and the Founders Medal, Baylor's highest honor, in 1999 for their significant service and contributions to the life and future of the University.
The Jeaneses have continued to support their alma mater, including endowing scholarships, as well as Academic Honors Week in 1993. In addition to providing a major gift for the Jeanes Discovery Center, they have supported the McLane Student Life Center, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor/Waco Foundation, Bear Foundation and the Presidents Club, to name a few.
In the Waco community, Jeanes has served as president of numerous civic organizations. He also has been campaign chairman for the Greater Waco United Fund and director, vice president and treasurer of the Waco Chamber of Commerce.
A recipient of the Texas Savings and Loan League Award for Outstanding Public Service, Jeanes has been a member of the executive committee of both the United States Savings and Loan League and the Federal Savings and Loan Advisory Council in Washington, D.C.
A World War II veteran, Jeanes earned a Bronze Star from the Army on June 17, 2003, for his "meritorious" service at Iwo Jima from 1944-45.
Also at the June 12 ceremony, the Jeaneses were honored for their decades of generosity in endowing student scholarships. 
Lilley, assisted by Larry Smith, assistant vice president for development programs and gift planning, presented the Judge Baylor Statue to the Jeaneses, inducting them into the Baylor University Medallion Fellowship in the Judge R.E.B. Baylor Society at the Bronze Level.
Members of the Medallion Fellowship represent Baylor's most faithful and generous benefactors.
"I've loved Baylor all my life, and I'm sincerely thankful for all that Baylor has done for me," Jeanes said.
"The Jeaneses' faithful and generous support has and will continue -- forever -- to further our efforts to provide excellent academic programs, while remaining true to our historic mission, and for that we are most grateful," Lilley said.

Webextra
For the text of the citation honoring Harry Jeanes, click here
To find out more about the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, and Baylor's Mayborn Museum Complex, click here