In Memory

Ann miller + Ann V. Miller, a treasured Baylor professor, died of cancer Aug. 12 at age 80. 
"To so many students, Ann Miller was an iconic figure, such an incredible spirit. Whether in class, at church or in campus organizations, her spirit was extraordinary. Her loss is immense," said Baylor President John M. Lilley. 
Born in Dallas, Miller graduated from Baylor in 1949, as one of two students that year who had earned an honors degree. She pursued advanced studies at the University of Texas and returned to Baylor to complete her master of arts degree in English. 
Miller began teaching in the English department in 1961. She was designated a Master Teacher of Literature in 1982, one of the first two Baylor professors to attain this distinction, and was named a full professor in 1984. 
Recognized as a poet, Miller was revered by alumni as the professor who heightened their appreciation for literature and enhanced their writing skills. She was named Outstanding Professor by Mortar Board 12 times, by the student body, by Student Congress and by alumni groups repeatedly during her tenure. In 2003, Baylor honored Miller with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. 
Her husband, Dr. Robert T. Miller, served as chairman of Baylor's political science department and was The R.W. Morrison Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science until his death in 1996. In 1998, the Millers were honored with the establishment of the Robert T. and Ann V. Miller Endowed Scholarship Fund by Ambassador Lyndon Olson Jr. and his wife, Kay. 
Miller is survived by two children, Robert T. Miller Jr. and Laurie Anne Vardaman Miller Smith; and her brother, Dr. James W. Vardaman. 
The family has designated for memorials the Ann V. Miller Endowed Scholarship Fund at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, the Robert T. and Ann V. Miller Endowed Scholarship Fund in Music, or the Baylor University Alumni Association: Baylor University, One Bear Place #97050, Waco, TX 76798.

GOV. ANN RICHARDS + Waco native Ann Richards, the 1954 Baylor University graduate and champion debater who became the first woman elected as Texas governor in her own right, died Sept. 13 after a six-month battle with cancer. She was 73. 
"It was here at Baylor that Gov. Richards sharpened her considerable debate skills and laid the groundwork for her historic political career," Baylor President John M. Lilley said. "Whenever she came back to Baylor, she provided inspiration, encouraging young men and young women to consider a life of public service. Ann Richards was a generous alumna who was dedicated in her service to Texas and to her alma mater." 
Richards graduated from Waco High School in 1950 and attended Baylor on a debate scholarship. She then earned a teaching certificate from the University of Texas. Her first job was teaching social studies and history at an Austin junior high school. Her career in politics began when she served on the Austin planning and zoning commission. In 1976, she ran for a seat on the Travis County Commissioners Court, defeating a three-term incumbent to become the first woman to serve as commissioner in the county's 136-year history. 
In 1982, she made history again when she was elected state treasurer, becoming the first woman to win a statewide office in Texas in half a century. She was re-elected without opposition in 1986, then burst onto the national scene in 1988, when she delivered the keynote address to the Democratic National Convention. Richards left the treasurer's post in 1990 to run for governor. On Jan. 15, 1991, she was sworn in as the state's 45th governor. 
In 1998, the Baylor Alumni Association presented Richards with the Price Daniel Distinguished Public Service Award, awarded annually to a person whose record in public office exemplifies the spirit of selfless dedication to public service represented by the life and career of the late Gov. Price Daniel. 
Richards is survived by her children, Cecile, Daniel, Clark and Ellen; their spouses; and eight grandchildren.

DR. RUTH ANN FOSTER + One of the two founding faculty members of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Ruth Ann Foster died Sept. 28, in Waco after battling cancer. She was 59. 
She joined Truett Seminary in 1994, along with fellow founding professor the late Dr. A.J. (Chip) Conyers. She came to Baylor from Manor Baptist Church in San Antonio, where she had served as minister of education. As associate professor of Christian scriptures, Foster taught New Testament, Old Testament, New Testament Greek and biblical interpretation. She also supervised ministry research for candidates in Truett Seminary's doctor of ministry degree program. 
"She was a perfect blend of toughness and tenderness in dealing with the hard issues we faced in our beginning years. Truett has lost a scholar, a cheerleader and a dear friend," said Dean Paul W. Powell. 
Foster earned her bachelor's degree in theology from Clear Creek Baptist College in Kentucky in 1978, her master's of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1982, and her doctorate in religion from Southwestern in 1989. She was a faculty adviser for the Truett Women in Ministry group and spoke in Texas and beyond, teaching Bible conferences for churches and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and leading Women's Retreats. 
Foster published articles in a number of periodicals, including "Mary the Mother of Jesus" in the Biblical Illustrator, a chapter Introduction and Commentary on 1 John in The Woman's Study New Testament, "Dangerous Waters of Justice and Righteousness: A Study of Biblical Justice" in Christian Ethics Today, and a book review for the Journal of Church and State. She also wrote the Life and Work Sunday School lessons for the Baptist Standard. 
In May 1998, Baylor named Foster an Outstanding Faculty Member in a Tenure-track position. In spring 2000, she was awarded the "Professor of Choice" Award by the Truett graduating class of 2000.