1940s

The Chief Justice Clarence A. Guittard Legal Writing Award was established by the children of Chief Justice Clarence A. Guittard, BA ’40, JD ’40, of Dallas in memory of the life and work of their father.

1950s

Jerry Pentecost, BA ’52, MD ’56, resigned from a one-year contract with Formosa Plastics. It was his 17th time as a medical director overseeing the medical care for about 2,400 employees. He first signed with Formosa Plastics after a four-and-half-year retirement from 45 years of family practice. He established the Dr. and Mrs. Lewis V. “Jerry” Pentecost Endowed Missions Fund.

William W. McCormick, BBA ’53, and Marjorie Ann McCormick of New Braunfels, TX, established the Bill and Marge McCormick Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Bonnie Eubanks of Spring, TX, established the Billy Ray Eubanks, M.D., Endowed Scholarship in Philosophy in memory of her husband, Dr. Billy Eubanks, BA ’54.

Bernard Clifton Terrell, BBA ’55, was honored as the namesake of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District’s newest elementary campus. Terrell, who died in 2013, believed education was the key to success. He served as executive vice president for the Richmond/Rosenburg Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. He also was the vice president for the Fort Bend County Literacy Council.

Virginia DuPuy, BA ’56, MA ’62, former Waco mayor, established the Mayor Virginia DuPuy Endowed Scholarship to support students enrolled at Baylor University.

Mary Marlow Woodard, BA ’58, retired May 2022 after 35 years with Mesquite ISD. She now serves as immediate past president of the Texas Library Association.

Scottie “Mabel” (Hotchkiss) Johnston, BA ’59, has retired as a marriage and family therapist and lives in Yuma, AZ.

Herb Horn, BBA ’59, of Hubbard, TX, established the Horn Family Endowed Scholarship to benefit Baylor students who graduated from Hubbard High School.

1960s

Robert Lynn Holland, BA ’61, attended his second official Baylor Ring Ceremony in Waco Hall as his grandson Kamden Zachary Holland, BA ’23, received his ring. Kamden graduated in December 2023. His family has earned four Baylor rings, including his granddaughter Kailee Lynn Holland, BSEd ’18, and son Scott David Holland, BSEd ’91.

John C. Nash, BBA ’61, retired lieutenant colonel, USAF, relocated to a retirement community after the recent death of his wife of 55 years. His new address is 44815 Audubon Square (Apt 516), Ashburn, VA 20147. Email is jnash3@gmail.com. He says his mantra is “You rest, you rust!”

C.G. (Bud) Tyner, BS ’61, MS ’64, authored his second book, A Changing Road, Waco to Acadiana to the Cretaceous, available through Amazon. The book is a time warp of college in the late ’50s and early ’60s, following a scholarship athlete at Baylor and contributing member of Baylor’s first Track Conference Championship Team (1960). With vivid descriptions of captivating geological excursions, sporting challenges and hazardous summer jobs in South Louisiana’s delta marsh and swamps, it all comes to a surprising, inexplicable ending.

Charles Francis Guittard, BA ’64, and Nancy Davis Labastida of Austin established the Charles Francis Guittard & Nancy Davis Labastida Award in History.

Anne Miller Tinsley, BA ’64, of Fort Worth established the Anne Miller Endowed Scholarship to support students enrolled at Baylor University.

William C. Cline, BA ’68, of Waco established the A. John Ragels Endowed Scholarship in Nursing in memory of his good friend, Allen John “Jack” Ragels, and the William C. Cline Endowed Scholarship in Engineering and Computer Science.

Bill Dube, BA ’68, MA ’72, of Waco established the William J. Dube, III, Endowed Scholarship in Music which supports students enrolled in the School of Music, with first preference for students participating in the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Concert Choir or the Baylor Symphony Orchestra.

Scott Livesay, BA ’68, and Cheryl Livesay, BSEd ’80, of Woodway established the Drs. Gary and Glenn R. Mortenson Society of the Trumpet Endowment.

Barbara Morrison Reno, BA ’68, MA ’71, chairs the governance committee and serves on the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of The American University of Paris. She lives with her husband Ray Stewart in West Palm Beach, FL, and New York. She would love to hear from former classmates at breno2046@gmail.com.

Larry Smith, BA ’69, a retired national park night sky ranger, completed his 300th astronomy newspaper article, Startalking, and hosted the 100th Star Party at Lake Whitney State Park. This fall he will teach his 10th lifelong learning class at Baylor’s Mayborn Museum Complex.

1970s

Scott Garner, BA ’71, MHA ’81, and Ann Garner, BA ’71, of Waco established the Garner Family Endowed Fund for Healthcare Administration.

Mark Brister, BA ’73, and Rhonda Brister of Goldsby, OK, established the Brister Family Endowed Scholarship.

Jeanne Woodfin Kramer, BSPE ’73, MSEd ’75, has started a new job at Southern Petroleum Laboratories in Kilgore, TX. Kramer completed a 30-year career as a health and physical education teacher in Texas public schools in 2005. Since that time, she has been employed in several diverse occupations, including 13 years as a lab technician with another environmental laboratory.

Jane Markham, BS ’73, is living in Northern Michigan. She can be contacted at markhamj9@hotmail.com.

Watson E. Mills, PhD ’73, has traveled the world since retiring from his professorship at Mercer University in 2002. So far, he has visited 176 of the 193 United Nations member countries. In addition, he has set foot on Antarctica’s icy surface and spent five days inside North Korea.

Carrol Morehart, BSN ’73, and Jack Morehart of Breckenridge, TX, established the Jack and Carrol Austin Morehart Endowed Scholarship in Nursing.

Patti Londa Greene, BA ’75, completed her master’s in theological studies from Dallas Baptist University in May 2023. She has recently written a series of New Testament word search puzzle books, which can be found on Amazon.

J. David Dickson, JD ’76, of Waco established the James R. Dickson Jr. Commercial Law Award in memory of his son, James R. Dickson.

James Michael Godfrey, BME ’77, PhD ’05, celebrated 20 years as founder and president of True Course, which offers executive life and leadership coaching and consulting to business professionals, teams, clergy and congregations. He is the author of two books, Without Regret: Be More, See More, Achieve More That Really Matters and Put Stress to Work: Turning Headaches into Advantages. He and Susan, his wife, live in Robinson, TX.

Wendell Sadler, MSEd ’77, of Tarleton State University was recently named regents professor in the Texas A&M University System. The honor states, “For exemplary performance, outstanding professional service and commitment to the people of Texas and beyond.”

Henry R. Cox, BA ’78, released his latest book in his award-winning series, Deceit of the Mind – Quantum Evolution [2023]. An original style of thriller with science, history and spiritual-philosophy blended into a story told over a 1,000 year period, the book is among the Top-5 New Release Thrillers on Amazon. His books always have a little Baylor, Baylor Track, Texas and his roots in Kansas. Cox had a distinguished career as a civil rights litigator for more than 40 years. He now spends his time as an arbitrator and mediator, along with writing novels and his favorite job of being “G.”

Tommy Holmes, BA ’78, MIJ ’80, retired as director of legislative affairs for the American Water Works Association in Washington, D.C., last summer after 33 years of service to the organization.

Noubar Allen Stone, BA ’78, retired June 2023 as senior director for studio and lighting design at ESPN after 43 years. He started with ABC Sports in 1980. During his tenure he was the recipient of 11 Sports Emmy awards. He and his wife Meri will remain in Connecticut for several years before following their three sons out west and moving to Bozeman, MT.

1980s

Ricky Dickson, BBA ’80, retired as CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries after serving 43 years with the company. Dickson has also been active in his community. He served two terms on the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He has been a Rotary member since 1990 and past president of the Rotary Club in Washington County. Dickson is past president of Faith Mission, a Christian-based non-profit organization created to assist the homeless and working poor in the community. He is a member and past board chair of the Dairy Products Institute of Texas and the current chairman of the Board of the International Dairy Food Association Ice Cream Board.

Carl Good, BBA ’80, retired after 40 years of service to the National Roofing Contractors Association. He also was publisher of Professional Roofing magazine and helped NRCA’s publication achieve the top position in the industry market. In addition to consulting, Good now serves on the Marketing Committee of Serving UP Hope, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides tennis programs for underprivileged children and supports communities in sustaining those programs into the future. Good was a four-year starter on Baylor’s varsity tennis team from 1977-80. He can be contacted at carlgood@comcast.net.

Roland Garcia, BBA ’81, was appointed to the Hermann Eye Fund, a charitable fund of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System. He also was appointed to the Senior Council of Memorial Hermann, comprised of former board members who advise the CEO and senior management of the system. Garcia serves as co-chair of the South Texas College of Law Houston Centennial Gala. He can be contacted at garciar@gtlaw.com.

Catherine Gilkey, BSEd ’81, is a recruiting and marketing specialist for National Cyber Group. She also works as an analyst for Longshore Business Brokers. She can be reached at runwithjoy@gmail.com.

Thomas H. Goodman, BA ’82, authored his first novel, The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery [September 2023]. He first ran across the story in the 1990s when serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Eastland County, TX, where the novel takes place. The historical fiction work explores the nature of crime and rehabilitation. Learn more about the book and where to buy it at www.thomasgoodmanwrites.com.

Laura Lapins Willis, BA ’83, and John Willis, BA ’83, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary June 2023. They met as sophomores at Baylor and married right after graduation. Laura is a writer and editor. John is the DuPont Professor of History at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN.

Deidra Castro (Lopez), BSEd ’84, and Alan Bunnell, BA ’86, married Jan. 7, 2023, in Scottsdale, AZ. They first met and dated as Baylor students from 1983 to 1984 before reconnecting and falling in love — again — about 35 years later.

Lt. Col. Patricia Herbelin, BBA ’84, MBA ’87, retired from the United States Air Force Sept. 10, 2023, after 22 years of service. As a Baylor alumna and a United States Air Force Reserve deputy commander, chief of readiness & training, and former chief administrator/medical support flight commander, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, leadership and professionalism that sets a high standard for those who follow in their footsteps. Herbelin is a devoted Baylor fan, and she was proud to finally run the Baylor Line in 2017.

Beverly McNeal, BSEd ’85, has accepted a faculty position teaching physical therapy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. After living out of Texas for over 30 years, McNeal is happy to return home to Texas and is looking forward to reconnecting with her Baylor Family. She can be contacted at bamredhead@gmail.com.

Shawn Sedate, BS ’85, and Julia Sedate, BBA ’87, of Dallas established the Sedate Family Endowed Scholarship and support students enrolled in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Jeff Williams, BA ’86, and Tami Williams, BA ’85, of Denton, TX, established the Jeff and Tami Williams Endowed Scholarship at Truett Seminary.

Shelby Davidson, MPPA ’87, was named superintendent at Alba-Golden ISD. He formerly served as principal at Van Middle School in Van ISD for the last 11 years.

Joy Fowler, BSEd ’87, authored her first children’s book, Buddy’s Broken Heart. It is based on the real-life story of her rescue dog, his grief losing his first owner and learning to love again. It was written to help young children deal with grief and has a note from the author at the beginning of the book sharing strategies children can use to help when they are sad. There is also a place for them to draw, write or document things that make them smile at the end of the story. For more information, visit www.JoyFowler.com.

Kerry Hughes, BS ’87, senior global technology manager in the Packaging & Specialty Plastics Technology Center, retired from Dow Dec. 31, 2023, after almost 36 years of service. He has spent the last several years in a technical role, but last led the R&D advanced computing function overseeing high performance computing, search and scientific data integration, analysis and visualization.

Andy Spencer, BBA ’87, authored his first children’s book, Janet the Great. It is the story of a Yorkshire Terrier who thinks she can be and do anything. Spencer now lives on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. He and his wife have a ministry to pastors including retreats, encouragement, speaking and training.

Kevin Jones, BBA ’89, authored his first book, Opening the Corporate Closet: Transforming Biases to Gay Advancement in Corporate America [June 2023].

1990s

Clayton Bailey, BA ’90, an attorney with Baily Braurer PLLC, was selected to the 2024 Lawdragons 500 Leading Litigators in America List for his commercial litigation practices. He represents clients in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including RICO, deceptive trade practices, antitrust, unfair business practices and the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Bryan Blevins, JD ’90, and Shelley Blevins of Beaumont, TX, established the Shelley and Bryan Blevins Endowed Scholarship for Law Interns.

Rita Pintavalle, BSEd ’90, principal for eight years at Brazoswood High School in Clute, TX, was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition given to outstanding educators who have made a significant impact in their schools and communities. Pintavalle was selected for her dedication to creating a positive and engaging school culture that fosters student success. Under her leadership, the school has implemented various programs that promote academic excellence, character development and student involvement.

Shannon W. Phelps, BBA ’91, is the regional director for the Southeast Region of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Phelps began his career with the Bureau in 1992 as a correctional officer at FCI Texarkana, TX. He served in positions of increasing responsibility before assuming the role of senior deputy regional director for the Southeast Region March 2021.

Mike Rogers, BBA, ’91, joined BOK Financial as chief accounting officer June 2022. Rogers and his wife, Sloane (att. 1989-1992) live in Tulsa, OK, with their three dogs and have three young adult children, Madison of Tulsa, Larson of Brooklyn, NY, and Harrison of Seattle.

Brian Senger, BA ’91, and John Thurmond, BA ’92, MA ’93, established the medical practice Texas Health Care together January 2023 in Mansfield, TX. They cite their Baylor background as contributing to the synergy and shared values they bring to their practice. After completing their undergraduates at Baylor, they attended different medical schools but completed residency together at University of Texas San Antonio Health Sciences Center. They then practiced separately for more than 20 years before joining on this endeavor. Their story serves as a testament to the strong community and lifelong connections that are fostered within the Baylor Family. Both of their daughters, Savannah Senger, BS ’20, and Sydney Thurmond, BSEd ’21, have continued the Baylor legacy.

Christopher Sitton, BSEd ’91, MSEd ’95, was awarded the Pillar of the Community in New Braunfels, TX, for his service to the community.

Barrett F. Watson, BA ’91, JD ’94, was appointed to the Habitat for Humanity Texas board of directors July 2023.

Saad Ehtisham, BS ’93, was appointed a board of trustee at Queens University of Charlotte to a four-year term. He is also an adjunct professor at University of North Carolina Wilmington and Florida International University Master of Healthcare Administration program.

Jan Lacina Guidry, BSEd ’93, was recently named senior associate dean for research, graduate studies and strategic partnerships in the College of Education at TCU. She received the 2023 International Literacy Association Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award as well as the 2023 TCU Deans’ Award for Teaching.

John Reid, BA ’93, is now chairman of The Virginia Council, a not-for-profit citizens’ group that is working to protect and preserve American historic sites, art and statuary while also exploring new unifying cultural and policy ideas to promote our best ideals and solve problems in modern societies. Reid also continues in his sixth year as the top-rated morning news host on NewsRadio WRVA in the Virginia capital. In the summer of 2023, he achieved a life goal of visiting over 100 countries on all seven continents. He can be contacted at johnreidonline@gmail.com.

Jennifer Hagen, BBA ’94, began a new position in April 2023 as chief people officer for Radiology Associates of North Texas (RANT). Hagen has spent the past 12 years in various HR related roles prior to coming to RANT. She is excited to join the team of a fellow Baylor grad, CEO Corbin Wilson, BA ’93, JD ’96. “We will do our best to fling our green and gold afar throughout our organization!” she says. Hagen lives in Colleyville, TX, with her Red Raider husband Bill.

Ryan Riggs, BA ’94, MS ’98, was just selected to serve a second three-year term on the board of directors of the Plano Symphony Orchestra, where he also serves as chair of the IT committee.

Ricky Fisk, BSEd ’95, retired from teaching high school science for 23 years. His last three years were in Wichita Falls ISD. He can be contacted at rickfisk1964@gmail.com.

Katie Sarantakes Scallan, BBA ’95, joined Perry Homes as vice president of marketing. Bringing over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, Scallan will oversee all aspects of Perry Homes’ marketing and communications initiatives. Perry Homes was founded by Baylor alumnus Bob Perry and is now overseen by executive chair Kathy Perry Britton, BBA ’92.

Christopher B. Trowbridge, BBA ’95, JD ’98, a managing partner at Bell Nunnally, was named to the 2023 Super Lawyers list and the 2024  edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Ashley Brown, BA ’96, and Jay Brown, BBA ’95, of Houston established the Brown Family Chair in Education Improvement Research and the Brown Family Endowed Fund in Education.

Micha Warren Clark, BA ’97, launched a groundbreaking parent coaching business for parents of newborn and neonatal ICU (NICU) infants. She educates NICU parents and those in high-risk pregnancies to feel confident and competent while preparing and entering the NICU. With 25 years as a speech-language pathologist and certified neonatal therapist, Clark is passionate about serving others. She can be contacted at micha@michaclark.com.

Colleen Barry Ernst, BBA ’97, MBA ’97, of Houston established the Colleen Barry Ernst Endowed Scholarship in Accounting Graduate Programs.

Patrick Fontana, MS ’97, founder of Dallas-based Fontana Financial Planning, was named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in State Wealth Advisors.” Fontana lives in Frisco, TX, and his firm is a premier sponsor of Legacy Christian Academy and Baylor Men’s Tennis. Last year, Baylor unveiled the Fontana Financial Planning indoor court at their new facility. He is the defending Men’s Open Tennis Champion at Brookhaven Country Club and enjoys visiting with the team each year. He can be contacted at patrick@fontanafinancial.com.

Tim Shelby, BA ’97, and Melissa Shelby of Spring, TX, established the Helen Joan Shelby Endowed Scholarship for Pre-Business in honor of Tim’s mother, Helen Joan Shelby.

2000s

Jason Marlin, BA ’00, an attorney with Baily Braurer PLLC, was selected to the 2024 Lawdragons 500 Leading Litigators in America List for his commercial litigation practices. He assists clients involved in financial services litigation, shareholder derivative actions, real estate disputes, catastrophic personal injury cases, eminent domain proceedings and energy-related lawsuits.

Courtney Warren, BA ’00, released her book, The Story of Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to Designing with Purpose and Personality [August 2023]. She teaches practical tips with photo examples of how to create a home that is much more than paint and pillows, but actually celebrates those who live there. Warren will have book signings and events where she would love to meet other Baylor alumni. View tour dates on the book tab of CourtneyWarren.com and follow along on Instagram @CourtneyWarrenHome. For any fellow Bear that messages her, she will send some book freebies!

Blake Willis, BBA ’00, MAcc ’00, and Lanissa Willis, BBA ’04, MAcc ’04, of Woodway, TX, established the Blake and Lanissa Willis Endowed Bear Program Fund.

Torie Johnson, BA ’01, recently celebrated one year as associate vice president for strategic communications and initiatives at Baylor University. She is excited to be part of the future of her alma mater.

Kyle Farrar, JD ’02, Wesley Ball, JD ’03, Mark Bankston and Bill Ogden, attorneys from Farrar & Ball in Houston, were named Trial Lawyer of the Year for the win against Alex Jones on behalf of Sandy Hook parents of second-graders Jesse Lewis and Noah Pozner.

Laurianne Rodriguez, BBA ’02, received the Yellow Rose of Texas award commission from Governor Abbott. It is the highest award given to a Texas woman in community service, Texas preservation and advocacy. Rodriguez is a United States Air Force veteran from Texas and has served as an advocate speaking on behalf of military spouse issues for nearly a decade at three consecutive Texas assignments. She has promoted military spouse and child educational scholarship opportunities and currently serves on the Senatorial Nomination Board for the U.S. Military Service Academies. Rodriquez was presented the award by the 19th AF A4 Director, Jay Hennette, at the retirement ceremony of her spouse, Lt. Col. Cleve Rodriguez, BSEd ’03, Aug. 31, 2023, at Randolph Air Force Base.

Andrew Solis, BBA ’02, founded Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits, a true non-alcoholic spirit line that offers the flavor profile of your favorite gin, mezcal, whiskey and agave blanco. Cut Above was named 2023 US Alcohol Free Producer of the Year in the New York International Spirits Competition, 2023 Editor’s Pick Winner by F&B Magazine, Double Gold SIP Awards and many more awards from across the country. He can be contacted at Andrew@drinkcutbove.com. For more information, visit www.drinkcutabove.com.

Susan Stern, BA ’02, is serving as director of admissions and outreach at the Fairhill School in Dallas. She has more than 20 years of education and teaching experience. Fairhill specializes in educating children of average and above average intelligence with a diagnosed learning difference (dyslexia, ADHD, etc). Stern asks that you email her at susanbstern@yahoo.com if you have a student who needs smaller class sizes, help with executive functions and wants amazing teachers.

Darrell Marriott, BA ’03, and his wife Jennifer are now franchise owners of DonutNV of Aledo and West Fort Worth. DonutNV brings the party to you with their interactive mobile food trailer. They welcome all of the Baylor Family to seek them out on social media and follow their schedule for upcoming SWEET events.

Scott Lance Mauldin, BA ’03, has accepted the position as Fort Worth market manager for Trinity River Distillery in Fort Worth.

Lt. Col. Cleve Rodriguez, BSEd ’03, retired from the United States Air Force Aug. 31, 2023, at Randolph Air Force Base. He was the A4 Assistant Director for 19th AF. Rodriguez is very excited to start this new chapter as a program manager at HTX Labs. He continues to serve Baylor University with the Baylor Air Force Affinity Group in support of the AFROTC Detachment 810.

Cody Turner, BBA ’03, and Shane Turner, BA ’02, of Waco established the Turner Brothers Family Student Business Accelerator Endowment.

Todd Ferguson, BA ’04, MA ’13, PhD ’16, is director of the social sciences quantitative methods program and assistant teaching professor of sociology at Rice University in Houston. He was previously on the faculty at the University of Mary Hardin-
Baylor.

Camonia Graham-Tutt, BA ’04, MSEd ’06, began serving as interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu July 2023. In March 2022, Graham-Tutt received the prestigious Women Who Mean Business Award from Pacific Business News and was elected board president of the Hawai’i Public Health Association (HPHA) for the 2023 year. HPHA’s mission is to promote public health in Hawai’i through leadership, collaboration, education and advocacy.

Shelly Spaulding, BA ’04, has recently been named an assistant superintendent in McKinney ISD. The departments she works with include public relations, communications, legal affairs and legislative updates, partners in education and community engagement and outreach.

Miguel Angel Trevino, BA ’04, was promoted to director of student affairs with Texas A&M University at Qatar in 2022. He was awarded the Dean’s Leadership Award in 2023 for his contributions to the university and leadership skills resulting in effective and efficient functioning of the unit.

Victor X. Guerrero, BS ’05, PhD ’11, of Munster, IN, established the Victor X. Guerrero, Ph.D., Endowed Fund for Research in Physics.

Kathryn Verster, BFA ’05, was recently named editor-in-chief of SPLENDEUR Magazine, a disciple-making tool in the form of a biannual Christian women’s lifestyle magazine. Under Verster’s guidance, working closely alongside company founder and CEO, SPLENDEUR is gearing up to celebrate a refresh/rebrand with more than three times the content of previous editions, all presented in a beautiful, eye-catching format that looks great on any Baylor coffee table.

R. Heath Cheek, JD ’06, a partner at Bell Nunnally, was named to the 2023 Super Lawyers List and the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Carrie Powell Ingoldsby, MSEd ’06, began as dean of students at Wesleyan College seven months after completing a PhD at Mercer University. She can be reached at cpowell1109@gmail.com.

Krisopher D. Hill, JD ’08, a partner at Bell Nunnally, was named to the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Ty Stimpson, BBA ’09, a partner at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, is the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Marion J. Brooks Legend in the Making Award for Law — a prestigious award that honors civic and community leaders who are making their mark in Tarrant County. The award, presented by the Beta Tau Lambda Charitable Foundation and the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, honor Tarrant County leaders who have exemplified excellence in their chosen vocation and provided great service to the community.

2010s

Seth Gist, BA ’12, recently celebrated his first year as a technical director with Disney Live Entertainment, the theatrical production division of Walt Disney Imagineering. Gist relocated to Florida after almost a decade project managing theatrical productions for New York area scene shops.

T.J. Hales, BBA ’13, a senior associate at Bell Nunnally, was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 list.

Saba F. Syed, JD ’13, a senior associate at Bell Nunnally, was named to the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Katie Beaird, JD ’14, a partner at Bell Nunnally, was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 list.

J. Reid Burley, BBA ’15, JD ’18, an associate at Bell Nunnally, was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 list.

John Kou, BS ’15, graduated December 2022 with his Doctor of Pharmacy from Butler University. He walked in the May 2023 graduation ceremony. He says he truly saw the Lord work miracles as he embarked on this journey. He was even one of the first immunizers of the COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. Kou is now a staff pharmacist at Walgreens in Indianapolis. He wants to give thanks to his professors at Baylor, the environmental science department, his family and, most importantly, to the Lord for making this possible.

Derek Christensen, BA ’16, has completed residency training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi. He will be practicing with West Wichita Family Physicians in Wichita, KS.

Ashley Johnson, BBA ’16, married Ryan Smrcina in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, April 29, 2023. They currently reside on the family farm in Athens, TX, with their two dogs, Diesel and Daisy Mae.

Mason G. Jones, BBA ’16, JD ’19, an associate at Bell Nunnally, was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 list.

Matty Jonza, BBA ’16, of Woodbury, MI, established the Matty Jonza Endowed Scholarship in Business.

Michael John Reiswig, MBA ’16, of Dallas and his daughter, Kathryn “Katy” M. Smith, BSN ’15, established the Martha “Marty” Reiswig Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Nursing in memory of their wife and mother, Marty M. Reiswig, BA ’74.

Alexandria M. Risinger, JD ’16, a senior associate at Bell Nunnally, was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 list.

Callie (Anderson) Hooper, BBA ’18, and William King Hooper, III, BA ’18, were married Aug. 27, 2023, in Delavan, WI, surrounded by family and friends. They met at Baylor in the fall of 2015 in environmental science. They have relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Thatcher Townson, BBA ’19, was appointed to the Habitat for Humanity Texas board of directors July 2023.

2020s

Catherine Helm, JD ’22, an associate at Bell Nunnally, was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 list.

Dominique Ortiz, BSEd ’22, began medical school at the University of New Mexico in Fall 2023.

Catie-Reagan Palmore, EdD ’22, married Jamie King at Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland in July 2023.

Emily Wing, BSE ’22, married Paul Holladay, BBA ’22, on May 19, 2023, surrounded by family and many Baylor friends. They met the very first night of Welcome Week their freshmen year.

Trevi Ray, BA ’23, and Hunter Harrison were married on June 3, 2023, in Beaver Creek, CO. Samantha Bradsky, BA ’23, and Victoria Brewster were attendants. The couple plans to reside in Omaha, NE.

Friends & Family

Titus and Sylvia Harris of Houston established the Titus Harris Family Endowed Scholarship to support students enrolled at Baylor University. Their daughter, Kate Harris, is a member of the Baylor University Class of 2023.

Mark and Becky Lanier of Houston established the Mark and Becky Lanier Excellence Fund for Truett Seminary and the Mark and Becky Lanier Endowed Student Scholarship at Truett Seminary. The Laniers’ daughters, Rebecca Lanier, BA ’21, MA ’21, and Sarah Lanier, BA ’21, are Baylor alumnae.

The Scott & Susan Orr Family Endowed Chair in Medical Humanities & Christian Faith was established by Scott J. Orr and Susan G. Orr of The Woodlands, TX.