Posted 11:24 pm Thursday, March 11, 2010
Spirit Of Giving Recognized In 5 Honorees
By EMILY GUEVARA
Staff Writer
It was a banquet for giants. Not the sizeable tall ones we hear about in fairy tales, but a community of "giants" who have supported the mission and vision of Texas College over the years.
Staff Writer
It was a banquet for giants. Not the sizeable tall ones we hear about in fairy tales, but a community of "giants" who have supported the mission and vision of Texas College over the years.
It was with this in mind that the college honored four individuals and one business during the second annual Legacy Dinner on Wednesday.
"All of them have given unselfishly of themselves so that others can be benefactors," Texas College President Dr. Dwight J. Fennell said.
This year's honorees include Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass; Texas College alumna and longtime employee Lillie Claybon; Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham; longtime community member and philanthropist Mary John Spence; and the
Tyler Morning Telegraph
.
Each honoree received a crystal award along with a citation from Gov. Rick Perry. The college aired a video presentation on each. Each one talked about their memories of Texas College, the importance of an education and their vision for the future of the college.
.
Each honoree received a crystal award along with a citation from Gov. Rick Perry. The college aired a video presentation on each. Each one talked about their memories of Texas College, the importance of an education and their vision for the future of the college.
"I think having a faith-based foundation is the most important part of it," Mayor Bass said during the video interview.
She said that the tools for success are a foundation of faith, an education and a solid work ethic.
She said the college is positioned for more growth and impact, but she would like to see improved technology and a broader student base.
"Texas College keep going, keep your vision, we're expecting great things out of you for the future," she said.
Lillie Mae Claybon was the second recipient. The Texas College alumna and longtime employee is affectionately known as "mom" by many. She was Miss Texas College in 1938 and worked for the college's food department for 46 years.
During her video interview, Ms. Claybon recalled the college's dedicated faculty, many social events and some humorous occasions.
Ladies of the day could not leave the dorm without stockings, she said, and one day she did.
"Hey little honey get back in the dorm and put on some stockings," an administrator told her.
Ms. Claybon appeared to be extremely touched with the honor when accepting her award, recalling how she enjoyed the event as a spectator last year, never expecting to be honored this year. Billye Aaron also read a poem in honor of Ms. Claybon.
"Those of you who know me, know that I'm more comfortable letting my cooking do the talking," Ms. Claybon said to much laughter. "I shall treasure this moment for as long as I live."
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, who is chairman of the Texas College board, also was honored.
Cunningham said he first came in contact with the college when serving as interim president in the mid-1990s. He said at that time the school was on "life support" and with the help of many alumni and community members the school came through.
"It is probably one of the best kept secrets in the United States, maybe even in Tyler," Cunningham said of the college when accepting his award. He said the honor to him represents the contributions of many.
When introducing the fourth honoree, Mary John Spence, Fennell said that "her unselfish commitment to others has bettered the lives of untold others."
Ms. Spence accepted her award seated among family and friends. Though she did not speak from the podium, she did speak during the video interview. She said that Texas College has had a large role in the development of Tyler and East Texas as a whole.
"Keep up the good work," she said.
Nelson Clyde, publisher, and Thomas Clyde, chief financial officer, accepted the honor on behalf of the
Nelson Clyde, publisher, and Thomas Clyde, chief financial officer, accepted the honor on behalf of the
Tyler Morning Telegraph
.
"This organization has been a guiding light to the community for more than a century," Fennell said when announcing the company as an honoree.
.
"This organization has been a guiding light to the community for more than a century," Fennell said when announcing the company as an honoree.
Nelson Clyde spoke about his friendship with longtime Texas College educator Willie Lee Glass as one of key parts of his connection to the college.
She defined one of the elements of Texas College with her constant joy and happiness, he said.
When accepting the award, Thomas Clyde said that the company hopes to "re-earn your trust" with each edition of the paper, its Web site, IN Magazine, "communicating Texas College's experience and the Dwight Fennell administration for many years to come."
In addition to the five honorees, the college also made special presentations to honorary chairs Hank and Billye Aaron along with Capt. Samuel and Willie Garrison. Hank Aaron was not in attendance, but his wife, Billye, accepted for both of them.
