Alumni honored during Homecoming dinner

Every year, Hardin-Simmons recognizes alumni and former students with the Alumni Awards. Those who meet the criteria receive recognition for their achievements in the community, their career, or the dedication they have to HSU. The winners were honored at a banquet Thursday, Oct. 11th in the Johnson Building. Each award is chosen by a committee of fellow alumni.

Rosa Lee Prichard receiving her Keeter award

The John J. Keeter, Jr. Alumni Service Award has been awarded since 1943, and it is the highest award that alumni can receive. It is based on the impact and the contribution the alumnus has made towards the betterment of the university. The winner for this year’s award was Dr. Rosa Lee Prichard. During her time at HSU, she served as president of the Young Women’s Auxiliary, and a member of the Colt Club for students whose parents or relatives attended HSU. She is currently serving on HSU’s Board of Development. She has served on the Board of Trustees for nine years, the Board of Young Associates and on the Alumni Board. Dr. Prichard graduated in 1958.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, given since 1970, is for graduates or former students whose accomplishments serve as an example of the ideals of HSU. The first winner for this award was Judy Hix Abercrombie. She was a member of the debate team, student congress, Alpha Chi, and Pi Kappa Delta. She graduated with her BA in History and Political Science in 1971.

Jim Birdwell receives his alumni award

The second winner was James E. (Jim) Birdwell who graduated from HSU in 1965. Birdwell came to campus on an athletic scholarship, where he earned two letters as a member of the tennis team. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1960-1965 while attending HSU.

The third winner was Mike McMaude, graduated in 1990. He has founded and grown three hospice businesses and serves on the Board of several home health organizations including the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, Overland International, and Community Health Accreditation Partner.

For the HSU Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees, there were three mentions. One of them went for Stacy Shanks Bryan, who made an immediate impact on women’s tennis playing in the #1 position with a spring singles record of 15-5. Since graduating from HSU in 1992, she has been a coach at several high schools in the area, including Abilene High School. The second winner was Mollie Porter Pehl; a soccer player graduated in 2004 who was part of three ASC Championship teams and was named to the first team all-ASC three times. David Salas was also honored with this award. Graduated in 2006, he was the most dominant player in the non-scholarship era of men’s soccer at Hardin-Simmons, ranking first all-time in goals scored (46), assists (23).

Nominate someone for an alumni award here