On Feb. 17, Abilene Christian University will honor Chris W. Kyker, the community leader, the advocate and the volunteer, as its Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.
"Chris Kyker has walked with and served with the notable leaders of our state and nation," said Dr. Bob Hunter, vice president emeritus and special assistant to the president at ACU. "Yet she has remained the same selfless, humble servant leader whom all of us have known and loved over a lifetime."
Kyker has enjoyed a long history with ACU. She earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1946, and master's degrees in speech education, in communication and in secondary teaching, all from ACU. Kyker's husband, Dr. Rex Kyker ('43), and their five children also attended ACU.
Kyker has worked in many different roles including as the founding president and CEO of Disability Resources, Inc., as the founding director of the West Central Texas Area Agency on Aging and was appointed the founding executive director of the Texas Department on Aging by Gov. Bill Clements. She also served as executive director for the Abilene Mental Health Association and as speech and theater director at ACU.
In February 2007, Kyker was presented with the Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award by Gov. Rick Perry for her years of advocacy in the Silver-Haired Legislature.
In addition, Kyker has spent years in service to the Abilene community in 32 volunteer offices, 10 of which she still participates in today. Her specialties include public policy development, board and staff training, strategic planning, grant writing, advocacy, writing and speaking.
The luncheon will be held in the Teague Special Events Center at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are available for $15 each or $150 for a table, by calling 325-674-2622.
For more information about the event, contact Caddie Coupe at 325-674-4399 or email her at cec03c@acu.edu.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office .
