
Category: Alumni News

No Paris vacation for two Wildcats at the Olympics
His foot speed will not be on display, but former sprinter Sayon Cooper (’98) will make Abilene Christian University history again this weekend when he accompanies eight top athletes from the Republic of Liberia into the bright lights and onto the purple running surface of Stade de France in Paris. Opening Ceremonies for the 2024 … Continued
Longtime ACU supporters receive honorary doctorates
Members of one of ACU’s most beloved and deep-rooted families, Tommy (’55) and Martha (Smith ’58) Morris, received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees for their contributions to the university and society. The presentation took place at a private ceremony on campus in May. Tommy’s honorary degree follows in the footsteps of his mother, Alberta … Continued
Dr. Phil speaks to ACU friends, donors at Dallas event
A group of Abilene Christian University friends and leaders gathered with television personality and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Phil McGraw at a recent event in Dallas. Dr. Phil Schubert (’91), ACU president, interviewed McGraw for an audience of ACU alumni and university leaders on topics including the role of Christians in society, media … Continued
ACU awards honorary degree to longtime supporter Kay Onstead
Abilene Christian University recently presented Kay Onstead with an honorary Doctor of Science at a private ceremony in Houston. The degree was awarded for her contributions to the university and society, said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “Kay’s extraordinary contributions to ACU continue to inspire the generosity of our community,” Schubert said. “I’m thankful for … Continued
ACU to confer degrees, honors at May Commencement
ACU will award 840 degrees this weekend in three Commencement ceremonies taking place at Moody Coliseum Friday and Saturday. The Friday, May 10, ceremony at 7 p.m. will award 246 master’s and 53 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, May 11, 541 bachelor’s degrees will be presented in two ceremonies – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Undergraduate … Continued
ACU adds new trustees to governing board
Abilene Christian University added two new members to its Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 28. Kate (Petty ’91) Dalton graduated from ACU with a degree in accounting, and she worked in Texas and Connecticut as a CPA and a financial analyst before moving to part-time work with her own accounting business while raising two children … Continued
ACU Remembers: Don W. Hood
Don Wade Hood (’55), former Abilene Christian University track and field head coach whose athletes won national championships, set world records and achieved Olympic success, died Feb. 9, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at age 90. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Hamil Funeral Home (5701 U.S. … Continued
ACU Remembers: Barbara Bates
Longtime benefactor and former Abilene Christian University trustee Barbara Jo Allan “Barbie” Bates (’61) died Jan. 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 85. A Celebration of Life service will be held Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by a reception. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, … Continued
Revelation’s horses featured in Diaz’s upcoming Abilene exhibit
His largest painted mural is in Abilene, and his largest canvas, too. So it made sense to Rolando Diaz (’79) to bring his most popular retrospective exhibit from Dallas to his alma mater’s hometown as well. The latter happens Jan. 12 through Feb. 24, 2024, when “The Horses of Revelation,” an exhibit by the internationally … Continued