By Mitch Holt, Opinion Editor

Don Hall, class of 1951, will receive the prestigious Distinguished Alumni award in Waco on Sunday, after his wife of 56 years, Joann, wrote a letter of recommendation stating why he would be a good candidate.

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, will present the award, and Samantha Adkins, coordinator of Alumni Programs, and Chris Campbell, alumni outreach officer, are in charge of the planning of the event.

“A Distinguished Alumni citation recognizes distinctive personal and professional achievement that has merited the honor and praise of peers and colleagues,” Adkins said.

Usually, four recipients are named each year, but the selection committee decided to recognize one winner for each month in the university’s Centennial year, she said.

Campbell said the selection committee accepts nominations all school year, and the Alumni Advisory Board makes its final decision in February.

Included in the reception will be three guest speakers who personally know Hall and who will explain why he deserves the award, the actual presentation by Money and a dessert reception following the ceremony.

The letter written to the university by Joann Hall shared the story of Don Hall’s life and achievements.

While at the university, Hall participated in A Capella Chorus all four years, was the vice president of his sophomore and junior classes, president of the senior class, served two years in the Korean War and an additional six years as a reserve. Hall served as president of the Alumni Association from 1978-1980, currently serves as an executive recruiter, placing people in jobs in the millworking industry and remains active in the Alumni Chorus.

Joann Hall said several men deserve this award, but Hall’s ongoing service to the university and the Lord’s cause deserves recognition where it is due

“This is truly a great honor for several men who will be recognized as [Distinguished Alumni] during this Centennial year,” said Joann Hall in her recommendation letter. “And I truly cannot think of a more deserving man than Don.”