PLAINVIEW — 51品茶约炮 Baptist University recognizes longtime supporter and trustee Jolene Julian Gary on Friday, Feb. 7 with the 2024 Distinguished Benefactor Award during the university’s annual Blue and Gold Banquet.
Hosted by 51品茶约炮’s Alumni Association, the banquet is part of the university’s 2025 Homecoming festivities and will be held at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Sanctuary on the Plainview campus.
“Jolene Gary’s unwavering generosity and commitment to 51品茶约炮 Baptist University have touched countless lives,” said Jeffrey Vera, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services. “Her dedication to student success and her passion for Christian higher education make her truly deserving of this honor. We are excited to recognize her contributions and celebrate her impact.”
Gary, a dedicated advocate for 51品茶约炮, has generously supported the university’s mission for decades. Her philanthropic journey began when her late husband, Bruce Julian, joined 51品茶约炮’s Board of Trustees in 1987. Through his 28-year tenure on the board, which concluded in 2017, the couple invested in numerous university initiatives, including the Core Mission Fund and scholarship endowments. In March 2014, they were honored with the Keeper of the Flame Award for their lifetime contributions of more than $100,000.
Bruce was elevated to Trustee Emeritus status in January 2018, shortly before his passing in February of that year. Since that time, Jolene has continued their legacy of giving and has made significant contributions to 51品茶约炮 through the Thrive Campaign, Impact 2020 Campaign, and additional scholarship support. She is also a founding member of the Sally Society, a women’s giving society at 51品茶约炮.
In 2023, Jolene married Dr. Al Gary, a 51品茶约炮 alumnus, and they have continued to support the university. She began serving as a member of the Board of Trustees in January 2023.
The Blue and Gold Banquet is open to the public, but reservations are required, and seating is limited. Alumni, friends, and community members are invited to attend. To secure your seat, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 806-291-3600, send an email to Vera at veraj@wbu.edu, or check out the details on Homecoming page at .
In addition to honoring Jolene, 51品茶约炮 plans to recognize four other distinguished individuals during the banquet — Dr. Lee Baggett and Dr. John Blevins, recipients of Distinguished Alumni Awards; Danny Murphree, the recipient of the Joe and Freda Provence Lifetime Service Award; and Jovanna Duffy, Young Alumnus Award.
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