One of Hardin-Simmons University’s most celebrated graduates, Dr. Virginia (Boyd) Connally, will be honored on her 100th birthday by HSU at a reception, December 4, 2012.
The event starts at 9:30 a.m. in the building named for Connally, the Connally Missions Center, located on campus at 2342 Cedar Street. The Abilene community is invited, as well as all faculty, staff, and students. There will be a brief presentation by HSU president, Dr. Lanny Hall, at the beginning of the come-and-go party.
Connally, a 1933 graduate of Hardin-Simmons and Abilene’s first female physician, received HSU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1973 and the Keeter Alumni Service Award in 1981. As a student, Connally was a member of the HSU Cowgirls, a service organization that marched in western regalia with the Cowboy Band. The Cowgirls are remembered for their rope tricks and a dance called the Cowgirl Stomp. Connally has continued to be a loyal member of the Ex-Cowgirls Association that now provides scholarships to HSU students.
In 1989, Connally received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from HSU and in 2004, Connally was inducted into the HSU Hall of Leaders. “Hardin-Simmons is exceedingly proud of the fact that Dr. Connally's alma mater is HSU,” says Hall. “She has been an integral part of HSU for much of her life. We are excited about honoring this outstanding Christian leader on our campus and feel that it is especially fitting to hold her party in the building that bears her name.”
Connally has been an ever-constant supporter of HSU, establishing the Connally Endowed Professorship of Missions, and upgrading the program to a Chair in 1988. She also provided the lead gift in the establishment of the Connally Missions Center, which was dedicated in 2000. She has also contributed to the growth of Hardin-Simmons as she actively recruits students.
Birthday Reception
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Connally Missions Center