A Life of Faithful Service

In recognition of more than four decades of outstanding and exemplary Christian service by Bill Altom ’71 and Janis Altom ’69, Hardin-Simmons University established the Altom Christian Service Award in 2001. Presented annually, the award honors deserving students, HSU personnel, and alumni.

The 2025 Altom Christian Service Award recipient is Dr. Gene Hendrix ’67.

Dr. Hendrix became pastor of Berry Lane Baptist Church on Aug. 22, 2021. He was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and also lived in El Paso and Deming, New Mexico, before coming to Hardin-Simmons as a student. After graduating from HSU, he earned a master’s degree in Christian education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Mississippi.

During his decades of ministry, Dr. Hendrix has served churches throughout the Southeast and Texas in roles focused on educational leadership and administration. He also served as director of collegiate ministries for the Louisiana Baptist Convention.

Dr. Hendrix says he enjoys studying, and his favorite hobby is reading. Woodworking and remodeling are also among his pastimes. He is quick to say, “My passion, though, is helping people find their way to Christ and walking alongside them as the Spirit of God transforms us into the image of Christ.”

Gene met his wife, Loraine, at Hardin-Simmons. “Two children, four grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters later, family is a big part of my life,” he says. “I’m grateful to God for that.”

Because of his devotion to the Lord and his active service in ministry, Hardin-Simmons University proudly presents the Bill and Janis Altom Christian Service Award to Dr. Gene Hendrix.

THE ALTOM CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD

Dr. Lanny Hall presented Bill and Janis Altom with the first Altom Award in 2001.

In recognition of the outstanding and exemplary Christian service of Bill ’71 and Janis ’69 Altom, Hardin-Simmons University established the Altom Christ Service Award in 2001.

Bill and Janis Altom epitomize the meaning of Christian service on the HSU campus. Janis and Bill, the second of three generations of HSU products, began dating while on a then-Baptist Student Union (now BSM) trip to Indiana in 1969. After being volunteered by Janis, Bill helped sponsor an HSU mission trip to Trinity, Texas, in January of 1983. Thus, the involvement with university students began for the Altoms.

Searching for a way to serve, they began the unique ministry of chocolate chip cookies. During their ministry, Bill and Janis baked and served more than 10,000 dozen cookies to HSU students.

For more than four decades, the Altoms assisted with and prepared meals for students on more than 40 HSU mission trips and Glorieta trips. They also cooked countless meals on campus for the Baptist Student Union and Baptist Student Ministry students.

In addition to their involvement with HSU events, they were also longtime volunteers at First Baptist Church of Abilene, serving as outreach directors and cooking for various retreats, gatherings, and trips.

In recognition of their outstanding and exemplary Christian service, the first HSU Christian Service Award was presented to Bill and Janis Altom in 2000. To further recognize the Altoms’ selfless contribution to Hardin-Simmons University, this award is presented to other worthy students, HSU personnel, and former students and is named “The Altom Christian Service Award.”