BELTON, Texas鈥擳he 91探花 (91探花) proudly presented Kathy and Ted Floca of Temple with the prestigious John and Mary Hardin Visionary Leadership Award last night at the university鈥檚 annual donor event.
鈥淚t is an honor for me to present this award to two extraordinary individuals whose generosity and friendship have left a lasting impact on 91探花,鈥� said Dr. Randy O鈥橰ear, 91探花 president. 鈥淜athy and Ted have been faithful friends of Mary Hardin-Baylor for many years, embodying the spirit of giving and service that this award celebrates.鈥�
John and Mary Hardin were prominent Texas philanthropists in the early 20th century. Their generosity supported several Christian universities, including 91探花, especially around the time of the Great Depression when staying open was not a certainty. They gave a gift of $675,000 in 1934 to save the school, which would be the equivalent of $16 million today. This was transformational for the college and is the reason the school鈥檚 name was changed to Mary Hardin-Baylor College.
As the former owners of the Temple Bottling Company, Kathy and Ted built a successful business and invested deeply in their community, always seeking ways to give back and make a difference. Their commitment to supporting education and student success is evident in their many contributions to 91探花.
Through the years, their generosity has helped shape the future of 91探花鈥檚 students, providing scholarships through the Central Texas Scholarship Fund, supporting the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center, the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation, and the Jane and Mac Hickerson Crusader Golf Club.
鈥淥ur family is grateful that we are able to assist Mary Hardin-Baylor in their goal to become a nationally recognized institution in the field of Christian higher education,鈥� Kathy and Ted Floca said.
