BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) proudly presented Kathy and Ted Floca of Temple with the prestigious John and Mary Hardin Visionary Leadership Award last night at the university’s annual donor event.
“It is an honor for me to present this award to two extraordinary individuals whose generosity and friendship have left a lasting impact on UMHB,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB president. “Kathy and Ted have been faithful friends of Mary Hardin-Baylor for many years, embodying the spirit of giving and service that this award celebrates.”
John and Mary Hardin were prominent Texas philanthropists in the early 20th century. Their generosity supported several Christian universities, including UMHB, 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’s 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 UMHB.
Through the years, their generosity has helped shape the future of UMHB’s 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.
“Our 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,” Kathy and Ted Floca said.
