Richard And Jan Graves Recognized With Gregory Service Award

Baylor University presented the Milton T. Gregory Distinguished Service Award to Richard (Dick) and Jan Cales Graves of Waco, during the April 16 meeting of the Baylor Development Council.
The award is presented annually to a development volunteer whose enthusiasm for Baylor is contagious and ever present. Recipients are well known in their communities for their eagerness to influence others to do their part in supporting Baylor.
Dick and Jan Graves met in Baylor's Carroll Library during the summer of 1957. In 1958, Dick received his bachelor of business administration degree and Jan received her bachelor of arts degree. Together, they have shared a passion for Baylor.
After a 38-year career in real estate investments, Dick retired from Northwestern Mutual Life in 2004. The Graves were able to maximize their gifts to Baylor by utilizing Northwestern's matching gifts program. Jan retired after 19 years as volunteer day captain with the Medical Center of Plano. In 1997, they moved to Waco to enjoy Baylor sports as well as serve the university that brought them together.
As avid fans of Baylor athletics, the Graves have supported excellence funds for track and field, men's tennis, women's basketball and soccer. They generously supported the Grant Teaff Athletic Complex, the McLane Student Life Center and the Floyd Casey Stadium grass field project.
The Graves are dedicated members of The Presidents Club, having given consecutively since its inception. They also are members of Baylor/Waco Foundation, Old Main Society, Development Council, Baylor Bear Foundation -- where Dick served as director -- and are both life members of the Alumni Association. Dick has served on the Estate Planning Council, as past president of the Tip Off Club and on the task force that facilitated the transition from the Baylor Bear Club to the Baylor Bear Foundation.
The Graves received the Skip Gohring Fan of the Year Award for the 2004-05 season, have served on the Athletic Director's Cabinet and are members of the Athletic Director's Hall of Honor. They also host international students each year and serve as volunteers at the Mayborn Museum.
The Graves are involved actively in church life, currently as members of First Baptist Church, Woodway. Dick has served as chairman of deacons for four different churches. He also served on the boards of many organizations including Florida Baptist Children's Home, Mortgage Bankers of Miami, Dade County Master Plan Task Force and Texans Who Care, where he served as chairman of the board for 10 years.
They have two children, Richard W. Graves Jr. and Mary Graves Winterrowd (BA '85), and four grandchildren.
The Milton T. Gregory Distinguished Service Award is presented annually and named in memory of the 1935 Baylor graduate and university trustee. Throughout his life, Gregory distinguished himself in the role of volunteer and partner with higher education, especially Baylor. Appreciating the value of academic education, Gregory never missed an opportunity to promote the interests of Baylor. His personal achievement, integrity and service to Baylor for more than 50 years are the characteristics for which this award is named in his memory.