Colleyville, Texas, Couple Named 2010 Baylor Parents of the Year

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Max and Debbie Underwood of Colleyville, Texas, have been selected as Baylor University's Parents of the Year for 2010. The couple will be honored during the halftime ceremony of the Baylor vs. Buffalo football game Sept. 11 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco.

"Max and Debbie's Baylor roots go deep and wide, and their abiding care for the university is felt by all who know them," said Judy Maggard, director of parent programs at Baylor. "They have embraced and encouraged so many other Baylor parents and continue to answer every call to service with a resounding 'yes.' It is our honor to recognize Max and Debbie for their loyalty and faithfulness to Baylor University and to the Parents League organization, in particular."

Part of a long line of Baylor Bears, Debbie earned her bachelor's of science degree in 1981 and her master's of science degree in 1982, both at Baylor. While Max was a first-generation Baylor student in his family, he so esteemed the experience and connections he gained while completing his bachelor's of business administration degree at Baylor in 1978 that, more than 20 years later, he decided to complete his master's degree through the Baylor Executive MBA Program in Dallas.

The satisfaction Max and Debbie gleaned from the deep friendships and personal formation they gained from their years at Baylor has only deepened with time as they have watched their children, Brad (BA '08) and Emily, a Baylor senior, share the same experience.

"Two of our main joys are being parents and being a part of the Baylor community," Max said. "So being able to combine those by serving through the Baylor Parents League is a natural outcome of the joy we have."

Supporting other Baylor parents in their own community, Max and Debbie have served as leaders of 1st Call to Prayer monthly meetings and are consistent supporters of the Parents Fund. Debbie is currently president of the Northeast Tarrant County Chapter of the Baylor Parents League and has served as former president of the Baylor University Women's Council of Tarrant County.

Parents are not the only part of the Baylor family that has been impacted by the service of this couple from Colleyville. Max and Debbie are Baylor Bear Foundation members, proud Baylor football season ticket holders and supporters of the Drumwright Endowed Lecture Series for George W. Truett Theological Seminary and Baylor's Honors College. The vice president of finance for the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, Max is a member of the Baylor Business Network and is an active supporter of the Baylor Executive MBA Program in Dallas.

Both Max and Debbie are devoted members of the Bear Valley Community Church, where they serve as Bible study leaders and engage in the church's ministry to widows and single parents.

"My parents have always recognized that you should give to your community and the Body of Christ because that's how each are strengthened," Emily said. "I could not be more proud of who they are and what their lives represent."

For more information, visit the Baylor Parents website or contact Judy Maggard, director of parents programs, at (254) 710-2561.

Media contact: Lori Fogleman, director of media communications, (254) 710-6275