Grady and Diane Ligon Named Baylor Parents of the Year

Baylor University has named Grady and Diane Ligon of Austin the 1996-97 Baylor Parents of the Year, said Rachelle Sheffield, coordinator of Baylor Parents League.
The Ligons, both 1967 graduates of Baylor, have had a long history with Baylor throughout their lives. As children, Diane grew up in Waco and Grady was raised in Lott, Texas. With Baylor in their back yard and even to this day, the green and gold have never been far from their thoughts and hearts.
Grady's mother, Dr. Helen Ligon, has taught in the Hankamer School of Business for 37 years where she now serves as emeritus professor of information systems. She can trace her Baylor roots to an uncle who was one of Baylor's famous "Immortal 10," the group of Baylor athletes killed in a 1927 train collision on a bus ride to play the University of Texas at Austin. Diane's brother and his wife are Baylor graduates.
As parents, the Ligons passed their strong Baylor ties to their own children, while continuing to serve and support their alma mater. They have been active members of Baylor Parents League for 10 years, including years of residence in New Jersey and Virginia.
While living out of state, the Ligons sent their three sons to Baylor. In addition, they recruited other students from the area, hosted Baylor Send Off Parties for new freshmen headed to Waco, and spoke in support of their school at every opportunity.
Today, their sons along with their daughter-in-law are all Baylor graduates. Grady IV graduated with a degree in business in 1990; Greg earned a business degree in 1992; Rachel Roberts Ligon, Greg's wife, earned a bachelor's degree in 1992; and Grant most recently graduated with a business degree in December 1995.
Again residing in Texas, the Ligons served last year as presidents of the Austin chapter of Parents League and are now co-presidents of the Austin Baylor Club.

Aside from their service to Baylor, Grady is the labor relations director for Lucent Technologies, and he serves as a deacon at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin. Diane has volunteered for several positions in the Bush administration at the White House, has worked with the Republican Women's Club, and currently works part-time at Hyde Park Baptist Church.
The Ligons will be honored during After Dark ceremonies at 7 and 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Waco Hall and at half-time of the Baylor-Oregon State football game on Saturday, Sept. 21. Both events are part of Parents Weekend at Baylor.
For more information, contact Baylor Parents League at 755-3435.