Text of Citation Honoring Harry Jeanes

The following is the full text from the citation honoring J. Harry Jeanes, who received one of Baylor University's highest honors - an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters - during a special ceremony June 12 in the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the centerpiece of the Mayborn Museum Complex.

For a story on the ceremony, please click here.

J. Harry Jeanes
Citation
Doctor of Humane Letters

Born in 1913, native Wacoan J. Harry Jeanes made his life in Central Texas and became a pillar of the community and of Baylor University. Embracing the personal values of an impeccable work ethic, personal integrity and perseverance, Mr. Jeanes' long and exemplary life is a fine example of the fervent stewardship of his time and resources for the service of others.

Since earning his bachelor of business administration degree from Baylor in 1934, he has contributed to the well being of fellow citizens through his distinctive service and leadership to his country, profession, church, and civic and charitable organizations.

Mr. Jeanes served his country through the Army Air Corps during World War II, earning a Bronze Star for meritorious service during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Following his service, he built the largest savings and loan institution in Central Texas and achieved the highest pinnacle in his profession during his 51-year career at First Federal Savings and Loan of Waco. He was a member of the prestigious Executive Committee of the United States Savings and Loan League and of the Federal Savings and Loan Advisory Council. In 1984 he received the coveted Texas Savings and Loan League Award for Outstanding Public Service. Professionally he has been recognized at every level in the state and nation.

Along with his wife of 57 years, Anna Elizabeth Sturgis Jeanes, Mr. Jeanes is a strong civic-minded leader. He served as president of the Waco Rotary Club, earning recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1976; Junior Chamber of Commerce; Symphony Associates; Waco Boys Club Board; Texas Savings and Loan League; and as campaign chair for the Greater Waco United Fund. Mr. Jeanes has been a dedicated member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church since childhood. In his quiet, yet diligent way, he inspires others to humbly serve and promotes civic endeavors.

At Baylor, Mr. Jeanes embraced the opportunity to serve his alma mater in many capacities, most notably through 18 years of service as a member of the Board of Trustees, and since 1990 as Regent Emeritus. His dedication was commended with the Herbert H. Reynolds Award, the W. R. White Meritorious Service Award, the Founders Medallion and recognition as a 1999 Distinguished Alumnus. Through his lifelong relationship with Baylor, Mr. Jeanes sought to build and sustain the university for future generations.

His generous gifts of time, talents and financial resources have served as a catalyst to create a broad range of experiences that students will carry with them throughout their lives. Baylor University will always be indebted to Mr. Jeanes, a man of action and resolve, for his foresight and vision honoring Baylor's Christian mission.

In recognition of his lifelong service to Baylor University and the community, the Faculty, Administration, and Regents of Baylor University are pleased to bestow the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, upon Mr. J. Harry Jeanes.

June 12, 2006
Signed:
J. Randall O'Brien
Executive Vice President and Provost
John M. Lilley
President