Colorado Couple Honored As Baylor Parents Of The Year

Contact: Judy Maggard, Director of Baylor University Parent Programs, (254) 710-2561

Russell and Betty Pilcher of Highlands Ranch, Colo., were honored as Baylor University's Parents of the Year for 2007, during the halftime ceremony of the Baylor vs. Colorado football game Oct. 6 in Waco, Texas.

"Through their warm hospitality and generous spirit, Russell and Betty Pilcher have supported and encouraged other Baylor parents and students in meaningful and special ways," said Judy Maggard, director of parent programs at Baylor. "We are honored to recognize the Pilchers as our Parents of the Year and are immensely grateful for their loyalty and faithfulness to Baylor University."

Though neither Betty nor Russell attended Baylor, they have come to embrace the university after experiencing it with their daughters, Meredith (BA '07) and Morgan, a junior business administration major. First drawn to Baylor by its Christian character and mission, the Pilchers were further convinced of the university's excellence as they saw the many opportunities the university has afforded their daughters.

"They were here for every event, whether in presence, prayer or thought," Meredith said. "My parents 'sic 'em' with more energy than a student. They love Baylor for its ability to make parents feel comfortable with sending their children to school and for its commitment to tradition."

Russell is president and owner of Sierra Detention Systems, located in Littleton, Colo. The Pilchers are servant-leaders in their church, Grace Chapel. Betty says "my feet are firmly planted in Colorado, but my heart is in Texas," so her membership in the Baylor University Women's Council of Denver helps bridge the gap. The Pilchers are members of the Baylor University Endowed Scholarship Society and are active with the Denver chapter of the Baylor Parents League. They hosted the Denver area Baylor student Send-off Party the last four years.

For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/parents or contact Judy Maggard at (254) 710-2561.