On Feb. 28, Hardin-Simmons University hosted its 22nd annual Outstanding Alumni Awards Banquet at 7 p.m. in the Houston-Lantrip Center.
The event honored the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients: Dr. Amanda (LaRue) Andrews, ‘05, Mr. Roy Juarez Jr., ‘09 and Dr. John Whitten, ‘07/’11.
The Board of Young Associates (BYA) is an association of young HSU alumni under the age of 40 who are dedicated to improving the Hardin-Simmons community. Members of the BYA are invited by the BYA Membership Committee and approved by the university president. The first BYA award was established in 2004 and has continued since its establishment.
The award recipients have utilized their degrees to make a positive impact on the world and have achieved notable distinction in their respective fields. All recipients are HSU graduates within the last 20 years and do not exceed the age of 45.
The invocation was led by Young Associates President, Nathan Lowry, ‘09 and the awards were presented by Young Associates President-Elect Dr. Connor West, ‘14.
Dr. Amanda Andrews graduated from HSU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in athletic training. She has dedicated her career to athletics, sharing the gospel and teaching students. In 2012 she began working at Life School, where she became the district’s first full-time athletic trainer. Amanda also works with HSU’s athletic training program.
Roy Juarez Jr. graduated from HSU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Experiencing homelessness as a teenager has led to his inspired path of becoming a motivational speaker, the founder of IMPACTruth, an activist and an author. He advocates for homeless youth with his powerful approach that has reached over one million children in 49 states and 7 countries. His book, Homeless by Choice: A Memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness, shares his journey and demonstrates his determination to make a positive impact.
Dr. John Whitten is a 2007 HSU graduate, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and a 2011 graduate of Logsdon Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He is currently senior pastor at Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, where his involvement in this church began upon his enrollment at HSU. He has served as the associate teaching pastor, teaching pastor and has led the college ministry.
All of these worthy recipients show what it means to be an exemplary member of the HSU community through their continuation of HSU’s long-held principles and values.
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