January 18, 2016
MARSHALL, Texas (1/15/16) - East Texas Baptist University hosted a retirement reception for Dr. Catherine Crawford, Vice President for University Advancement, on Tuesday afternoon, January 13, 2016. The reception was held in the Phillips Great Room of the Bennett Student Commons.
"Dr. Crawford has done such a wonderful job here serving the University family," said ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn, during the reception. "I am grateful for the time she has invested in the institution. Her legacy of service extends back to her dad, who served faithfully at ETBC for many years."
Dr. Crawford is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University. She was first introduced to the University, in 1968 when her father, Ira Cooke, came to East Texas Baptist College as the Director of Placement and Student Aid. Thirty years after her father began at ETBC, she followed his footsteps in 1998, when she was named the Director of the Annual Fund. She served in that position for over a year and a half, leaving ETBU for a brief time. She returned in 2004 as Development Associate and in 2007 was named the Vice President for University Advancement.
"I just revel in all the excitement and everything this campus has meant to me," shared Dr. Crawford to those gathered. "Even though this campus has grown, the spirit remains the same. I'm going to miss each and every one of you, because it is you that makes ETBU, it?s our students who make ETBU."
Dr. Blackburn, on behalf of the University, presented Dr. Crawford a replication of Max Greiner's sculpture of Jesus washing the feet of Simon Peter named the "Divine Servant." Before he presented the gift, he said to well-wishers attending, "This statue is a reflection of Dr. Crawford's demonstrated servant leadership. She has been an effective senior leader for ETBU. Dr. Crawford has impacted lives, not just dollar by dollar, but person by person."
The office staff of University Advancement presented Dr. Crawford with another gift, which was a rocking chair. "We know that you do not slow down very often," said ETBU Director of Alumni Relations Allison Peteet. "We hope this rocking chair helps you to relax and enjoy, especially, rocking your grandson for as long as he will let you."
ETBU Vice President for Administration and Finance Ned Calvert concluded the reception with a prayer of blessing for Dr. Crawford.