Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony 2026
Featuring the history of the Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony, honoree profiles, and the life and legacy of Emily Tinsley.
A Special Edition …
The Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony has changed over the years. The awards have expanded. The venues have moved. But the purpose remains consistent: to recognize members of the Baylor Family whose leadership, service, scholarship, and public impact reflect distinction.
Each award marks a chapter, and each honoree adds to the story. From the first Vietnamese American U.S. congressman to leaders of congregations, defenders of democracy, and pioneers of change this year’s class of Hall of Fame honorees come from all walks of life. We also pause to remember Distinguished Alumna Emily Tinsley, whose presence affirms impact endures beyond a lifetime.
In This Issue
The History
For the past 61 years, The Baylor Line has awarded the best and the brightest of the Baylor Family, culminating in one Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony.
Matthew Maupin (JD ’22)
Outstanding Young Alumnus Matthew Maupin stepped up when his hometown of Kerrville needed him most.
Emily (’99) and Brett (’98) Mills
The Abner V. McCall Humanitarian Award honorees have turned a point-of-need interaction into a justice enterprise.
Tiffany Jones-Smith (’95)
The Price Daniel Distinguished Public Service Award honoree emerged from her grief to the forefront of the fight against kidney disease.
Maxey Parrish (’78)
Herbert H. Reynolds Retired Faculty Award honoree Maxey Parrish gave 41 years of service to Baylor, his impact was felt most outside the classroom.
Dr. T. Michael Parrish (’74, MA ’76)
The Herbert H. Reynolds Retired Faculty Award honoree drew on his father’s Pearl Harbor experience to further a hometown icon’s history.
Hon. Anh “Joseph” Cao (’90)
Distinguished Alumnus Joseph Cao rose from adversity to become the first Vietnamese American congressman.
Dr. Elizabeth Palacios (’80, MSE ’91)
Distinguished Alumna Dr. Elizabeth Palacios has shaped Baylor into a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.
Skye Lynn Perryman (’03)
Distinguished Alumna Skye Lynn Perryman is an arbiter of democracy, fighting daily against extremism and anti-democratic movements.
Chris Seay (’95)
Distinguished Alumnus Chris Seay learned from a young age that good spiritual leadership is grounded in love.
Emily Tinsley (’62)
Distinguished Alumna Emily Tinsley’s years of service to the University were dedicated to bettering the Baylor Family
Dr. Daniel Vestal (’66, MA ’68)
For Babs Baugh Servant Leadership Award honoree Dr. Daniel Vestal, stepping into pulpits and leading revival meetings has always been a way of life.
