Even before his remarks to the Houston Baptist University Spirit of Excellence Award dinner crowd, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and political commentator Charles Krauthammer received a standing ovation from the more than 600 supporters who filled the ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston.
With the presidential election only days away, Krauthammer spoke on the Essence of the American Experiment. The syndicated columnist was only part of the program that included remarks from Memorial Hermann Healthcare System CEO Dan Wolterman, who spoke on the importance of nursing education and the shortage of nurses in this country. The dinner raised $1.4 million for HBU's School of Nursing and Allied Health.
Dinner chairs Sherry and Jim Smith announced the astounding proceeds.
Taking bows as Spirit of Excellence Award honorees were Dr. Diane Williams and Stanley Williams and AT&T, represented by senior vice president of external affairs Leslie Ward. Allene Lucas received the President's Lifetime Volunteer Award.
Applauding the honors were guests including HBU president Robert B. Sloan Jr. and Sue Sloan, Lori Wolterman, Joella and Stewart Morris, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Elaine and Marvy Finger, Nanette and Jerry Finger, Elizabeth and Peter Wareing , Sue and Lester Smith, Tricia and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, Heidi and Ted Cruz, Nina and Edd Hendee and Martha Turner and Glenn Bauguss.
