HBU Hosts Family Weekend and Honors Family of the Year

Houston Baptist University hosted its annual Family Weekend on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Many parents, grandparents and siblings came to campus to visit students, participate in activities, tailgate and attend the Husky football game.

A Family Brunch recognized HBU’s Family of the Year: Alejandro and Olga Solorio. The Solorios have a daughter and two sons, Alex and Eric, who are both part of the HBU family.

Alex is an alumnus of HBU who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Christianity in 2013 and his Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 2015. Alex was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, the chaplain of the football team, Homecoming king, and Resident’s director during his time at HBU. Alex is currently a College and Young Adult Associate Minister at First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas. Eric is a junior in the Honors College, a Dean’s list student double majoring in Christianity and Classics, a youth leader for the teens ministry at the Solorio’s church, and a member of the Praise team Refuge on campus.

Mr. and Mrs. Solorio have been married 29 years. They both accepted Christ as their Savior in 1996 and were baptized in 1997. Their daughter is expecting her first child, their first grandchild, in January. Their daughter and son-in-law are full-time missionaries in Thailand with Living Word International Ministry.

The Solorios are from Houston and are very honored by the award. Mrs. Solorio said in response to being chosen: “It is humbling. We are very simple people who live to the serve the Lord.” See the Solorio family and past families of the year.

Families and students were also able to visit with faculty and staff from various colleges, schools and departments at the Open House. Optional guided tours of HBU’s growing campus were given in the afternoon. Families could visit Residence Halls and the Commuter Collegium, as well as meet the student life staff. Students could also show their families the new Looper Learning Commons inside Moody Library. Watch the dedication of the Doris and Terry Looper Learning Commons.

The Spirit of HBU Dinner was in the late afternoon before the football game. Four awards were given: Benny Agosto Jr. ’86 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award; Mark Ammerman ’82 received the Meritorious Service Alumnus Award; Dr. Rusty Brooks received the Hallmark Award; and student Victoria Simms received the Emma Key Faithful Servant Award. To read biographies of the recipients and more about the Spirit of HBU dinner, visit HBU Alumni.

Benny Agosto Jr. flipped the coin for the football game, and Mark Ammerman gave the opening prayer. The HBU Huskies battled the #2 ranked SHSU Bearkats, but fell short with a score of 52-16. Read a summary of the game or the full player and team stats at HBU Athletics.