HBU Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Mary Ann Belin

The News Magazine of HCU

HBU celebrates the life and legacy of Mary Ann Belin who passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the age of 92. Mrs. Belin and her late husband, Dr. Bruce Belin, Jr., were faithful and generous supporters of Houston Baptist University (HBU) throughout the years. Mrs. Belin was a longtime member and past president of The Guild from 1999-2000 and was named the 2013 Silver Tea Honoree in recognition of her many efforts in support of The Guild. She also served as an Advisory Trustee on HBU’s Board of Trustees and participated in numerous campus organizations, including the American Museum Society. 

“Mary Ann Belin‘s passing marks the loss of one of HBU’s greatest pillars of strength and support. She joins her husband Bruce in the presence of Christ, and we mourn her departure. But we rejoice in her memory and the legacy of service that this generous, creative and entrepreneurial woman of faith has left all who knew her,” said HBU President Dr. Robert Sloan.

Mary Ann Belin and her husband left an indelible imprint on the University through their generous support, including creation of the Mary Ann Belin Endowed Academic Scholarship which has assisted students financially since 1981. Many important landmarks on the HBU campus, like the Hinton Center, are erect now due to the Belin’s hard work and support. The couple was honored with the “Hallmark Alumni Award” in 2012. Mrs. Belin had a heart for service and was recipient of the Spirit of Excellence Gala’s “President’s Award” in 2016. Several landmarks on the HBU campus are named in the Belin’s honor, including The Belin Chapel and Recital Hall. The couple joined forces with the Hamill Foundation to fit the chancel windows in Belin Chapel with stained glass designed by the renowned artists of Willet Hauser Architectural Glass, who designed stained glass for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. 

She honored her husband’s legacy and memory with a generous donation that funded the construction of Belin Tower and Belin Drive the connector road at the main entryway to the HBU campus.  She leaves behind two children, Laurie Mahlmann and Greg Belin, six grandchildren and a host of friends to celebrate her life and legacy. 

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mary Ann’s name be directed to Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas, 77057; Houston Baptist University, 7502 Fondren Road, Houston, Texas, 77074; or to the Star of Hope Mission, 4848 Loop Central Drive, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77081-2211. Please visit Mary Ann’s online memorial tribute where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.