Dr. Chris Hammons, Director of the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty and government professor at Houston Christian University (HCU), was awarded a prestigious National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Founders Medal at this year’s state convention.
HCU President Robert Sloan provided a letter of recommendation supporting Hammons’ nomination and described him as “an ideal candidate for the award because his unselfish and tireless efforts to teach American history and political science and promote our nation’s founding principles far exceed his work with [HCU] students, extending to numerous members of the Houston community and beyond.”
“Dr. Chris Hammons is a dedicated, creative educator who deserves recognition for his outstanding leadership and service in our community,” said Dr. Sloan. Named for the four women who founded the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1890, the medals recognize citizens who have given unselfishly to their community, state or nation far beyond his/her employment obligation or normal duties. Each year, one recommendation is made by the organization’s nominating body in each of four categories: Heroism, Youth Achievement, Patriotism and Education.
Dr. Hammons was the recipient of the Mary Smith Lockwood Medal for Education, presented by Marcy Carter-Lovick, State Regent of the Texas Daughters of the American Revolution and DAR Life Member.
“The Mary Smith Lockwood Medal for Education honors an individual who has shown exemplary achievement through service and leadership in promoting education outside the formal educational process,” said Carter-Lovick during the awards presentation.
Dr. Hammons was recognized for his passion and commitment in championing efforts for construction of the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty, a multi-milliondollar complex comprised of a main building modeled after Philadelphia’s iconic Independence Hall. The complex provides dedicated space for HCU students and students across the city and state to learn about American history and the nation’s founding principles.
“It was an honor to be selected for such a prestigious award. The mission of the Center was supported by a very enthusiastic audience. I think, for many of them, this was the first time they had heard of Houston Christian University, and they were very impressed by the work we are doing here,” said Dr. Hammons of his selection.
Stewart Morris, Jr. supported Dr. Hammons’ nomination for the award and applauded him for his leadership which played a role in the construction of the iconic Independence Hall on HCU’s campus. He has been instrumental in the development of the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty and is the son of HCU’s Founding Father Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr.
“The intention for the use of the building will be to serve [HCU] students as well as the community for all ages to educate, restore pride and understanding of these principles and the blessings they bring,” said Morris, Jr., president of Stewart Security Capital.
United States Air Force Retired Brigadier General Donald Wagner echoed the positive praise for Dr. Hammons’ nomination in a letter of recommendation for the award. “Dr. Hammons markedly embodies all of the criteria of this award in his endless outreach to the Houston community by sharing his profound knowledge of political science, American history and the formative principles on which our Nation was founded,”said Wagner.
HCU Alumna Betsy Poage Miller ’84, who spearheaded support for Dr. Hammons’ nomination, concurred with sentiments expressed regarding his selection for the prestigious medal. “I cannot think of a person more deserving of this award than Dr. Hammons for his selfless pursuit of the building of this replica of Independence Hall, and his desire to teach the youth of this community what the Founding Fathers sacrificed to make us a country,” said Miller. To learn more about the NSDAR and the Founders Medals, visit www.DAR.org.