Lon Morris honors alums

ROGENE O'DONNELL

Recognizing their long-standing loyalty to Lon Morris College, the LMC Ex-Students' Association honored two individuals as Distinguished Alums during this year's homecoming festivities.

Rogene O'Donnell, a native of Terrell and a member of the class of 1951 was selected as the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus. After graduating from Lon Morris, Mr. O'Donnell earned a bachelor's degree from Southwestern University in 1953.

Upon the completion of his military service in the U.S. Army, he began a successful printing and advertising business in Dallas, where he is an active civic leader, churchman and philanthropist.

Mr. O'Donnell is an active supporter of Lon Morris in time, financial support, student recruitment and alumni activity. In his faith, his character and his priorities, he represents the best that LMC hopes for and expects of their alumni.

He and his wife, Clara, now reside in Tyler.

The 2007 Distinguished Young Alumnus is Gene Evans. While at Lon Morris, Mr. Evans was a member of the Chapel Choir and Master-singers.

He graduated in 1995 and then earned a bachelor's degree in music from East Texas Baptist University and served as music director at First United Methodist Church in Center.

GENE EVANS

He is currently director of music at Klein United Methodist Church and has completed a master's degree in music from Stephen F. Austin State University.

At Klein, he is responsible for a large program of music ministries for all age groups.

Mr. Evans is a member of the American Society for Composers, Artists and Publishers and has composed several works in the praise and worship genre which have now been released as a CD.

He is married to another LMC ex-student, Susan Ballow of Henderson. They are the parents of three sons.