"Dr. John
C. Stevens was one of the most dedicated Christian gentlemen I’ve ever
known. He was so inclusive of everybody. When I first became president
of McMurry he invited me to speak at the chapel at ACU in Moody
Coliseum, and I took pleasure in doing that. In
anything and everything we did together if I needed any help he was
willing to offer help, and suggestions and included me in so many
things I would not have known about. He was truly an example of a Christian gentleman and scholar."
-- Dr. Thomas Kim
Professor Emeritus of McMurry University
"Dr. Stevens was an illustrious president of Abilene Christian University and a cherished
colleague in pursuing the concerns and interests of all of our Independent Colleges and
Universities of Texas, where he served as both a chair and board member at various
times. He was discerning, had a great sense of humor and was altogether a delightful
colaborer. He certainly had a lasting influence and impact on higher education in the
State of Texas and beyond. I will always retain the fondest memories of our years of
service together."
-- Herbert Reynolds
President Emeritus of Baylor University
"Many people remember him as a great leader, a great teacher, and a great orator, and he was all of those things, and our family is so proud of him. To me, and to our family, he was just the sweetest little guy."
-- Joyce Stevens Cole of Abilene
daughter of John and Ruth Stevens
"To me the most important thing is that what you saw was what you got. He was no different in private than in pubic. The way he interacted with people was the same way all the time. He was a genuine guy who told it like it was and was always honest in his dealings with people. He always had a sense of humor – he had it right up until the end. He could always could laugh, and laugh at himself and his own situation."
-- Clark Stevens of Grapevine
son of John and Ruth Stevens
"What a precious man he was. He became president my sophomore year, and I
truly adored him, as anyone who knew him did. The angels in heaven and Tuth are rejoicing, I know."
-- Linda (Watkins '72) Giddens
Brentwood, Tenn.
"Dr. John personified the best side of Abilene Christian – scholarship, service, sacrificial Christianity. He will always be one of my heroes."
-- David Ramsey ('81)
Colorado Springs, Colo.
"He was a remarkable leader with a wonderful spirit....I am sure that his service will be a celebration of a life well-lived, consistent with faith in Jesus Christ."
-- R. Gerald Turner
President, Southern Methodist University
-- Dr. Thomas Kim
Professor Emeritus of McMurry University
"Dr. Stevens was an illustrious president of Abilene Christian University and a cherished
colleague in pursuing the concerns and interests of all of our Independent Colleges and
Universities of Texas, where he served as both a chair and board member at various
times. He was discerning, had a great sense of humor and was altogether a delightful
colaborer. He certainly had a lasting influence and impact on higher education in the
State of Texas and beyond. I will always retain the fondest memories of our years of
service together."
-- Herbert Reynolds
President Emeritus of Baylor University
"Many people remember him as a great leader, a great teacher, and a great orator, and he was all of those things, and our family is so proud of him. To me, and to our family, he was just the sweetest little guy."
-- Joyce Stevens Cole of Abilene
daughter of John and Ruth Stevens
"To me the most important thing is that what you saw was what you got. He was no different in private than in pubic. The way he interacted with people was the same way all the time. He was a genuine guy who told it like it was and was always honest in his dealings with people. He always had a sense of humor – he had it right up until the end. He could always could laugh, and laugh at himself and his own situation."
-- Clark Stevens of Grapevine
son of John and Ruth Stevens
"I
knew John Stevens during the period of my presidency at Rice, from
1970-85, by virtue of very frequent meetings, particularly ICUT board
meetings I met with him occasionally thereafter and much less in more recent years. He was a very un-self-possessed person. He
solved problems without great difficulty, usually very rational
solutions, and he was a first rate individual with whom to work. I
enjoyed my time with him and I’m certainly unhappy with his passing."
-- Dr. Norman Hackerman
Rormer President, Rice University
Rormer President, Rice University
Professor Emeritus, University of Texas at Austin
truly adored him, as anyone who knew him did. The angels in heaven and Tuth are rejoicing, I know."
-- Linda (Watkins '72) Giddens
Brentwood, Tenn.
"Dr. John personified the best side of Abilene Christian – scholarship, service, sacrificial Christianity. He will always be one of my heroes."
-- David Ramsey ('81)
Colorado Springs, Colo.
"He was a remarkable leader with a wonderful spirit....I am sure that his service will be a celebration of a life well-lived, consistent with faith in Jesus Christ."
-- R. Gerald Turner
President, Southern Methodist University
