More than 200 friends, colleagues and family members gathered July 14 in the Teague Special Events Center to wish Dr. William J. Teague, Abilene Christian University chancellor emeritus, a happy 80th birthday."Today's celebration is more than just a birthday party for a friend and fellow leader," said ACU president Dr. Royce Money. "Today, Peggy joins Bill in announcing Dr. Teague's plans to formally retire from active service as chancellor of ACU at the end of this month. Dr. Teague's accomplishments over the last 31 years cannot be summarized easily."
Teague served five years as executive assistant to the president, 10 years as president and 16 years as chancellor for ACU.
Many community leaders joined ACU friends to honor Teague and his wife for their many years of service and dedication to ACU, higher education and the city of Abilene. Abilene Mayor Norman Archibald, State Rep. Susan King and Taylor County commissioner Chuck Statler presented Teague with special proclamations. Others from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and the ACU Board of Trustees also were on display at the reception.
"Today is a special day honoring a very special friend of mine," said Archibald. "Today is 'Bill Teague Day' in our city. I urge all citizens to celebrate this special day."
Guest speakers talked of how Teague influenced them and helped guide their lives, professionally and personally. Cecil Eager ('71), former ACU tennis coach and director of athletics, was one of those to speak.
"It is a special man who is in the right place at the right time," said Eager. "You were here at the right time for ACU."
Tom Teague ('71), the honoree's son, spoke on behalf of the family. "We express gratitude to all those who helped prepare this day. Even though he (Teague) is officially announcing his retirement, 'we won't let you quit.' You must continue to support this institution and the higher calling of Christian education."
Teague was born July 12, 1927 in Olney, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in Bible and speech from ACU in 1952, a master's degree in administration from Columbia University in 1959 and a doctorate of education in administration and labor law from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1965.
He began his career at ACU in 1952 as the executive secretary for the Alumni Association, and later became executive assistant to president Don H. Morris until 1957. After pursuing other career opportunities, including time spent at Harding University and Pepperdine University, and as vice president of Purex Corporation, Teague returned to ACU and was named the ninth president of the university in 1981.
Teague was actively involved in numerous public and specialized activities, including the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, United Way, Kiwanis International, National Society of Fund Raisers, American Legion, American Fund Raising Council, Boy Scouts of America, California State Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and American Heart Association.
He married Margaret Louise "Peggy" Newlen in San Diego, Calif., June 4, 1948. They have a son, two daughters and two grandchildren.
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