During a special ceremony at Abilene Christian University's Chapel on Friday, Sept. 28, Mario and Hermila De La Garza, of Denton, were honored as Wildcat Parents of the Year. Following Chapel, family and friends gathered for a reception in their honor.The couple was nominated by their daughter, ACU student Angie De La Garza, who will graduate in May 2008 with a degree in family studies. Three of the four De La Garza children attended ACU, while the other graduated from Pepperdine University.
"Our parents placed a great deal of importance on educational achievement," said Angie De La Garza. "Therefore, they made sure that their children did not lack anything in obtaining their higher education goals. Along with the emphasis on earning degrees, my parents wanted our educations to be infused with faith and service."
Both Mario and Hermila spend much of their time in Christian service and evangelism. Mario is a graduate of the Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock and has spent almost 40 years as a preacher and minister. Hermila is a bilingual teacher in Denton Independent School District, and was one of the first organizers of "Ladies Day" for Latina women in Texas and Mexico.
"My father has been a minister for 40 years, and my mother is a pioneer for Hispanic women in the Churches of Christ," De La Garza said. "Their faith and service have spilled over to their children, as well."
Dr. Royce Money, ACU president, presented a framed certificate to the De La Garzas, as well as flowers and an ACU gift basket. The couple will return to campus in October to participate in the Homecoming Parade.
"My parents' unwavering faith in God and reliance on His providence allowed us to achieve what was once their dream – to obtain a faith-based, Christian education," said De La Garza. "It is because of examples like this that our family remains faithful."
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