Living
McLane to speak at Baylor student send-off picnic
Thursday, 23 August 2012 by Keith Bahlmann
The Annual Baylor Student Send-off Picnic will be held on Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. at Cathedral Oaks Event Center in Belton.
All students who will be entering Baylor University next fall and their parents are honored at this event. The Parents League, in conjunction with the Central Texas Baylor Alumni, will host.
Giving a greeting and challenge to the students will be Stephanie Turnham, named Distinguished Baylor Woman for 2012, Baylor graduate and director of the Bell County Museum. Guest speaker will be Drayton McLane Jr., businessman and philanthropist who ensures the focus of all his endeavors is based upon Christian values and moral ethics.
McLane, who grew up in Cameron, received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor in 1958 and his Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University in 1959.
The grandson of a successful entrepreneur, he experienced firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to thrive in industry, as he began at age 9 working for his father at the family's wholesale grocery business, the McLane Company. He became president and CEO of the company in 1964 and held these positions for 30 years.
During his tenure, he propelled the McLane Company into a $19 billion company, achieving an average growth rate of 30 percent per year.
Following the McLane Company's merger with Wal-Mart in 1990, he became the vice-chairman of Wal-Mart while maintaining his positions a the McLane Company. He resigned from those positions to devote more time to the McLane Group, a parent company consisting of family-owned companies operating throughout the world.
McLane also served as Chairman and CEO of the Houston Astros from 1993 to 2011.
He served on the Baylor President's Development Council in 1981, Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1990, and Chairman of the Board of Regents from 2002 to 2004.
His awards from the business world, educational communities and the Boy Scouts are numerous. He is a Distinguished Alumni of Baylor and received the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award. He was named Baylor University Regent Emeritus in 2010.
McLane and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Temple and are proud parents and grandparents.
Students and parents tickets are free, but reservations must be made by Aug. 2. The event is open to the public and the cost is $30 per person.
For reservations or more information, contact Pam Dial Taylor at (254) 760-8855.
