37th Annual DBU Leadership Gala Raises Historic $1 Million for Student Scholarships

On November 4, DBU hosted the DBU Leadership Gala, an event that honors outstanding individuals whose lives represent testimonies of achievement and free enterprise, service to the community, and support of Christ-centered education at DBU.

For 37 years, this annual event has raised vital funds to go towards scholarships for students seeking a transformative educational experience through DBU. This year's event raised more than $1 million, the most scholarship funds ever raised through the event. This incredible provision of funds by generous friends and supporters of DBU will help to equip students as Christ-centered servant leaders prepared to impact their professions and communities for the glory of God.

This year's event honored Ron Carter with the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on business and community initiatives. Ron Skaggs received the Tom Landry Leadership Award for his impactful role in architecture and for his commitment to service that mirrors the faith-driven mission of DBU.

The evening included remarks from the honorees, Ron Carter and Ron Skaggs, along with Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President, who reiterated a clear vision for DBU through its unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation of Christ-centered leaders through the DBU experience. "We were so pleased this year to honor Ron Carter and Ron Skaggs for their exceptional Christian leadership in Dallas, the state of Texas, and beyond. Both individuals represent the embodiment of lives and careers lived in a way consistent with our mission at DBU, and it was a privilege to recognize them," said Dr. Adam Wright.

Musical performances by the DBU Grand Chorus provided patriotic and powerful moments through musical pieces such as the Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Folded Flag, and God Bless America. The evening also included an invocation offered by The Honorable Ed Kinkeade, U.S. District Judge, Northern District of Texas, along with a benediction offered by DBU Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook.

In advancing the legacy of faith, family, and free enterprise, Ron Carter is the epitome of all the ideals the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award signifies. From humble beginnings as a stocker at Home Interior & Gifts, Inc., the business his grandmother, the late Mary Crowley, founded, to being named Chief Operating Officer, it is the values of hard work, dedication to Christ, and philanthropy that have marked his life. Ron also served in numerous leadership positions within the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Sidekicks, franchises founded by his parents, Don and Linda Carter. From Vice President of the Crowley-Carter Foundation to numerous board appointments, including Baylor Scott & White Health, Scottish Rite for Children, and Mary Crowley Cancer Research, Ron's impact in the community and service to others will be felt for generations to come. Ron and his wife, Wanda, have two adult sons, Clint and Lee. Wanda previously served on the DBU Board of Trustees, and his son, Lee, is a DBU graduate.

Architecture pioneer, servant leader, and distinguished service member are just a few of the hallmarks of this year's Tom Landry Leadership Award honoree, Ron Skaggs. From serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office in the Pentagon to a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects to being a member of the Corp of Cadets Hall of Honor at his alma mater, Ron's exceptional leadership to his country, profession, and his fellow man, reinforces his commitment to integrity, character, and others. Ron and his wife, Sondra, have been dear friends and supporters of DBU for many years, including his service on the DBU Board of Trustees. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of HKS Architects and is now Chairman Emeritus at HKS. HKS designed Joan and Andy Horner Ballpark, the Home of our very own DBU Patriots Baseball team. The Skaggs are longtime members of Prairie Creek Baptist Church in Plano, where he has faithfully served this church body in various ministries over the years, including as a Deacon. The Skaggs have three adult sons, David, Stephen, and Jeffrey, as well as seven grandchildren: Kyle, a DBU graduate; Mark, a current DBU student; Samantha, Chase, Trey, Shane, and Jack.

This year's DBU Leadership Gala once again exemplified the power of shared faith, vision, and generosity, setting the stage for an incredible and lasting impact on current and future DBU Patriots for years to come.