DBU Honors Mrs. Susan Shanks and Mr. Rolando Rodriguez at 34th Annual DBU-Oak Cliff Good Samaritan Dinner

DBU recently honored two outstanding individuals as a part of the 34th Annual DBU-Oak Cliff Good Samaritan Dinner. Held on May 10 on the DBU campus, this year's dinner honored Mrs. Susan Shanks and Mr. Rolando Rodriguez for the impact they have made through their faith and service to DBU's neighboring community of Oak Cliff. Dr. Gus Reyes, DBU's Director of Hispanic Partnerships, served as Chair for this year's dinner committee.

After a welcome by Dr. Reyes and an invocation led by Leigh Gettman-Allen, a DBU alumna, adjunct professor, and member of the Women's Auxiliary Board, introductory remarks were shared by Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President. Mr. Mateo Vesces, a sophomore Marketing student, read from the Good Samaritan Story in Luke 10:25-37 prior to the presentations of the awards to the two honorees. Dr. Dan Griffin, DBU Adjunct Professor and former Pastor of Cliff Temple Baptist Church, introduced Mrs. Susan Shanks. Dr. Gary Cook, DBU Chancellor, introduced Mr. Rolando Rodriguez.

Mrs. Susan Shanks grew up in Oak Cliff and graduated from Carter High School. She completed her bachelor's degree at DBU in 2017. Susan currently serves as the Ministry Coordinator of Cliff Temple Baptist Church and recently celebrated her 40th anniversary of service to the church family and community. She and her husband, David, have two sons and six grandchildren.

Mr. Roland Rodriguez previously served in pastoral roles at Hampton Place Baptist Church and Cockrell Hill Baptist Church. He has served on various committees for the Dallas Baptist Association and on the Board of Trustees at Baptist University of Americas. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Texas Baptists en Espanol. He completed two graduate degrees at DBU: a Master of Arts in Christian Education in 2005 and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership in 2017. He and his wife, Angie, have three children.