Helen Marguerite Reames Gray was one of the first non-traditional students of Navarro College.  Ms. Gray was anxious to earn a college degree before her only child began high school, and reluctant to attend college alone she talked her dear friend, Lola Langston, into attending with her.  Helen’s niece was a freshman at Navarro College and warned her not to tell anyone they were related and to not associate with her on campus.  Going back to college after 23 years of being out of school was not easy, but Ms. Gray forged ahead.  Other students quickly realized these two older students attended every class, took careful notes and completed each assignment and the two became tutors and led study groups.

 

After graduation from Navarro College Helen was hired as Executive Director of Family Service Association where she helped families and individuals with food, clothing, and medical expenses. Helen moved to Tyler and enrolled in the Early Childhood program at University of Texas at Tyler. She joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Tyler’s Child Development Center as a part-time infant care giver and retired as Director after 20 years. Ms. Gray served as President of the Tyler Association for the Education of Young Children and was also active in the state association.

 

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About the Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor that Navarro College bestows upon an outstanding alum. The award acknowledges and recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and exemplarily achievements of Navarro College alumni whose personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.  The award recipients are chosen by the Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee consisting of members of the Navarro College Foundation Board of Directors, two Navarro College employees (active or retired) and the Executive Director of the Foundation. 

View past recipients