The College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin will honor five individuals this week with the Robert C. Jeffrey Benefactor Award for their contributions of time, labor and philanthropy.
John Barnhill Jr., who earned his bachelor of journalism degree from the university in 1959, is being recognized for his service to The University of Texas System Board of Regents and his contributions to the Texas Exes to support alumni communication, as well as his service to the College of Communication.
Ray Farabee, who earned his bachelor of business administration and his bachelor of law degrees from the university in 1957 and 1961, is being honored for his work as chairman of KUT Radio’s advisory board and his support in building the KUT Public Broadcast Center, as well as his service to the University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Austin.
Terry Hemeyer, a senior lecturer in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, is being honored for 16 years of teaching and nearly 20 years serving on the college advisory council, including a term as chairman.
Steven Leslie, executive vice president and provost of the university, is being recognized for his support of college initiatives, including the Belo Center for New Media, the Texas Program in Sports and Media, and the UT Los Angeles program, as well as his overall guidance and encouragement.
Thomas Schatz, the Mrs. Mary Gibbs Jones Centennial Chair in Communication in the Radio-TV-Film Department, is being honored for 35 years of outstanding scholarship and teaching, and for helping to establish the film program as one of the top programs in the country through innovative ideas.
Robert C. Jeffrey, who died in 2000, was the third dean of the College of Communication.
“There are many individuals — faculty, staff, students and alumni — who contribute to the College of Communication’s success every day by sharing their time, talent or advice,” said Roderick P. Hart, dean of the College of Communication. “This award reflects the character of Dean Jeffrey, who was a man of extraordinary warmth and commitment, and who was the finest ambassador this college has ever had.”
The Jeffrey Awards, given to the college’s special benefactors, will be presented Friday, Nov. 4, at a Friends-of-the-College dinner in the Texas Union on the university campus.
