A beloved West Texas A&M University professor and his wife have been named 2020 WT Family of the Year after a heartfelt nomination by one of their grandchildren.

Harry and Maryann Hueston will be recognized at the Oct. 24 football game against Angelo State (schedule subject to change). The student Homecoming King and Queen also will be crowned at the game.

The Huestons “put forth endless effort and make many sacrifices for both the students at the school and for their family in their personal lives,” wrote granddaughter Brenna Laszakovits, a sophomore nursing major from Tucson. “They … attend every single sports game, make connections with as many kids as they can get ahold of, and inspire and help raise strong, Christ-filled young adults.”

The couple embody the Buff spirit, said Sami Thompson, assistant director of extended and family orientation for WT.

“The Family of the Year Award recognizes parents, grandparents, guardians, family members or mentors who have made a significant impact and contribution to the life of a WTAMU student,” Thompson said. “By supporting and encouraging our students, Buff families also support WT. Families are valuable partners in helping students make the most of their University experience, and we want to recognize those who have poured into their students.

“The Huestons are ideal winners because of all the ways they celebrate and support our students, and not just those in Dr. Hueston’s classrooms,” Thompson said.

Harry Hueston, who has taught in WT’s department of criminal justice for 20 years, will retire in December.

“To say my grandfather is an incredible man would be an understatement. The depth of impact he has made and left on his students over the past two decades is near impossible to describe in words,” Laszakovits wrote. “He is fervent with his students, and not only does he care about your success and well-being in the classroom but your achievements made outside your education.”

Maryann Hueston is a longtime community fundraiser who spent 15 years working and volunteering for the Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo. She was named the fair’s 2010 Volunteer of the Year and was a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals — High Plains Chapter.

Dr. Hueston joined WT’s Department of Criminal Justice in May 2000. He retired as the Chief of Police from the University of Arizona in May 2000, after 30 years in law enforcement serving in various positions in Ohio, California, Arizona and the U.S. Army Military Police.

The Huestons have two daughters, Colleen Laszakovits and husband David of Tucson, and Kristina Pelican and husband Paul of Arvada, Colo. They have nine grandchildren: Brenna, Jenson and Mia Laszakovits, and Amber, Marion, Aubrey, Autumn, Mark and Matthew Pelican.

Other nominees are Rosa and Chris Sledge (nominated by Elexis Sledge); Wayne and Michelle Hodges (nominated by Kaytlen Hodges); Joe and Carla Castro (nominated by Elisha Castro); Tammy Meadows and Marty Davis (nominated by Rhiannon Meadows); Stacie Parker, Jeremy Parker, Zeke Davila, Scotty Parker and Charlie Parker (nominated by Alexia Davila); Jose Uc, Gelly Uc, Shirley Uc and Joseph Uc (nominated by Yeinsleen Jackeline Uc); Leslie Conner, David Conner, Lisa Conner, Karleen Conner and Dalton Conner (nominated by Karlee Conner); Michael Reza Moasser (nominated by Sima Bagheri); Zeke and Carmen Gonzales (nominated by Alyssa Gonzales); Angela Gattis (nominated by Tucker Gattis); Cristi Acrey, Heath Acrey, Averi Cross, Cade Acrey, Luke Cross, Alli Cross, Anaston Acrey, Hope Acrey, Greta Cullers and Dan Cullers (nominated by Sierra Cross); Lisa Farrell (nominated by Clara Analore); Bobby and Kelly Comisky (nominated by TaeLynn Comisky); Brancent Lyons (nominated by Melanie Lyons); Monica Garcia, Steve Garcia, Gloria Guzman, Adrian Shealor and Ezra Shealor (nominated by Alyssa Garcia); Maria, Kayla, Joanna, Brian and Brandon Longoria (nominated by Alexis Nevarez); Lori and Ryan Warren (nominated by Gemma Warren); Shannon and Sabian Lopez (nominated by Reagan Lopez); Tim, Diedre, Brook, Cole, Lilly, Luke and Kooper Scheulen (nominated by Taylor Schuelen); Juan Vazquez, Lily Vazquez and Ani Vazquez (nominated by Jairo Vazquez); Martha, Bernard and Rowan Rodriguez (nominated by Kingsley Rodriguez); Curtis and Patricia Smith (nominated by Gage Smith); Ron Kuehler (nominated by Alex Kuehler); Ron and Shana Chavez (nominated by Mykala Chavez); and Deborah Resendez, Abby Gomez, Alivia Gomez and Vidala Resendez (nominated by Ava Gomez).

Family of the Year awards have been given annually since 2017. Winners are chosen by a committee of staff members.

A commitment to family is a key WT value cited in the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

-West Texas A&M University