Hannibal-LaGrange names 2008 alumni award winners
By Staff
HANNIBAL – Hannibal-LaGrange College (HLG) recognized the annual alumni award winners during homecoming at the Nov. 7 alumni banquet. Benny F. Tucker was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award; Larry B. Craig was given the Outstanding Service Award; and Erica M. Henry Baldwin was named the Outstanding Young Alumnus.
Tucker, a native of Hannibal, earned the award that is presented to an HLG graduate for significant and broad accomplishments in business or professional life, or for state or nation. He received an associate of arts degree from Hannibal-LaGrange College in 1958, and a bachelor of science degree in secondary mathematics education from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State University) in 1960. He received a master’s in mathematics education from State College of Iowa in 1964, and a Ph.D. in elementary mathematics from the University of Illinois in 1975. He is currently professor emeritus of education and part-time professor of education at Union University, Jackson, Tenn. Tucker has authored several books and numerous articles on mathematics education. He has been married to Mary Jo Avery Tucker, HLG Class of 1958, for 50 years. They have two children and six grandchildren, and are active members of West Jackson Baptist Church.
Craig was recognized with the award presented to an HLG alumnus who has given outstanding service to the college or their community through involvement in civic endeavors, religious leadership, or philanthropic efforts. He received an associate of commerce degree from Hannibal-LaGrange College in 1965 and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in 1968. He retired after 25 years of service as a commissioned officer in the United States Army and returned to his hometown of Hannibal in 1993. Craig has served as regional director with the Salvation Army flood relief effort, which included five Northeast Missouri counties and two Illinois counties; he was the City of Hannibal’s first elected mayor pro tempore from May, 1995-October, 1997; and from 1997-2007 served as executive director of the Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Connie Craig, and they have two children and five grandchildren. He is a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church where he serves as a trustee, chairman of the Board of Deacons, and a soloist/choir member.
Henry-Baldwin, a resident of Raleigh, N.C., was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumnus award. The award is given to an HLG graduate who is 35 years of age or younger for outstanding accomplishments in their profession, business, community, state or nation. Baldwin is a 2000 graduate of Hannibal-LaGrange College. She is currently employed as assistant director of communications for the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Government Information Officers.
She began her writing/editing career in HLG’s public relations department where she worked for two years following graduation. Baldwin has written several articles for Baptist Press and is writer, managing editor, and SEANC spokesperson for The News & Observer in Raleigh. She and her husband, Steve Baldwin, are active members of Friendship Baptist Church where they work in the junior high Awana program. She serves as a coach for Bible Quiz, and assists with church-wide drama presentations.