The Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation, Inc. (HFQF) was honored for its long-standing history of support to Wayland Baptist University with a Keeper of the Flame award at the Pioneers of Excellence banquet on Thursday, April 25. The event took place in Plainview, Texas, in the Historic Hilton Ballroom at the Conrad Lofts Downtown.
Founded in 2012, the HFQF has been steadfast in its mission to provide financial support to the Flying Queens women’s basketball program. Over the past several years, the Foundation’s commitment deepened with the creation of the Flying Queens Museum, which officially opened in February 2023.
The Foundation was recognized for reaching the $100,000 level in cumulative giving. Representing the HFQF at the event were Darla Ford, second vice president for team support, and Terri Henry, board member.
“The Flying Queens has been part of Wayland’s great history for more than 75 years,” said Ford. “Wayland gave the Queens the necessary tools to go out into the world and inspire and lead the next generation. Thank you, Wayland, for making the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation part of the ‘Pioneers of Excellence.'”
The Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation, Inc. continues to uphold its mission to support the current Flying Queens team, celebrate the program’s distinguished history in women’s college basketball, and build endowments to provide enduring financial support for both the Flying Queens program and the Flying Queens Museum.
From HFQF President Valerie Goodwin-Colbert:
It is with pride and gratitude that Wayland Baptist University acknowledges the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation as a Pioneer of Excellence at the campus ceremony of April 24. The Foundation and University have been partners since 2012 in efforts of support and growth. We will proudly show off the beautiful trophy at the Flying Queens Museum on the Plainview campus as a symbol of long-lasting commitment and respect to each other.