Ms. Sharon Burum

Frances majored in general business at SFA. She was a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities from 1942 to 1944 and served as secretary and treasurer for the College Commission and for the Amities. She also was a reporter for The Pine Log and served as its assistant editor in 1944. She was associate editor of The Stone Fort yearbook, member of the Lumberjackettes, president of the Wesley Student Union and president of the senior class at the Methodist church.
She graduated from SFA in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree and worked in the auditing department of the U.S. Navy in Washington D.C.
Lester majored in Agriculture at SFA. In 1943, he was president of the student body, the College Commission and Sawyers. He also was a member of the Ag Club, Press Club and Baptist Student Union. Named “Most Popular Boy,” he also served as business manager for The Pine Log and was a member of the Naval Reserve and Texas Defense Guard. He left the university to enter the Navy, where he served until 1945. After completing his military service, Smith enrolled at Texas A&M University and completed his degree in 1946.
Having met and dated as SFA students, Lester and Frances reunited after World War II and married in 1946. During their 51 years of marriage, the couple remained active in civic, community and church activities.
He managed Savings and Loan Associations in Baytown, Levelland and Grand Prairie and also participated in Chamber of Commerce activities, the Lion’s Club, Meals on Wheels and other service-oriented groups.
Frances taught public school during their marriage and was named “Teacher of the Year” in 1984. She also held numerous offices in Woman’s Club and volunteered for many community and church groups.
“Since both of our parents ended their years as teachers and raised two daughters who are also teachers, it seemed fitting to honor them with a teaching scholarship in their name at SFA, the school that brought them together,” said their daughter Pam.