Central Texas Celebrating Life Luncheon 2024

Our Speakers

Jim Caviezel

Jim Caviezel grew up on the countryside in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was raised in a devout spiritual Catholic family as one of five siblings. The Caviezels were a family of athletes, so Jim’s fervor became sports. He developed a passion for basketball as a hobby which in turn became a lifestyle for him. His coach described him as the “hardest worker he had seen in 30 years.” However, a foot injury curtailed his basketball endeavors and during his recovery, he stumbled upon acting. Jim Caviezel is best known for his roles as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ and John Reese in the hit TV series Person of Interest. Jim also has an upcoming film release, Sound of Freedom, that is the true-life story of Tim Ballard, a former US government agent who quits his job to devote his life to rescuing children from global sex traffickers.

Jim is married to Kerri, a high school English teacher by trade. They believe adoption is a blessing from God and have, themselves, adopted three children from China, two of whom, have health issues. The couple are outspoken advocates for the unborn and their right to life. Jim will be sharing his heart and passion for the Sanctity of Life in a rare and powerful speaking engagement as he joins us as our Keynote speaker at our Celebrating Life Luncheon.

Drayton McLane, Jr.

Chairman of the McLane Group

A native Texan, Drayton McLane, Jr. serves as chairman of the McLane Group and is the former CEO of the Houston Astros Baseball Club. This acclaimed entrepreneur, third-generation grocery wholesaler, business leader and generous philanthropist ensures the focus of all his endeavors are based upon strong Christian values and moral ethics.

McLane received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University. He then earned a Master’s degree at Michigan State University before joining McLane Wholesale Grocery Business Co., the family business founded by his grandfather in 1895. McLane quickly moved into management and, in 1978, replaced his father as President and CEO of the $176 million enterprise and held these positions for thirty years.During his tenure, he propelled the McLane Company into a $19 billion dollar company, achieving an average growth rate of 30 percent per year. Following the McLane Company’s merger with Wal-Mart, Inc. in 1990, he became Vice-Chairman of Wal-Mart while maintaining his position at the McLane Company.

For the last three-plus decades, McLane has been one of Baylor’s largest and most dedicated benefactors. Throughout his successful career, McLane has given the gifts of his time and experience to Baylor whether speaking on campus or through service on the Baylor Regents Board or other committees. He and his family have supported numerous endowed scholarships and helped make possible some of the campus’ most iconic structures of the last half-century. The bells in Pat Neff Hall, the McLane Student Life Center and Baylor’s football stadium all bear his and his family’s name.

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Our Speakers

Jim Caviezel

Drayton McLane, Jr.