Old but Gold

Adriana Cobo Frenkel is a 90-year-old sculptor who also had a career in biochemistry. She grew up in Chile and later studied art in Dallas before working with marble. A mother of four daughters, she also devoted part of her life to supporting abused women in her community, alongside her artistic and scientific pursuits.

Faye Munson is an 84-year-old educator with a master’s and PhD in American Literature. She spent years teaching at the University of Southwest Louisiana and lived in Singapore for eight years. As a lifelong traveler, she’s carried her love of learning across the world...

Vicki Hill is an 73-year-old educator with a lifelong passion for teaching and learning. She spent 40 years as a professor at SMU, where she helped build one of the university’s most prestigious academic centers. As a passionate traveler, Ms. Hill has explored 34 countries and counting, carrying with her a wealth of stories and wisdom from around the globe.

Ruth Turner is a 99-year-old woman deeply involved in the field of education. For more than 60 years, she’s been shaping how we teach and support students with disabilities, creating programs and lesson plans that completely changed the game.

Dr. Smith is a 90-year-old infectious disease specialist and veteran of the U.S. Public Health Service. Dr. Smith was a pioneer in early AIDS research during the 1980s.

Frances Jones is an 85-year-old woman who spent her early years in an orphanage and was adopted at age 18. She then attended college and dedicated her career to education, making a lasting impact as a teacher.

Rozina Vlasimsky is a remarkable 94-year-old woman with a rich and inspiring story. Born in the Czech Republic, Mrs. Vlasimsky fled her home country at the age of 18 during the 1930s. She went on to build a new life in Canada and the United States, first working as a dance teacher before eventually finding her passion in real estate.

Bill McMillin is a 95-year-old veteran and retired aerospace engineer. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served in Japan and Korea from 1951 to 1953, rising to First Lieutenant. Mr. McMillin spent 48 years at Chance Vought Aircraft in Dallas, working on aircraft, missiles, and space programs. He was part of the team that built the spacesuit and was friends with Neil Armstrong and Buzz...

Ernie McAfee is an 86-year-old former U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant. After completing Naval ROTC, he served from 1960 to 1962 in the U.S. and Hawaii, holding roles like Infantry Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. He also coached the Marine track team to an undefeated season and a Hawaiian all-service championship. After his service, Ernie returned to work in his family’s constru...

Ms. Hullum is currently 100 years old. She grew up on a ranch in East Texas and was chosen by her father over five siblings to lead the family cattle business. To be able to thrive in male-dominated worlds as a rancher, oil company founder, and a Neiman Marcus buyer at that time was unbelievable. She overcame addiction, reshaped her life as a counselor, and showed us how age is nothing but a numbe...

Dr. Gary Jones gave total medical care to families of the Air Force Servicemen who were pilots in training at Reese AF Base in Lubbock, TX. The hardest thing he was ever called to do was to accompany the base commander when he informed the wives of pilots who had died serving our country. After service, Dr. Jones entered medical practice with his father and older brother. He changed from general m...