WACO, Texas — The McLennan Community College Foundation’s Highlander Alumni & Friends Association honored a famous former student with one of its highest awards this November.

At the annual Scholar, Donor & Alumni Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 7, the Association presented the Distinguished Alumna Award to Grammy-winning musician Ruthie Foster.

Foster, originally from Gause, Texas, "honed her craft" at MCC in what is now the Music Industry Careers program, the college said. She has since gone on to become a renowned blues, soul and folk artist, with her tenth and most recent album "Mileage" earning her the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Foster was also inducted into the Texas Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 2024.

"[Foster's] journey is a powerful reminder o

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