Homecoming Honoree: Dr. Albert Reyes

As president and CEO of Dallas-based Buckner International, Reyes directs the nonprofit Christian services organization that provides humanitarian aid and myriad support programs for vulnerable children, orphans, families and senior adults in the U.S. and six other countries through seven corporations. He also oversees more than 2,200 staff, a $150 million budget and nearly $1 billion in assets.

A 1981 ASU graduate, Reyes has certainly come a long way from working in his parents’ grocery, laundry and wholesale candy businesses in Corpus Christi. Even before joining Buckner in 2007, Reyes was president of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio from 1999-2006. He has also served as pastor of Love Field Church and North Temple Baptist Church in Dallas and was the founding pastor of the Pueblo Nuevo Community Church in El Paso. He credits his ASU education for setting him on that diverse and fulfilling career path.

“I hope to continue to represent ASU in the future.”

“I am certainly indebted to my professors, the administration and the entire ASU Family for shaping me professionally,” Reyes said. “While I went to seminary for graduate theological education, ASU provided the educational foundation I needed for nonprofit leadership and pastoral ministry.”

And Reyes is not shy about showing his blue and gold pride. He often references his time at ASU in presentations to audiences throughout the U.S. and other countries – as well as during his many guest lectures to ASU students on campus. He also gave the commencement address during ASU’s fall 2014 graduation ceremonies.

“I take every opportunity to invest back into ASU during on-campus visits to help shape the next generation of leaders from ASU,” he said.

For his tremendous career success, generosity of human spirit and support of ASU students, the ASU Alumni Association has named Reyes its 2021 Distinguished Alumnus.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for this incredible recognition,” Reyes said. “This is an honor of a lifetime. I hope to continue to represent ASU in the future.”

Reyes also holds two doctoral degrees and is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. He has held adjunct faculty positions at multiple universities and has published numerous articles in newspapers and faith-based journals and study guides, as well as two books, “The Jesus Agenda” and “Hope Now.” He and his wife, Belinda, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in January 2022, and they have three adult sons.