Spark Awards
The Spark Awards honor individuals whose leadership, generosity, and lifelong commitment have ignited curiosity and strengthened the mission of the Mayborn Museum Complex. Each recipient represents the spirit of discovery that defines our museum, advancing education, stewardship, and community impact in meaningful and lasting ways. Through their vision and service, they ensure that the Mayborn remains a place where learners of all ages are inspired to explore, question, and grow.
Berkley Knas, 2026
Through dedicated leadership and a deep commitment to community, Berkley expands opportunities for curiosity and learning across Central Texas.
Bio
Berkley Knas has spent nearly two decades serving the Waco community through thoughtful leadership across organizations that shape daily life—from healthcare and education to cultural institutions like the Mayborn Museum Complex and the Cameron Park Zoo.
At the Mayborn, Berkley’s impact has been especially significant. In 2024, she co-led the Museum’s 20th anniversary fundraising campaign, helping secure critical support to ensure the Museum’s continued ability to inspire learners of all ages. Her work reflects a clear understanding of the role cultural institutions play in fostering curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning.
What distinguishes Berkley’s leadership is not only the scope of her service, but the way she carries it out—with humility, intention, and a genuine commitment to bringing others along. Whether guiding major initiatives or serving behind the scenes, she leads in a way that strengthens both institutions and the people within them.
Through her vision and service, Berkley helps ensure the Mayborn remains a place where our community can explore, discover, and grow.
Alice Starr, 2026
Through strategic leadership and a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, Alice advances education, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for curiosity to thrive.
Bio
Alice Starr brings more than three decades of experience in business, public service, and charitable leadership, with a career defined by strengthening organizations and expanding their impact. As founder of Starr Strategies, she has helped nonprofits and emerging organizations achieve their fundraising and communications goals—raising millions of dollars through innovative campaigns and strategic engagement.
Since coming to Waco in 2010, Alice has played a meaningful role in supporting education and community initiatives across Central Texas. Alongside her husband, she has helped provide scholarships for students at McLennan Community College and Baylor University, while also championing opportunities that connect students to broader experiences in leadership and public service. Her commitment to education was recently recognized with the dedication of the Alice M. Starr Plaza at McLennan Community College.
In addition to her local impact, Alice has served in leadership roles across a wide range of civic, cultural, and nonprofit organizations nationwide, including advisory and board service with institutions focused on the arts, education, healthcare, and community development. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how strategic philanthropy can shape stronger, more connected communities.
Through her vision and service, Alice helps advance a culture of learning and engagement—ensuring that institutions like the Mayborn Museum Complex continue to inspire curiosity and opportunity for generations to come.
Leo Brown, 2025
From childhood wonder to lifelong stewardship, Leo keeps the spark of discovery alive for generations.
Bio
Leo’s connection to the Mayborn Museum spans more than 70 years. He first explored the museum as a child in the early 1950s, pushing the light-up buttons on the giant tree cross-section that still fascinates young visitors today. He later helped move collections in the late 1960s, marveled at the Marine Turtle display in the 1980s, and stood proudly beside his father—former Strecker Museum Director Bryce C. Brown—at the grand opening of the Mayborn Museum in 2004.
Leo’s mother, Lillian Brown, also gave years of quiet, dedicated service to our Natural History collections. Together, the Brown family helped shape the spirit and stewardship that continue to define our museum today. Leo’s service has truly spanned a lifetime. What began as a young boy helping his father has grown into a lifelong commitment. Today, he continues to serve the museum with unwavering dedication—welcoming visitors as a volunteer and playing an essential role behind the scenes in our collections work. In addition to his hands-on contributions, Leo is a generous donor to the museum. He funds the Bryce C. Brown Research Fellowships, which support original research using our collections—ensuring that the legacy of discovery, and the legacy of his father, continues for future generations of scholars and students.
Greta Watson, 2025
Through visionary leadership and enduring generosity, Greta builds places where curiosity can flourish.
Bio
Greta’s legacy of giving, particularly in the realms of education and culture, has touched countless lives throughout Central Texas. Alongside her late husband, a respected and well-known senator in the region, Greta has supported transformative initiatives that continue to shape our community today. Their philanthropy has been especially impactful in the area of higher education, benefiting institutions such as Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Texas State Technical College.
A Baylor alumna and lifelong advocate for curiosity and lifelong learning, Greta has been deeply connected to the Mayborn Museum for decades. Her involvement began with the Strecker Associates, a dedicated group that supported the Strecker Museum Complex—predecessor to the Mayborn Museum. As a passionate advocate and later president of the Strecker Associates, Greta helped lead efforts to raise awareness and vital funding for the museum’s programs and future. Under her leadership, the Associates played a pivotal role in the creation of the beautiful museum building we enjoy today. She was serving as president when the Mayborn Museum opened its doors.
Today, Greta continues to be a valued donor and active member of our Board of Advocates, helping to advance the Mayborn’s mission—for all to learn and grow. Her enduring support has helped foster a museum where curiosity thrives and future generations are invited to discover, question, and explore.
Sue Mayborn, 2024
With integrity, vision, and steadfast support, Sue champions a culture of lifelong learning.
Bio
Sue Mayborn, renowned for her journalistic excellence and commitment to education, has made a lasting impact on Texas. From her role as owner, editor, and publisher of prominent newspapers to her involvement in various educational initiatives, Sue exemplifies integrity and community service. Following her late husband's footsteps, she continues to champion causes close to her heart, including steadfast support for the museum. Her contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Founder's Medal in 2021. Sue's unwavering commitment and generosity have been instrumental in the museum's success, and we celebrate 20 years of its impact thanks to her dedication.
John and Marie Chiles, 2024
Through devoted leadership and transformative philanthropy, John and Marie ensure curiosity has a lasting home.
Bio
John and Marie Chiles, inseparable from Baylor for nearly 70 years, have left an indelible mark on campus. They've chaired fundraising committees, supporting various initiatives from scholarships to lecture series, and even donated cutting-edge technology to the Louise Herrington School of Nursing. Their dedication earned them the Baylor University Founder’s Medal in 2012 and Marie's recognition as an Alumnae by Choice in 2023. Today, we honor their pivotal role in the development of the Sue and Frank Mayborn Natural Science and Cultural History Museum Complex, where they've served as passionate advocates and leaders, ensuring its success and longevity. Without their commitment and generosity, we wouldn't be celebrating 20 years of the museum's impact.