1985 – Houston, Texas
A dynamic member of Houston’s community, civic and societal leadership, Lorraine Bland was the founding chairman of the Houston Grand Opera Guild, on the board of directors of the Alley Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera National Council, honorary chairman of the Smithsonian Adrain Collection, received the Alumni Merit Award from Millikin University, chaired the Consular Ball Committee and was a founding board member of the Houston Grand Opera. She received the Good Samaritan Award for forty-five years as board member assisting the indigent and was named Regent of the English National Opera of London by the Earl of Harewood. Lorraine was named a Yellow Rose of Texas by Governor Preston Smith. She served as trustee and vice president of the Museum of Fine Arts and was named honorary Daughter of the British Empire in establishing Mountbatten House. She was honored by the Noches De Las Americas. She and her late husband William were named Houston Cultural Leaders of the Year in 1979 and she received a commendation from President Lyndon Johnson for all City Symphony first in Germany. Mrs. Bland also has served the Red Cross, the Allied Arts Council of Houston and is an energetic Northwood supporter. (Deceased, 2005)
