The true measure of a university’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni. Texas A&M University is globally known to develop leaders of character and excellence. A vast number of the university’s former students have gained unique distinction through success in their professions, service to the university and contribution to their communities. In 1962, Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students established the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University and presented jointly at the Distinguished Alumni Gala.
Purpose and Philosophy
The purpose of the Distinguished Alumnus program is to recognize Texas A&M’s former students who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have honored the legacy of excellence at the university.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award does more than honor its recipients. It also further illustrates the great value of the academic programs and student involvement at Texas A&M and increases the pride all former and current students, staff and faculty have for the university.
Criteria for Selection
Recipients will be scored on their accomplishments in the three distinct areas outlined below. This distinction will be reflective of Texas A&M University’s core values: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. The three areas are:
- Professional Achievement and Career or Military Service Distinction: The recipient attained prominence through their efforts in commerce, industry, technology, agriculture, the arts, education, government, military, or other worthy endeavors that form a record of impressive accomplishment.
- Service to Society: The recipient exhibits a demonstrated commitment to service through volunteer efforts.
- Service and Support to Texas A&M University: The recipient’s deeds and actions reflect the importance of their educational training, pride in their alma mater, and loyalty to Texas A&M, as demonstrated through their interest in and support of the university and The Association of Former Students.
Eligible Nominees
Eligible nominees will have been enrolled in a regular course of study at Texas A&M for at least one semester.
Former students employed by the following organizations are not eligible for the award during their term of employment except as noted:
- The Texas A&M University System, including current members of the Board of Regents*
- Texas A&M University*
- The Association of Former Students, including current members of the Board of Directors
- 12th Man Foundation
- Texas A&M Foundation
- George and Barbara Bush Foundation
- Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association
* Exception - Former students currently employed by The Texas A&M University System and/or Texas A&M University shall become eligible for the award at the time their associated Class from Texas A&M University has reached the 40th year post-graduation; this exception does not apply to Texas A&M University System’s chancellor or current members of the Board of Regents, or Texas A&M University’s president.
Method of Nomination
Nominations for the Distinguished Alumnus Award may be submitted by any individual or group.
Nominations may also be submitted via The Association of Former Students’ Distinguished Alumnus Nominating Committee*.
The following individuals may not submit nominations during their term of service or employment with the stated organizations:
- The Association of Former Students’ president and CEO
- The Association of Former Students’ executive vice president and COO
- The Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors
- Texas A&M University president (including acting or interim)
- Texas A&M Foundation president
- 12th Man Foundation president
- George and Barbara Bush Foundation CEO
- Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association president and CEO
- Members of the Distinguished Alumnus Nominating and Selection Committees.
A nomination must be submitted through the online portal at: https://theassociationofformerstudents.submittable.com/submit and include the following to be considered complete:
- Letter of nomination (required)
- Current biography, Curriculum vitae, or resume (required)
Although not required, up to three letters of support will be accepted. Letters of support will not be accepted from the following:
- The Association of Former Students’ president and CEO and
- The Association of Former Students’ executive vice president and COO
- Texas A&M University president (including acting or interim)
- Texas A&M Foundation president
- 12th Man Foundation president
- George and Barbara Bush Foundation CEO
- Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association president and CEO
- Members of the Distinguished Alumnus Nominating and Selection Committees
Other items to consider for submittal with the application may include (not required):
- Awards or certificates of achievements
- Newspaper and magazine articles
- Personal stories
- Awards or certificates of achievement
- Other items of interest
One nomination per individual will be considered.
Nominations will be held for each individual for five years unless updated and renewed by the original or another appropriate nominator for consideration in a subsequent year.
*The Distinguished Alumnus Nominating Committee is an anonymous standing committee of The Association of Former Students. Members are appointed annually by The Association’s Chair of the Board of Directors (three former students) and the Texas A&M University President (two faculty/staff).
Method of Award Recipient Selection
The Association of Former Students will use the following process and guidelines for the award recipient selection:
- The Association’s Chair Elect of the Board will appoint five former students and the Texas A&M University President will appoint four faculty/ staff members to an anonymous selection committee. At least one of the selection committee members appointed by The Association’s Chair Elect of the Board must have served on the selection committee the previous year. Additionally, one member of the selection committee must be a Distinguished Alumnus.
- The Association will collect online submitted nominations received by the annual deadline of Aug. 31 (for the following year’s award).
- All Distinguished Alumnus Award nominations will be reviewed (by The Association) for completeness consistent with the method of nomination requirements described above.
- Following a review process all completed nomination packets are then provided to the anonymous selection committee. Up to 12 recipients may be selected annually. Additional recipients must be approved by The Association’s Board of Directors. A Board member must recuse themselves if an individual for whom they have written a letter of support is presented to the Board for approval of additional (greater than 12) recipients.
