Distinguished Alumni Award

Due to 2024 being a celebration of the 125th anniversary of Texas State, we will not be selecting new Distinguished Alumni, Young Alumni Rising Star, or Denise M. Trauth Outstanding Leadership Award recipients. In 2024, we will celebrate all past recipients at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Gala. More details to come.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have achieved prominence and made a significant impact on the lives of others through their professions, accomplishments, affiliations, and service to the society and the university. This exclusive award was first presented to Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, who later served as the thirty-sixth President of the United States of America. To this day, Lyndon B. Johnson’s legacy inspires excellence at Texas State, as it maintains the unique distinction of being the only university in Texas to have graduated a U.S. President.

Nomination Form

Submit a nomination for the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Criteria and Guidelines

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    • The nominee must be a graduate of Texas State University.
    • Alumni employed by Texas State University, current members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and candidates for and holders of public office are ineligible. 
    • The awards are not presented in absentia (exceptions for extenuating circumstances).
    • Nominations may be made by any individual or group, except for self-nominations.
    • Nominations of individuals not selected will be held and considered “active” for two (2) consecutive years (the first year of nomination and one subsequent year). 
    • Nominators are encouraged to update nomination packets prior to the nomination deadline, each year the nomination is considered active. 
    • Individuals may be re-nominated at any time.
    • Nomination (or award) may be withdrawn by the selection committee for any cause.
    • Individuals for the Young Alumni Award must be under 40 on January 1 of the award year (2023).

    • Professional prominence with noteworthy accomplishments
    • Career advancement, responsibility and leadership
    • Level of significant impact within specific industry at the local, regional, national and/or international level
    • Demonstrated service and recognitions with Texas State University
    • Demonstrated service with local, state, national and/or international community
    • Nominee must be in good standing with the university
    • Nominee must be able to attend the Distinguished Alumni Gala of the award year

  • The nomination packet MUST include the following items:

    1. Nomination form
    2. Cover letter summarizing nominee’s eligibility
    3. Current resume, biographical information or curriculum vitae for the nominee (not to exceed five pages).
    4. A minimum of one (1), but no more than three (3), letters of support from non-family members specifically addressing the selection criteria. Letters of support may be submitted by anyone with the exception of the nominee’s family and Alumni Relations staff.  Alumni Association Board Members may write a letter of support but must recuse himself/herself from any type of input or action that may occur with the selection process.
    5. The nomination packet must be received in its entirety by the deadline.

  • Please complete the nomination form and submit the required documents in one of the following ways:

    • Electronic upload via the nomination form below
    • Email to alumni@txstate.edu
    • Mail or hand-deliver to:
      • Office of Alumni Engagement
        Texas State University
        601 University Dr.
        LBJ Student Center, 3-20.5
        San Marcos, TX 78666

  • We recommend drafting your answers in a word document and compiling all of the pieces of the nomination before submitting the form.

Background Information

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  • The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1959 to honor outstanding alumni and celebrate their achievements.  The first Texas State Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, who later served as thirty-sixth President of the United States of America.  To this day, Lyndon B. Johnson’s legacy inspires excellence at Texas State University as it maintains the unique distinction of being the only university in Texas to have graduated a U.S. President.

  • The purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Young Alumni Rising Star Award is to recognize the University’s alumni who have achieved prominence and made a significant impact on the lives of others through their profession, accomplishments, affiliations, and service to society and the University.  The award honors its recipients and demonstrates the remarkable opportunities available at Texas State.  The achievements of our Alumni recipients will inspire pride in our alumni, students, staff, and faculty and recognize the important impact of their experience as a student at Texas State University.

  • Recipients will be notified by the Alumni Association Director and the Alumni Association President and asked to accept the award and be present at the annual Distinguished Alumni Gala during Homecoming.  Honorees are also expected to be present for various activities planned for them during Homecoming week.