Distinguished Alumni Award

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.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are chosen from a wide range of industries, reflecting the diversity of our alumni community. To help guide the selection process, general criteria are provided to highlight the types of professions and roles that may lead to a strong nomination for the award. 

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 and holders of public office are ineligible.
    • The awards are not presented in absentia*.
    • 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.
    • Award may be withdrawn by the selection committee for any cause which reflects poorly upon the university or the Alumni Association.
    • Note: Individuals for the Young Alumni Award must be under 40 on January 1 of the award year.

    • 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 or future potential to serve as a volunteer, donor, and/or advocate.
    • 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.

  • Required Nomination Form:

    • Nomination form answering the questions below.
      • What is the nominee’s occupation and what exceptional professional achievements and noteworthy accomplishments has he/she achieved?
      • How has the nominee exhibited, through career advancement, responsibility and leadership, the unique qualities needed to be recognized for this award?
      • What has been the significant impact of the nominee on a local, regional, national and/or international level within a specific industry?
      • How has the nominee demonstrated service to and recognition by Texas State University?
      • How has the nominee demonstrated service within local, regional, national and international communities?
         

    Recommended Supplemental Materials:

    • Cover letter summarizing nominee’s eligibility.
    • Current resume, biographical information or curriculum vitae for the nominee (not to exceed five (5) pages).
    • 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.

  • 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.