While in college, it can be hard to imagine what life after graduation will be like, but having a college degree provides endless opportunities.
With this degree, it becomes a student’s responsibility to carve their path to success. Thousands of Texas A&M University-Kingsville graduates have done just that by using their TAMUK education as a stepping stone in their careers. To honor Texas A&I and TAMUK graduates, the Javelina Alumni Association, hosts an annual dinner and banquet for “Distinguished Alumni.”
The 2018 banquet was held during Homecoming week on Oct. 26 in the MSUB Grand Ballrooms.
The purpose of the event is to honor the work of alumni who have impacted society in various ways.
“Since 1931, the Javelina community has come together annually to commemorate our heritage during a week-long Homecoming celebration. As part of this celebration, we honor individuals who have distinguished themselves through professional and civic accomplishments, individuals who have brought special honor to our entire university and community,” said Brad Walker, the vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Relations and CEO of TAMUK Foundation.
At the event five alumni were honored as “Distinguished Alumni,” those who have accomplished incredible things in their careers and brought honor to the Javelina Nation. The five individuals awarded as “Distinguished Alumni” were James Gandy class of 1974, James W. Hill class of 1969, Alan Johnson class of 1971, Cynthia Lee Vidaurri class of 1991 and Robert H. Welker class of 1950.
Vidaurri was the only female to receive an award at the 2018 banquet. She currently lives in Washington D.C. where she works at the Smithsonian Institute.
“Getting this kind of award makes you [reflect] about your life and what you’ve done and what you did to get here,” Vidaurri said.
In her speech, she talked about how TAMUK changes lives.
“This is a wonderful resource for South Texas. This university has been such a treasure for thousands and thousands of families that have had their students come here and gone out into the world and done amazing things, and I’m just one of a few of them,” Vidaurri said.
Along with the five “Distinguished Alumni” awards Manny Salazar III, class of 2005, received the “Rising Star Award.” This award is given to TAMUK alumni who have found professional success within 15 years of their graduation, according to a Javelina Nation press release.
Dr. Richard L. Miller, a professor of psychology at TAMUK, was given the “Distinguished Research Award.”
As this semester marks President Tallant’s last semester as the president of TAMUK, he was awarded as an “Honorary Javelina Alumni.” Tallant talked about how TAMUK has impacted he and his wife.
“We’ve lived in 12 states, two countries, we’ve made 17 moves in our lives…no place have we ever lived has changed our lives like Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the city of Kingsville,” Tallant said.
“Now I went to three universities. I’m a Gator, I’m a Ute, and I’m a Badger, but I’m going to tell you something, none of that means that much anymore because tonight I’m a Javelina.”
