Alumni
1980-1983 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by Texas State University and the Texas State Alumni Association. The award recognizes graduates who have achieved prominence and distinction in their chosen business, profession, or life work on a national or international level. The leadership shown by these alumni inspires all members of the Texas State community.
1983 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
L. Joe Berry ('30)*
Internationally known medical microbiologist; authority on interactions of infective microorganisms and their hosts; widely published
Sadie Ray Powell ('43)*
Who’s Who Among American Educators; president of Council of International Relations working with military bases and universities
John Mack Prescott ('41)*
Widely noted for his research in the chemistry and metabolism of amino acids and proteins; dean of the College of Science at Texas A&M University
1982 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Wallace D. Dockall ('48 & '49)*
President and CEO of the Texas Education Foundation; developed a computerized national development center for educators; two-time All- American football player at Texas State
Dr. Roy F. Mitte ('53, '58, & '08)*
Founder of Financial Industries Corporation, a group of national insurance companies; donated millions to Texas State University
Russell G. Vilet ('52 & '53)*
Award-winning playwright, poet, and novelist; Rockefeller Fellow in fiction and poetry; Dobie-Paisano resident in fiction
1981 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
J.H.U. Brown ('39)*
Developed the concept of biomedical engineering, the application of engineering principles to the medical field; developed drugs still used in cancer treatment
Ella Sorelle Porter ('30)*
President of Kappa Delta Pi; first woman administrator in Houston ISD; math teacher; helped organize the Houston Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Don Rains ('66)
Served as Texas State representative for District 45; served in leadership roles in numerous civic organizations
1980 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
William L. Deck ('39 & '40)*
One of the first to develop a course of study to reflect electricity/electronics technology in industrial arts
John "Abe" Houston ('34 & '42)*
Numerous national awards from Lions International; WWII veteran; city of Waco’s first personnel director
Tomás Rivera ('58 & '64)*
Internationally known author; set the standard for contemporary Mexican- American literature; chancellor at the University of California; professor
*Deceased