Alumni
1990-1993 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.
1993 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Ponce "Heloise" Cruse ('74)
Nationally known author and syndicated columnist on household hints, whose column runs in more than 500 newspapers
Jimmy Pappas ('56)
Vice admiral and director of Logistics on the Joint Staff during Operation Desert Storm; coordinated and managed one of the largest Department of Defense logistic operations since WWII
Chelcie Ross ('64)
Actor with more than 85 movie/TV credits; three top 10 sports films; Rudy, Hoosiers, Major League; stage career 45 years on three continents; Screen Actors Guild Award
Robert Skip Rutherford ('61)*
Four-star general who served 35 years in the Air Force; commander of Pacific Air Forces, commander- in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command and commander of Air Mobility Command
Roy L. Swift ('32)*
Chief of the Office of Public Information for Social Security Administration; author of two books on naval history
Lawrence E. Tilton ('58)
President of Lederle Laboratories, leading pharmaceutical company; president of three separate divisions of parent company, American Cyanamic; served on executive committee and chaired several industry associations
1992 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Esther Broome ('43)*
Led the research that developed flammability standards for mattresses and clothing and developed care labeling for textiles
Thomas Carter ('74)
Three-time Emmy-winning director, actor, and producer; received Directors’ Guild Award and George Foster Peabody Award
Charles Farmer ('63)*
Professor applied mathematics, ACE Fellow, Academic VP University of Tulsa; head of technology base for design Stealth Aircraft General Dynamics/ Lockheed Martin
George J. Garza, Sr. ('34 & '40)*
Chief educator advisor for the U.S. Department of State; president, League of United Latin American Citizens
Marvin O. Teague (54 & '57)*
Judge for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; consultant to Matthew-Bender Law Book Company; practiced before the U.S. Supreme Court
Larry Wright ('56 & '90)
Vice president and director of operations for Dow Chemical, USA; member of the U.S. Area Operating Board and Corporate Management Committee
1990 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Clovis Barker ('58)
A leader in Texas banking organizations as well as in a variety of local civic and professional organizations
Jack L. Martin ('73)
Serves as chairman and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a global communications firm with 87 offices in 49 countries; served as chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System; also served as executive assistant to Senator Lloyd Bentsen
J. Edwin Smith ('33)*
Handled the court case outlawing primaries that excluded African Americans; argued before the U.S. Supreme Court
*Deceased