Gold Blazers
The Gold Blazer Award was first awarded in 1984 and is given annually to an alumnus for service to The Alumni Association of Texas A&M University-Commerce, Inc., and to the university. Forty-nine Gold Blazer Awards have been awarded during the last 26 years. The Alumni Association has been fortunate to have alumni who work on behalf of the university without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain. Their efforts have provided two major benefits: economic and social. In both cases their involvement has had an overwhelming effect on the Alumni Association's ability to reconnect with alumni and provide positive avenues for their interaction with the university and student body. The Alumni Association is pleased to present three individuals with the Gold Blazer Award, all of whom epitomize Professor Mayo's motto: “ceaseless industry, fearless investigation, unfettered thought and unselfish services to others.”
Larry Goddard's (Class of 1980 & 1991) roots at “Old ET” began in 1969 when his family moved to Commerce, where his father established the university's computer science department, the first in Texas.
Goddard's pride for his alma mater runs deep. His desire to see other students succeed led to his service as the associate vice president of development, marketing and community relations where he secured scholarship money for hundreds of students, affectionately known as “Larry's Kids.” He also was instrumental in raising funds to support the renovation of the Heritage House.
Goddard currently serves as executive director of the Tyler Independent School District Foundation. He has won several awards for his work in events, publications, and campaigns including being named East Texas Regional Citizen of the Year in 2008. In 2010, he was named Key Communicator, the highest award given in public relations/communications for Texas public schools, and was recently named president-elect of Texas Association of Partners in Education.
Dr. Jan Huffstutler (Class of 1967 & 1972 & 1983) holds three degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Huffstutler acknowledges wholeheartedly that education made a significant impact in her life.
She has devoted herself to life in the classroom, transitioning from the role as student to a successful career in higher education.
Throughout her career, Huffstutler has maintained strong ties to the university, serving on the Texas A&M University-Commerce Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1993.
Huffstutler is married to Ron and has a son, daughter, and stepson. Her son is also a graduate of A&M-Commerce.
For Harry B. Power (Class of 1973), Lion pride is a family affair. Not only did he graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a bachelor's degree in marketing, his wife Georgia; sons, Craig and Kyle; and daughter-in-law, Morgan, all graduated from the university as well.
Power bleeds blue and gold. He has served on the university alumni board, co-hosted receptions for A&M-Commerce alumni from Kaufman County, and been an avid supporter of 88.9 KETR, A&M-Commerce athletic events, summer camps, and performances at the Performing Arts Center. His volunteer activities also extend to recruitment, and include hosting Lion's Night for Forney High School seniors, an event encouraging students to attend A&M-Commerce.
He currently serves as director of marketing for Sleep Therapy Associates of Texas, a network of sleep centers that specialize in diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.