Leaders In Business, Education And The Community To Be Honored At The 2018 A&M-Commerce Alumni Awards Gala

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Texas A&M University-Commerce will host its 2018 Alumni Awards Gala on May 4, 2018. During the ceremony, two Gold Blazers and nine Distinguished Alumni will be awarded for their invaluable contributions in business and the community.

“The Awards Gala is an annual endeavor that allows the university to recognize some of its most successful and dedicated alumni by bestowing upon them the title of Distinguished Alumni or Gold Blazer,” said Derryle Peace, director of Alumni Relations.  “It is an evening to share their accomplishments, contributions to the university and society as a whole, and revel in the role that the university has played in their lives.”

Vivian Chaffin and Arlan Purdy are being honored as this year's Gold Blazers. Gold Blazers are alumni who work on behalf of the university without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain.  The efforts of Gold Blazers provide both economic and social benefits to the university.

“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,” said Rachel Mitchell, communications and events coordinator for Alumni Relations.

Among this year's Distinguished Alumni are:

Joe Cavender, President, Cavender's Stores Ltd.

Sydna Gordon, Attorney, Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts, P.C.

Hoyle Julian, retired, Director of Large Systems Programs, ARCO Oil and Gas

Ann Oglesby Julian, retired, Librarian

Carla Pratt, Dean, Washburn University School of Law

Phillip Ray, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, The Texas A&M University System

Dr. Rosie M. Collins Sorrells, retired Public Schools Educator and Administrator

Bruce Trego, Sector President for ISR Systems, L3 Technologies

Ronald Scott Wheeler, President, CFO and Board Member, Daseke Inc.

Distinguished Alumni are those graduates who have achieved illustrious careers, usually in their field of study. This honor is the highest one the Alumni Association bestows.

“The Alumni Awards Gala is one of our most important events each year and is usually our highest-attended,” Mitchell said.

The event takes place on Friday, May 4, 2018, beginning at 5 PM. For more information, contact Mitchell at 903-468-3085 or [email protected].