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Distinguished Achievement University Level



Since 1955, The Association of Former Students has recognized outstanding members of Texas A&M’s faculty and staff for their commitment, performance and positive impact on Aggie students, Texas citizens and the world around them.

Distinguished Achievement Award University Level Criteria & Nomination Information

2008 Recipients


For Teaching
  • Leland Carlson, aerospace engineering
  • Paul S. Busch, marketing
  • John Valasek, aerospace engineering
  • Michael D. Williard, Class of 1974, small animal clinical sciences
  • Daniel A. Singleton, chemistry
  • Luciana R. Barroso, civil engineering
  • James D. Herman, Class of 1986, veterinary physiology and pharmacology
  • Behbood B. Zoghi, Class of 1993, engineering technology and industrial distribution
  • Charles W. Lafon, geography
  • Jerald A. Caton, mechanical engineering.


For research
  • James C. Sacchettini, biochemistry and biophysics
  • David E. Bergbreiter, chemistry
  • Michael A. Hitt, management
  • Leonard L. Berry, marketing
  • Guoyao Wu, animal science
  • Dorothy E. Shippen, biochemistry and biophysics.

For staff
  • Marguerite Van Dyke, recreation, park and tourism sciences
  • Frank D. Cervantez, Class of 1992, engineering technology and industrial distribution.

For student relations
  • Leslie H. Feigenbaum, Class of 1980, College of Architecture
  • Patricia D. Collins, Texas A&M University at Qatar. Collins is the first person at A&M’s Qatar campus to receive the Distinguished Achievement Award.

For administration
  • Joe D. Townsend, Class of 1967, associate dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

For extension, outreach, continuing education and professional development
  • Joe L. Outlaw, Class of 1987, agricultural economics.

For graduate mentoring
  • John L. Junkins, aerospace engineering
  • Bernd G. Würsig, Texas A&M University at Galveston.


Past Recipients