What is the Distinguished Alumnus Award?
Established in 1962, the Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University. The award is jointly sponsored by The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M to recognize those former students who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and careers have brought great honor and distinction to Texas A&M. Since its inception, only 366 of Texas A&M’s more than 629,000 former students have been recognized for their significant contributions to their professions, Texas A&M University and their local communities.
What is the Distinguished Alumni Gala?
The Distinguished Alumni Gala is one of the most anticipated and prestigious events on the Texas A&M campus. In addition to honoring the 2026 Distinguished Alumni, we will also celebrate all prior year honorees of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The event will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a formal three-course dinner and awards presentation recognizing this year’s honorees.
Where will the Distinguished Alumni Gala be held?
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Gala will be held on the floor of Reed Arena, located on the Texas A&M University campus.
What time will the Distinguished Alumni Gala begin and end?
The reception will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. The program will conclude around 10:30 p.m.
What is the attire?
Attire for the event is black-tie. Most gentlemen will wear a tuxedo, and ladies typically wear a formal evening gown or dress. For planning purposes, guests will take either an elevator or stairs to the floor of Reed Arena. The arena can also be chilly, so a light wrap or jacket is recommended.
Is the invitation list restricted to certain individuals or open to everyone?
While the Distinguished Alumni Gala is a ticketed event, all current students, former students and friends of Texas A&M are welcome to purchase a ticket or a table.
Are tickets still available?
Yes, please visit our registration page for current individual ticket and table sponsorship availability.
What is the cancellation policy?
• Registration closes on Friday, July 31, 2026, or once maximum capacity is reached.
• Transfers of table and ticket purchases are allowed up until the registration deadline.
• On or before Friday, July 31, 2026 – 100% refund
• Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, through Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 – 50% refund
• On or after Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 – No refunds available
I purchased a table sponsorship or an individual ticket. Where is my ticket?
Guests do not receive a physical or digital ticket for entry to the Distinguished Alumni Gala. Prior to the event, all guest names must be submitted to Sarah Toups ’15 at Gala@AggieNetwork.com. Guests will check in by name upon arrival the evening of the Gala.
If I purchase a table, do I need to give The Association the names of my guests? If so, why?
Yes, we ask table sponsors to provide the names and class years of all guests to assist with event planning and seating assignments. Guests will receive an escort card at check-in directing them to their assigned table for the evening. To ensure proper planning, guest information must be submitted by Friday, July 31, 2026.
What are the next steps after purchasing a table sponsorship?
After completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email for your records. By Friday, July 31, 2026, table sponsors will need to submit their preferred table name, guest names, dietary restrictions or accessibility accommodations, and any additional items included with their sponsorship level. Please send all requested information to Sarah Toups ’15 at Gala@AggieNetwork.com. Following the event, sponsors will receive a donor acknowledgment letter for any applicable tax-deductible contribution.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, our catering team can accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Please include any dietary needs in registration communications so we can coordinate appropriately. Please be as specific as possible when sharing your dietary needs.
Can accessibility or mobility accommodations be provided?
Yes, we can accommodate accessibility and mobility needs. The event will be held on the floor of Reed Arena, and both stairs and elevators are available for guest access. If you require additional assistance or accommodations, please include this information in your registration communications so our team can assist accordingly.
Where do I park?
Preferred parking locations are in Lots 102, 100a and 100g. Additional parking is located in lots 100b, 100c and 100f. All parking lots are accessible via Kimbrough Boulevard, Chandler Drive or Olsen Boulevard. Please use the main entrance facing Kyle Field.
View Parking Information
How do I nominate someone for the Distinguished Alumnus Award?
Nominations for the Distinguished Alumnus Award can be submitted through the official nomination webpage, which includes award criteria, nomination guidelines, and best practices for completing a nomination.
View the criteria and online nomination form.
Will event photos be available after the Gala?
Photos from the Gala will be available online approximately two weeks after the event at tx.ag/Gala
Who can I contact with questions?
Tickets, Sponsorships, Recognition Pages and General Event Questions
Sarah Toups '15, Manager of Events
Amy Baker '20, Coordinator of Events
Jamie Veazey '17, Director of Events
979-845-7514
Gala@AggieNetwork.com
Distinguished Alumni and Award Nominations
Cassie Cass '22, Awards Programs Assistant
979-845-7514
DA@AggieNetwork.com
Media Inquiries
Scot Walker '90, Vice President
979-845-7514
SWalker90@AggieNetwork.com
