Three Honored As Distinguished Alumni

The Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University, has been awarded since 1962 to only 306 of Texas A&M’s more than 533,700 former students.

Presented jointly by the university and The Association of Former Students, this award recognizes Aggies who have achieved excellence in their chosen professions and made meaningful contributions to Texas A&M University and their local communities. This year’s three recipients are being honored posthumously.

The 2021 Distinguished Alumni:

• Everett E. McQuillen, Class of 1920, led The Association of Former Students as Executive Secretary from 1926 to 1947. He firmly established Aggie Muster as a worldwide tradition; encouraged the formation of A&M Clubs; led the push to build the MSC; and created the Texas A&M Development Fund.
• Ray B. Nesbitt ’55 retired in 1998 as president of Exxon Chemical Co. after a long career of leadership in the petrochemical industry. His service to his industry and to Texas A&M included leadership on numerous councils and boards as well as creating significant scholarships and endowments at A&M.
• John C. Otto, Jr. ’70 was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2004 and served six terms, chairing the House Appropriations Committee and serving in other key positions. In 2017, he became assistant vice chancellor and director of local government relations for The Texas A&M University System.

2022 Distinguished Alumnus online nominations are currently open at tx.ag/DAnominations and will close Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.

To see and read about all past honorees, please visit our Tribute Wall.

The Association of Former Students is the oldest organization serving Texas A&M University in support of the ever-growing Aggie Network. We are HERE for Aggies during their days as students and former students, THERE for Aggies as they make their way around the world and EVERYWHERE the Aggie Network needs us to be. To help us help more Aggies, visit tx.ag/Give.