Written by Jacob Wessels
Students recently had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Gala at the Lowman Student Center, kicking off Homecoming weekend by celebrating alumni and university leaders who embody the campus motto: “The measure of a life is its service.” Hosted by Sam Houston’s Alumni Association, it proved to be a night to remember for many of the students and alumni alike.
The evening opened with dinner and a welcome from VP Matt Bethea…
…before he turned it to Master of Ceremonies Mia Gradney and Alumni Association Board President Dr. Deirdre Holloway. University President Dr. Alisa White then addressed the crowd, highlighting the university’s growth and milestones, including a historic fundraising year surpassing $31 million, enrollment nearing 22,000 students, and the opening of the new Health Professions Building in Conroe. She emphasized how Bearkat alumni directly shape student success through career networks like “Bearkats Hiring Bearkats” and hands-on community engagement.
The heart of the program was the presentation of awards honoring exceptional service, entrepreneurship, and leadership:
Dr. Kathleen Gilbert, a first-generation college graduate, has directed the SHSU Food Pantry and Tripod’s Thrift since its opening. She transformed a small student initiative that once served 17 students from an office bookshelf into an operation recording over 5,000 visits annually, ensuring students facing food and professional clothing insecurity stay enrolled and earn their degrees. She was aptly honored for her work with the first of two Service Awards.
Mattie C. Provost also recieved a Service Award! Provost shared her journey from being a first-generation student to spending three decades rising through the ranks of the Houston Police Department to become Assistant Chief. Now serving as Chief Deputy of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, she spoke on the value of second chances and leading with empathy for front-line workers.
Joseph Anderson was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. A former Bearkat track-and-field student-athlete, Anderson translated discipline and corporate internships into becoming a Chick-fil-A owner-operator in Southeast Houston, an area known to be a ‘food desert.’ Managing more than 100 team members, he creates opportunities by funding employee scholarships and partnering with local food banks.
Regina Bynote Jones, reflecting on her time as an Orange Key student host and navigating personal health hurdles, detailed her career journey leading legal operations across global energy and agriculture giants. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary for Archer Daniels Midland while actively mentoring future generations of legal and corporate leaders. She was recognized with the highest SHSU Honor: the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Larry D. Larrison was also a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Coming from a multigenerational Bearkat family, Larrison built a 42-year career in the insurance industry alongside his ranching operations. During his tenure as Alumni Association President, he helped establish the “Hire a Bearkat” initiative to create clear pathways between alumni businesses and graduating students.
Kenneth Ross was the final recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Starting as a student-athlete and a Huntsville police officer, Ross transitioned into insurance, becoming one of State Farm’s top agents nationwide over a four-decade career. Throughout his success, he maintained continuous involvement in Bearkat athletics and community initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity.
The gala concluded with a spirited performance by the Bearkat Marching Band and the traditional singing of the Alma Mater led by music student Tito Portillo.
Hearing these stories firsthand demonstrated that life after college is rarely linear. Each honoree showed resilience through obstacles and setbacks, with an enduring commitment to lifting others up, which remains the defining standard of the Bearkat community.
