Michelle Cardenas
The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Gala was a night to remember—a celebration of excellence, service, and Bearkat pride. Our evening began with a special reception honoring Chris Tritico, a friend of LEAP, sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
We were excited to interact with the Political Science department staff and share in the anticipation of the gala ahead.
The reception also gave us the chance to congratulate Mr. Tritico, who would be honored later that night, and meet his lovely wife and his mother, who were both in attendance.
In addition to this, we had the pleasure of chatting with Dean Li…
…and reconnecting with Mac and Leanne Woodward, longtime friends of LEAP. Their support and friendship made the evening even more special for us.
After the reception, we made our way to the Orange Ballroom in the Lowman Student Center. On our way in, we stopped to greet some of our favorite staff members, including General Glaser, the university’s Chief Strategy Officer, and Jennifer Alexander from the President’s Office. Their warmth and kindness reminded us why the SHSU community feels like family.
The Orange Ballroom was beautifully adorned, and we were honored to be seated with Mac and Leanne Woodward, who graciously sponsored our seats.
Our fellow LEAP Ambassadors, Chrissy and Cinthia, joined Professor Yawn and Stephanie at the LEAP table, along with some special guests: Wayne and Andrea Scott, and Ken and Nicole Holland.
The program began with a welcome from Brian Starr, President of SHSU’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. It was a change to see him emcee the event, as Chris Tritico, who typically fills the role, would be receiving an award this year.
Starr introduced the sponsors, VIPs–which included TSUS Student Regent Olivia Discon…
…and University administrators.
After the ROTC Bearkat Battalion presented the colors, SHSU President Dr. Alisa White gave opening remarks, emphasizing how the honorees embodied the university motto, “The measure of a life is its service.”
The first award of the night was the 2024 Service Award, presented to Ernie Deats.
Having graduated from Sam Houston over 60 years ago, Mr. Deats has spent much of his life giving back to the university and various communities. His dedication, including writing numerous books, showcased his commitment to service—a theme that resonated throughout the evening.
Wanda Smith, an elementary school teacher, also received the 2024 Service Award. Her story was one of resilience, overcoming countless odds to encourage her students and inspire them to succeed.
She made it her mission to nurture young minds, and her passion for education was evident in her acceptance speech.
The 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Katelyn Bruno, whose work at the Mayo Clinic has led to groundbreaking discoveries in science and research.
Dr. Bruno has already made a remarkable impact in her field, and her contributions continue to influence advancements in science. It was inspiring to see such a young alumna achieving so much and representing SHSU so well.
Next, the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to several incredible individuals. Dr. Roland Black, a distinguished figure in the field of medicine, was honored for his lifetime of contributions to healthcare and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.
His career reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare services and expanding medical knowledge.
Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, another recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, was recognized for her outstanding work in criminal justice.
As a child of immigrant parents, Dr. Rodriguez overcame numerous obstacles to become a leader in her field. Her work with the U.S. Department of Justice, along with her research and advocacy, exemplifies the spirit of justice and equality that SHSU holds dear.
Finally, our friend Chris Tritico was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. From a young age, Mr. Tritico knew he wanted to pursue law, and his career as a successful attorney has been a testament to his passion for fairness and justice.
He has consistently given back to SHSU, even speaking to the Pre-Law Society about his experiences as an attorney. To say that he embodies the Bearkat spirit would be an understatement—he is the very definition of it.
After the presentation of awards, we were moved and inspired by the honorees’ stories. The gala concluded with closing remarks from Brian Starr, followed by a performance of the alma mater by the Bearkat Marching Band and James Silva.
As the night wound down, we had the opportunity to connect with several guests, including Dr. White, and reflect on the evening. The Distinguished Alumni Gala always leaves us with a sense of pride and inspiration, but this year’s event felt particularly special.
This year felt different compared to the first time I attended. As I’ve become more involved at Sam Houston State, I’ve gotten to know many familiar faces, and every time I see them, it brings me a deep sense of joy and happiness. It’s moments like these that make me feel closer to SHSU and even more motivated to follow in the footsteps of these incredible Bearkats. One day, we hope to have the privilege of being recognized for our contributions, just as they were.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 