On Friday, October 30^th, Texas Southern University will present accomplished alumni with the Association’s highest honor – the Distinguished Alumni Award. The University will honor eight former students at its Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner.  The Reception begins at 6:15 p.m. and dinner to follow at 7:15 at the Westin Oaks Hotel – Galleria.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes excellence among former students of the university. Honorees are nominated by their respective colleges and schools.  The campus community, alumni, students and the general public are invited to attend.

As part of Homecoming Week (Oct. 25 – 31), the event is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations at the university. Proceeds will help Alumni expand and enrich student support services and programs at Texas Southern. For additional details about Homecoming and a full schedule of events, visit http://www.tsu.edu/homecoming2009.

The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, will be honored during the celebration:

 Dr. Johnella R. Bradford (Classes of ’69,’89,’96), is Dean of Workforce Development at Houston Community College Southeast. A strong advocate for higher education, under her leadership, the Business Technology program was rated Exemplary by the Higher Education Board. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration; Masters of Education and Bachelor of Science…all from Texas Southern University. Dr. Bradford has served as President of the Southeast College Faculty Association and co-chair of the educational committee of the Houston Independent School District. She is an Adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix, a member of the East End Chamber of Commerce, and Texas Women in Higher Education. She is a graduate of the United Way Project Blueprint, Future Business leader of American and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her major support to Texas Southern has been in the training, preparation, and employment of graduates at all levels to enter into the workforce in educational institutions in the Greater Houston area.

 Judge Zinetta Burney (Classes of 1968 & 1973), presiding judge of Harris County Justice of the Peace Court, precinct 7, place 2 and prior to that time, was in private practice for thirty years with the firm of Burney and Foreman. An under graduate(mathematics) and graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of law), Judge Burney served on the University of Houston Board of Regents, Commissioner for the Housing Authority of the City of Houston, Board of the United Way, Donald Watkins Aids Foundation. She is currently President of the Board of the OST/Almeda Redevelopment Authority, a fellow in American Leadership Forum and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She has been recognized by many for her community Service including, Houston Lawyers Association, United Cerebral  Palsy, Missouri City Chapter of Links, Channel 13’ Women of Distinction and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. For over three decade she remains committed to TSU and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, giving of her time, service, and support.

 Dr. Llayron L. Clarkson (Class of 1950 & 53), a native Houstonian, graduate of Jack Yates High, Texas Southern University (BS,MS) and University of Texas (PH.D). He taught mathematics at Jack Yates, Texas Southern and was visiting Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His commitment to Texas Southern and its students has been unwavering, serving in many capacities including Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Executive Vice President, Director of Campus-wide Academic and Information Systems, and Director of Institutional Research…retiring in 1994. In his retirement he continues to serve TSU, mentoring and tutoring students in his “favorite subject”.    Dr. Clarkson is CEO of Clarkson Aerospace Corp.

 Ruben Dominguez (Class of 1993) is currently the co-host of the Fox 26 morning news and Planning Manager for the newsroom. He began his professional career at the CBS station as an assignments editor. After graduating from Texas Southern University, he was hired by Fox News in a similar capacity, helping Fox News become one of the most watched stations in the Houston area.   In 1999 Ruben participated in an undercover investigation of child prostitution in Costa Rica garnering national attention. As part of the Internet new Show, his webcast was nominated for and won an Emmy in 2007. He is proud of his success as a graduate of Texas Southern and constantly gives back with his commitment to the Student intern program for Texas Southern student as Fox News.

 Clyde Owen Jackson (Class of 1960 & 1964), an adjunct professor of Music in the Department of Fine Arts, author of 8 books with focus of the study of Negro Spirituals. He was Founder-Conductor of the Texas Southern University Men’s Glee Club and Director of the University Choir. Mr. Jackson has been honored and recognized by the National Council of Negro Women, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, City of Houston, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Galveston Public Library and Tuskegee University. His service to the community has included the Director of the Ebony Opera Guild, Houston Post Office Chorale and the Masterworks Chorus. As supporter the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, his scholarship committee within the past two years raised over $40,000. He continues as guest director of the University Choir and member of the Music Alumni Board.

 James T Knox (Class of 1960 & 1970), after graduating with a degree in chemistry and mathematics, began his professional career as a high school teacher in Bryan, Texas, and was later employed in California by North American Aviation. He returned to Texas Southern and received his Pharmacy degree in 1970. Beginning as a Senior Analyst with Abbott Laboratories, he retired from that Corporation after 27 year of service. Retiring to Hot Springs Arkansas, he volunteers as a pharmacist at the Christian Charitable Medical Clinic, meals on wheels, Kiwanis Club of Hot Springs and is moderator of Stewardship in the Presbyterian Church. His support of Texas Southern University and the Pharmacy Scholarship program is distinguished. He is forever committed to “giving back” to young people as witnessed in his community services to the Piney Wood School, Teen Challenge Arkansas, the Glen Haven Youth Ranch, Mountain Pine Elementary, and the local Paul Bewie Boys and Girls Club.

 Carl Richie (Class of 1984) received his Master’s in Public Administration from Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan/Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. Also armed with an undergraduate degree from Texas A & M and a Law degree from University of Houston, he is now vice president of Government affairs At TXU Energy, leading their State Legislative and regulatory Teams.   R. Richie serves as Chairman of the Travis County Healthcare District Board of Managers, Vice Chair of the Housing Authorities for the City of Austin and serves on the St. Edwards University Advisory board. 

 Ernestine Thrash Taylor (Class of 1964) is currently President of ET Consulting, an executive coaching firm, and her business career expands 30 years as a Human Resource Executive with Johnson & Johnson, Avon Company, Continental Can and the Ford Foundation. She was the founder and President of a Health Start non-profit for young girls, shwe has served as Board member of Goodwill Industries, Advisory Council on Nursing at North Carolina A&T, Children’s Museum, YWCA, Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and member of the Transition Team of the Newly Elected Governor of North Carolina. She is a Lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the member of The Links Incorporated. Ms. Taylor’s reputation in the Jesse H. Jones School of Business is stellar. In 2005 she established a scholarship in her name for female business majors which has benefitted over 12 students since its inception.

For additional information about tickets, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 713-313-1363.

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