2019 Service Award - Joe Amato
Upholding the Sam Houston State University motto, ‘The measure of a Life is its Service’ Joe Amato (’72) has dedicated his life to his community and alma mater. After serving in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electrician, Joe received a BS in agricultural business and certification in teaching.
After college, Joe taught eighth grade science and worked a number of city and county jobs before serving six years as a brakeman with Santa Fe Railroad. By 1981, he had started down a different career track - building a new business with his brother in the marine cargo industry. Amato Linehandlers was established in 1981 in his hometown of Texas City. Utilizing business skills obtained in college along with a strong work ethic learned from his father, Joe helped build and lead a global business for over 30 years.
Still residing in Texas City today with his wife Liz, Joe is a proud member of the men's club at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He has previously served on the Texas City Advisory Council and Security Council, Park Board, Rotary Club, Texas City Football Quarterback Club and College of the Mainland Foundation.
Board membership is something Joe has always viewed as a privileged responsibility. Known as a highly engaged board participant, he is consistently elected by his peers into leadership roles because of his passion, willingness and ability to create collective, positive change.
Joe is a Life Member of the SHSU Alumni Association. His dedication to SHSU is apparent through his many roles, activities and gifts that support the growth of the university. He previously served on the boards of the SHSU Alumni Association and SHSU Agriculture Alumni Association. He is currently a club officer with the Bay Area Alumni & Friends Club and member of the Agriculture Committee for SHSU’s capital campaign. Along with his brother A.J., he established the Amato Brothers Scholarship.
As a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Joe serves as vice president of SHSU’s Sig Ep board. He has played an integral role in building support for his fraternity and alma mater by inspiring others. Numerous Bearkats credit Joe for why they joined the Alumni Association and participate in campus committees. It is through Joe’s unwavering loyalty that many alumni continue to proudly giving back to Sam Houston State.