Today@Sam Article
Bearkats Honored During Homecoming
Nov. 8, 2023
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Sam Houston State University’s Homecoming week was filled with events and activities, allowing students and alumni to show their Bearkat spirit leading up to the Bearkats first win of the season. While students were preparing for Saturday’s tailgate, members of the Alumni Association gathered in the Lowman Student Center for the 50th Annual Distinguished Alumni Gala on Nov. 3.
The Bearkats of honor for the gala also joined in the Homecoming festivities during the parade and SHSU’s game against Kennesaw State. At halftime the awardees were led onto centerfield to be recognized.
For those who missed it, the awardees included:
Distinguished Alumni
Kelly (’87) and Beth (’87) Damphousse – President and first lady of Texas State University
Monica Thompson Guidry (’84, ’87) – Houston Greenspoint Park Immigration Court judge
Vanessa Hicks-Callaway (’94) – Claims benefits advisor, Texas Veterans Commission
Outstanding Young Alumni
Morgan Chesky (’08) – NBC News correspondent
Service Award
Rose Avalos (’72, ’76) – Aldine ISD board trustee
Paul Pearce (’66) – Retired president and CEO of Nova Biologicals Inc.
Lifetime Achievement
Joe (’56), Winnie (’56), Byron (’82) and Charlene (’83) Sandel – Founding family of Sandel Operating Co.
View more photos from the 50th Annual Distinguished Alumni Gala below.
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