Today@Sam Article
Announcing The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honorees
Aug. 5, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Six Sam Houston State University alumni will be recognized at the 51st Annual Distinguished Alumni Gala for their significant contributions to their professions, communities and alma mater. Awardees will be recognized as the 2024 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni and Alumni Service awards during the highly anticipated annual gala.
The Bearkats of honor at the Sept. 20 gala include Distinguished Alumni Dr. Roland Black, Dr. Nancy Rodriguez and Chris Tritico; Outstanding Young Alumnus Dr. Katelyn Bruno and Service Award recipients Ernie Deats and Wanda Smith.
Distinguished Alumni
Dallas, TX
Dr. Roland Black is a retired obstetrician and gynecologist in the Dallas area who is known for his dedication to serving his patients and community. On top of caring for patients, Black has spent over 30 years volunteering with the Dallas County Medical Society. He has also dedicated his time and resources to supporting his alma mater by establishing the Roland E. Black Endowed Professorship in Biological Sciences and the Roland Black Nursing Endowed Scholarship. As one looks at Black’s career, service and accolades, it is clear to see that he embodies the spirit of SHSU and has lived out the university’s motto.
Dr. Nancy Rodriguez (’92)
Irvine, CA
Former Director of the National Institute of Justice (2015-17) and decorated professor in law and criminology Dr. Nancy Rodriguez stands as a prime representation of SHSU’s prestigious College of Criminal Justice. This distinguished alumna earned her doctorate in political science from Washington State University, logged over 20 years of classroom experience and earned a presidential appointment from former President Barack Obama. Throughout her illustrious career, she has garnered multiple awards for her research, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Division on People of Color and Crime, the Coramae Richey Mann Award from the American Society of Criminology and the W.E.B. DuBois Award from the Western Society of Criminology.
Christopher L. Tritico (’83)
Houston, TX
Christopher L. Tritico knows that everyone is entitled to a defense attorney that will pursue their best interests. Tritico got his start working under renowned Texas attorney Richard “Racehorse” Haynes, where he stayed until 1994 before setting out and establishing his own firm, Tritico Rainey PLLC. He has represented clients such as Moses Malone, former Houston Rocket, all-star third baseman Gary Sheffield and Julio Lugo, a former Houston Astro. Tritico has served on the boards of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the SHSU Alumni Association and currently serves on the advisory board for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Outstanding Young Alumni
Dr. Katelyn Bruno (’10, ’11)
Gainesville, FL
Dr. Katelyn Bruno, PhD, FHFSA, FACC is a tenure-track assistant professor at the University of Florida (UF) whose research spans broad areas of the field of medicine. Bruno was a critical member of the U.S. COVID Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program (EAP), which enrolled 105,000 patients who were hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19 across the country. Her plethora of accomplishments include fellowships with the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Failure Society of America; Selected Mentee for the ACC Clinical Trails Research Program and the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association Translational Science Meeting; and American Pediatric Association Environmental Scholar.
Service Award
Ernie Deats (’62)
Dickinson, TX
Ever since he graduated from SHSU, Ernie Deats has made it his mission to give back to the institutions that have helped define his life and legacy. He spent four years teaching and coaching before returning to his hometown of Dickinson, Texas in Galveston County, which his great-grandfather settled in 1872. Here, he shifted his professional focus to business and has continued his passionate work as owner of K-Bar Ranch. His proudest and most dedicated venture, however, has been his steadfast commitment to the betterment of Dickinson. His service includes vast work with the school district through internal involvement as well as benefit projects.
Brenham, TX
Wanda Smith has spent over 13 years working at Brenham Independent School District, pursuing her passion for educating the next generation. She got her start at the district by working as a bus monitor in the mornings and a custodian in the evenings. When she wasn’t working, Smith took care of her three children, checked on her mother and sisters and attended night classes for her bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate. Smith has spent years serving the community at Champion Fellowship Church, the Washington County Juneteenth Historical Effort, the Brenham Heritage Museum, the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and other community-based efforts.
- END -
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:
Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti
Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White
Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837
Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu