Distinguished Alumni Award nominees sought

Published or Revised September 02, 2008

Each year during homecoming activities, the Paris Junior College Alumni and Friends Association recognizes former students with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Past recipients represent a broad spectrum of careers both with personal and professional achievements. "The Distinguished Alumni Award has been a tradition of the Alumni and Friends Association since 1973 and is designed to honor individuals who have attended Paris Junior College and who have made a outstanding contribution in their chosen field of endeavor," said Derald Bulls, director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs. Area residents are invited to nominate a former student for this prestigious award. Nomination forms may be picked up at the Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs office in the Rheudasil Learning Center on the PJC campus, or they may be e-mailed or faxed to you. Please call (903) 782-0291 for more information. Award criteria includes:

• Attended Paris Junior College for one year. (Graduation from PJC is not required.)
• Professional distinction and achievement.
• Significant and broad professional accomplishments reflecting credit on both the individual and Paris Junior College.
• Distinguished themselves in their chosen field of endeavor and/or contributed to the betterment of society.

One goal of honoring the Distinguished Alumni is to have them be present for the recognition luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 8, during weekend homecoming festivities. To be considered, nominations must include a cover letter by the nominator, résumé or vita of nominee, letter(s) of support if possible, and other details or pertinent data that might prove helpful in supporting the nomination, i.e. public or professional recognition, articles or books published and honors received. Please date and sign your nomination form and print name, address and telephone number along with e-mail if applicable and return it by Wednesday, Sept. 10. The 2007 Distinguished Alumni, former general manager of the Houston Rockets Carroll Dawson, began his career as a basketball player at PJC and went on to be an All-American. Following PJC he transferred to Baylor University where he earned All-Southwest Conference honors. Dawson worked as an assistant coach before serving 11 years as the GM and credits his time at PJC for enabling him to be successful. The Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs Office address is Room 104, Rheudasil Learning Center, Paris Junior College, 2400 Clarksville St., Paris, TX 75460. Phone is 903-782-0291.