Although Texas A&M University-San Antonio may be a new university, it has already started to form yearly traditions like the Alumni Award Ceremony.
The Alumni Awards are designed to highlight the work alumni are doing even after they graduate to develop school pride and open networking opportunities for current students.
The Recent Graduate award winner is Sa Huynh, who received a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2018.
The Spirit of the Jaguar award winner is LeWayne Ballard, who received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Computer Information Systems in 2013.
The Distinguished Alumnus award winner is Nate Mara, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2017.
These alumni are doing something newsworthy in their careers or for their community.
Huynh is working as a technical writer at Def-Logix, Inc, a cybersecurity and software development firm, and has a “Culture Shocks” blog, which covers topics like nature, health, food, travel, among other topics.
Ballard is working as the Chief Technology Officer for Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP where he oversees all IT operations.
Chief Mara is working as the Fire Chief in Charge of Operations for the Decatur, Texas Fire Department as of March 2020.
Sa Huynh said she was honored to be recognized as a part of this community.
“From afar, I’ve always admired and deeply respected previous awardees for their intelligence, persistence and leadership within their respective fields and throughout the community,” Huynh said.
While in school, Huynh volunteered by building houses for Habitat for Humanity, was a reading buddy at the San Antonio Youth Literacy Program, the Rotary Club of Alamo Ranch, and the Youth Code Jam.
This year’s ceremony will be at noon Oct. 16, in the Vista Room on the fourth floor of the Central Academic Building.
Nominations for these awards are taken from staff, students and alumni every August via e-mail and social media.
For more information, email Dr. Mary Kay Cooper at Mary.Cooper@tamusa.edu.
