Distinguished Warrior Awards
Honoring Exceptional Warrior Graduates!Over the years, we’ve heard of the amazing accomplishments of our alumni, and we believe in recognizing them because the true measure of a university’s greatness is reflected in their achievements.
Honoring Warriors Who Wear the Full Armor
The Distinguished Warrior Awards is the University’s premier annual recognition event, honoring distinguished alumni, community leaders, and partners whose accomplishments embody the values of Texas A&M University-Central Texas. This celebration recognizes individuals and organizations who have chosen to go beyond achievement by investing in others, strengthening their communities, and advancing the mission of the University.
At Texas A&M University-Central Texas, graduation makes you a Warrior. What comes next is how you continue to live out that legacy. Through leadership, service, mentorship, and support of future generations, Warriors put on the Full Armor and demonstrate a lasting commitment to the University and one another.
The Distinguished Warrior Awards Dinner formally celebrates outstanding alumni and supporters whose professional success, dedication to service, and enduring connection to the University exemplify what it means to wear the Full Armor. Their stories reflect resilience, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the Warrior family.
More than a ceremony, the Distinguished Warrior Awards is a celebration of the Warrior spirit in action. It is a moment to recognize excellence, honor impact, and inspire alumni and friends to continue building a legacy that equips future Warriors for success. Together, we celebrate those who have not only earned the title of Warrior but who continue to wear the Full Armor through their service, leadership, and commitment to others.
Honorees – 2025
Dr. Linda Angel, a legacy alumnus who graduated in 1995 from the University of Central Texas, serves as the Executive Director at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Under her leadership, Dr. Angel has helped connect more than 18,000 soldiers and military spouses to civilian career opportunities. She has served in leadership capacities with the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, Central Texas Chapter of AUSA, Rotary Club of Harker Heights, and as a judge for the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. She has also served on the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals board.
Matt Lutz serves as the Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida Largo West Hospital. He oversees a $65 million campus with more than 400 employees. Under his leadership the hospital received the prestigious Press Ganey 2023 Pinnacle of Excellence Award for Patient Experience, achieving a remarkable 95th percentile rank for three consecutive years. He actively participates in community initiatives that promote health and wellness, such as serving on the Pinellas MATTERS Advisory Committee for an opioid overdose grant program, and as a member of the City of Largo Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
Latoscha Sherman is the Associate Dean of Counseling at Collin College, promoting well-being and academic success of students. She earned her master’s in clinical mental health at A&M–Central Texas in 2019, where, as a graduate student, she launched the first-ever Mental Health Week at A&M–Central Texas. She continues to demonstrate high levels of professionalism and compassion in her work, developing mental health initiatives throughout the organizations she touches.
Honorees – 2024
Video: https://youtu.be/Na3iLdFDBC0
Video: https://youtu.be/lqzqXysyCto
Honorary Alumnus
Video: https://youtu.be/Ckhy-5-m3vg
Nomination Process
Do you know a Warrior who should be celebrated?
We welcome nominations year-round, and the process is quick and easy. All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients will be notified ahead of the September ceremony.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Notable professional achievements
- Significant contributions to their community
- Meaningful engagement or service to TAMUCT or its legacy institutions
Connect With Our Team
Interested in making a gift or exploring partnership opportunities?
We’d love to hear from you.
Charley Ayres
Director, University Relations
Founders Hall, Suite 416
Phone: 254.519.5782
[email protected]