Distinguished Alumni Award
Alfred Bennett Jenson '61

First presented in 1954, this award is designated for an alumnus/alumna who has reached national prominence in a particular field, bringing credit to himself/herself and, in turn, bringing credit to TCU.

Dr. Jenson helped develop Gardasil, a vaccine that neutralizes the human papillomavirus and is 100 percent effective against this major cause of cervical cancer. With fellow researchers at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center in Kentucky, he now is working to extract proteins from tobacco plants to develop a much more affordable drug. Such a vaccine could be used to prevent cervical cancer in India, where four times as many women get the disease and eight times as many die of it as in the United States.


Royal Purple Award
Mark L. Johnson

Established in 1967, this award has been designated for an individual's extraordinary service and support of TCU and the greater community.

Mr. Johnson is director and treasurer of the Amon G. Carter Foundation and a trustee of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. A member of the TCU Board of Trustees since 2002, he now serves as its vice chair. Mr. Johnson is also a member of the AddRan College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors and was a member of the Amon G. Carter Stadium Renovation Committee.


Honorary Alumni Award
Nancy Tartaglino Richards

First presented in 1954, this award is given to a person who is not an alumnus or alumna of TCU but, through loyalty, service and support of the University, has earned this recognition and honor.

Ms. Richards, who is founder and chairman of the First Preston HT family of companies and a well-known entrepreneur, established the Richards Barrentine Business Plan Competition at the Neeley School of Business with her business partner. This is an international competition for undergraduate entrepreneurs establishing self-sustaining businesses with meaning. A member of the TCU Board of Trustees since 2011, Ms. Richards previously served on the Chancellor's Advisory Council. She is also a member of the Daniel-Meyer Coliseum Renovation Committee. Two sons are TCU graduates.


Valuable Alumni Award
William C. Shaddock '73

The recipient of this award is an alumnus or alumna who has rendered outstanding and continuing service to the University and/or the Alumni Association, including financial support.

Mr. Shaddock has provided extraordinary service to the Alumni Association and the University, serving on the National Alumni Board and chairing the Dallas Business Network. He also has served on the Dallas Regional Council and the TCU Frog Club Board. A former member of the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Board, he established the Bill Shaddock Venture Capital Fund at the Neeley School. He is a Centurion of the Addison & Randolph Clark Society and has been a member of the Chancellor's Council.


Alumni Service Award
Michael G. Mullins '69

Established in the spring of 1992, the alumnus or alumna receiving this award has rendered continuing and outstanding service to the Alumni Association and to the University.

Mr. Mullins chairs the Alumni Association's Lifelong Learning Network in Dallas and was named Volunteer of the Year by the Chapter Presidents Council in 2011. A member of the Clark Society Board, he chaired the Clark Society Weekend and Silent Auction in 2011 and serves on the Clark Society Scholarship Committee. Mr. Mullins also is a member of TCU's International Fine Arts Board of Visitors and in 2010 served as chair of the Fine Arts Gala Committee.


Outstanding Young Professional Award
Carl A. Capua, Jr. '00

This award recognizes an alumnus or alumna, 35 years of age or younger, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, bringing credit to himself/herself and, in turn, bringing credit to TCU.

Mr. Capua is a social entrepreneur with the mission of creating worthwhile and sustainable programs and opportunities that empower people locally and worldwide. As co-owner and general manager of Fort Worth's Z's Cafe, he has created jobs for low-income individuals challenged with homelessness and other special needs. He is also co-owner and CFO of Food 4 Life, a catering company that focuses on healthier nutrition for private schools. In addition, Mr. Capua pioneered Fort Worth's first culinary incubator.


Distinguished Student Award
Alexandra L. Erwin ‘14

Presented to a junior or senior student who has distinguished himself or herself as an undergraduate at TCU both in academics and in service to the University.

Ms. Erwin is a member of the John V. Roach Honors College and has double majors in anthropology and French. She is a Clark Society Scholar, Mortar Board Scholar, Brachman Honors Study Abroad Scholar and Leadership Scholar. She has been a TCU resident assistant and assistant residence hall director, as well as orientation student assistant and director. Off campus, Ms. Erwin has taught English as a foreign language and worked as a mentor and tutor for underprivileged children.