Alumni and Volunteer Awards
Every year at Homecoming, Austin College recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their profession and in their community. Alumni may nominate friends and classmates for the honor. View list of past recipients.
2021 Austin College Awards Dinner
Friday, October 22, 2021
Homecoming 2021 Honorees
Distinguished Alumni Award
Honorees have distinguished themselves in their profession and in their communities, exemplifying leadership and ethical standards in their interactions. They model the accomplishments, spirit of service, and broadened perspective fostered by the Austin College educational experience. Distinguished Alumni provide support and advocacy for the College and its mission. See the 2019 photos!
Denise Bristow Fate ’76 - Charlevoix, Michigan
Denise Fate launched a 32-year career with Volkswagen in 1976 that gave her experience in various fields and in sites around the world. Her career developed progressively into executive positions and she was a General Manager with the Audi Academy team when she retired.
Tom G. Hall Jr. ’78 - Fort Worth, Texas
Tom Hall has established himself as a respected trial lawyer through his career at the Law Offices of Tom Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. Board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law for 33 years in a row, he has obtained verdicts and settlements for clients of more than $1 million on 55 occasions.
Jenny King ’92 - Dallas, Texas
Jenny King is an accomplished communicator and marketing professional who has served in leadership roles for corporate and nonprofit organizations, mostly in Dallas. Today, she directs public affairs for UT Southwestern Medical Center. A community leader and connector, Jenny is active in a number of important causes—including Austin College.
Roger B. Luttrell ’76 - Van Alstyne, Texas
Roger Luttrell has been a successful business and community leader for decades. After earning his Austin College degree, he spent his career as a Partner in the Benton Luttrell Insurance Company and has been active in his community and church.
Thomas Newsom ’91 - Durant, Oklahoma
Thomas Newsom began his career in college administration as an Austin College student worker, assisting in sports information. His career has taken some turns and twists but today he is just across the state line, serving as President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant Oklahoma.
Melissa C. Thompson ’84 - Dallas, Texas
Melissa Thompson is a successful talent acquisition and human resources executive with a record of excellence. She has developed innovative recruitment practices in a career that has taken her from Washington, D.C., to Arizona, Minnesota, California, North Carolina, Florida, and back to Texas, where she has been since 2017.
First Decade Award
Awarded to a graduate of the last ten years, for distinguished accomplishments and contributions that brings honor to the award recipient and Austin College.
Hannah Alexander ’12 - Austin, Texas
Hannah Alexander is a staff attorney at Workers Defense Project in Austin where she represents low-wage workers in the construction industry and supports WDP's organizing efforts. An attorney, she previously worked to assist individuals challenged by workplace sexual assault, wage theft, and other employment abuses, as well as immigration and civil rights issues.