Homecoming Honors Banquet Celebrates Outstanding Islander Achievements
Homecoming Honors Banquet Celebrates Outstanding Islander Achievements
They represent Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with pride and distinction, and are looked upon as leaders, mentors, and trailblazers for future generations. On Feb. 8, the National Islander Alumni Association and Islanders Athletics partnered to honor eight distinguished Islander alumni and supporters for their post-graduation/service success. The evening began with a cocktail reception in Anchor Ballroom along with an invitation for alumni and their guests to witness the “Lighting of the I,” being held just a few steps away in Anchor Plaza. The banquet also gave alumni and supporters time to reflect on memories made at A&M-Corpus Christi, along with how much campus has changed since they were last here.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – They represent Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with pride and distinction, and are looked upon as leaders, mentors, and trailblazers for future generations. On Feb. 8, the National Islander Alumni Association and Islanders Athletics partnered to honor eight distinguished Islander alumni and supporters for their post-graduation/service success.
“These are folks who aren’t just doing a great job professionally but are also doing good work in their community and continue to give back to the current students at A&M-Corpus Christi,” said Russell Wagner, Executive Director of the National Alumni Association. “These are well-rounded individuals with a genuine love for the Island University.”
The evening began with a cocktail reception in Anchor Ballroom along with an invitation for alumni and their guests to witness the “Lighting of the I,” being held just a few steps away in Anchor Plaza. The banquet also gave alumni and supporters time to reflect on memories made at A&M-Corpus Christi, along with how much campus has changed since they were last here.
Linda R. Benavides ’88, ’92, a community activist and volunteer, was honored as the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus. Benavides was born and raised in Corpus Christi and has seen first-hand the growth of the institution.
“This award was such a humbling surprise and I am just over the moon,” Benavides said. “Recently, we started a professorship chair in honor of my late husband and I’m so motivated and inspired under the leadership of Dr. Kelly Quintanilla. I see the impact A&M-Corpus Christi is making on this community.”
Ronnie Arrow, the
“It’s hard to believe that 21 years ago, we went from no sports whatsoever to Division I athletics,” said Arrow. “The first year, we had no games and only two players, and then seven years later, we were at the NCAA Tournament. When I was asked why I would come to a school with no basketball and no traditions, I would reply, ‘There’s an island there, and nobody else has that.’”
More about the 2019 recipients:
Distinguished Alumni Awards
- Distinguished Alumnus: Linda R. Benavides ’88, ’92 – Coastal Bend community advocate and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Foundation board member;
- Outstanding Alumnus: Dr. Frances Ufkes ’15 – Former Dartmouth College professor and community advocate:
- Young Alumnus Award: Caitlin Bailey ’12 – Videographer & editor, Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration.
Athletic Hall of Honor Inductions
- Katie Evans-Sanchez ’04 – Played softball from 2001-2004. Currently holds nine career school records, including career bases, career hits, and
extra base hits; - Ronnie Arrow – The first head coach in Islanders men’s basketball history, leading the Islanders for eight seasons, going 134-91 overall. Responsible for the team’s first NCAA tournament birth.
College Achievement Distinctions
- Patrick Ayarzagoitia ’92, ’11 – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Wayne Fellers ’94, ’96 – College of Education and Human Development
- Anita Reed ’84 ’01 – College of Business
- Daniel Wagner ’98 – College of Science and Engineering
- Alisa Hope Wagner ’99 – College of Liberal Arts
