Texas Tech University

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of an Alumnus(a) of the Huckabee College of Architecture?

An alumnus(a) of the Texas Tech Huckabee College of Architecture is defined as one who holds any of the accredited bachelor or graduate degrees offered by the Huckabee College of Architecture.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the Distinguished Alumnus Award?

No, but it can be assumed that qualified nominees would have been active in their field long enough to accumulate the credentials necessary to establish themselves as leaders in their chosen professional path.

Must the Nominee be a licensed architect?

No. It is not required that the Nominee be licensed to practice architecture – only that they hold an accredited architecture degree as noted in question number 1 above.

Who can make nominations?

Anyone can submit a nomination by filling out the Nomination Form and including the required information. Nominators should have extensive knowledge of the person or organization they are nominating.

Are unsuccessful nominations carried over from year-to-year?

No. For an unsuccessful nominee to be reconsidered in following years, they must resubmit all nomination materials, even if those materials are unchanged from the previous year.

Why are the submission requirements so specific and extensive? Why can't the Nominee submit their normal resume?

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is one of the highest honors the Huckabee College of Architecture can bestow. The submission requirements are intended to be more focused and rigorous than standard resume or marketing materials. This is in keeping with the singular prestige of the award itself.

May a person nominate themselves for this award?

Self-nominations are not prohibited, as long as all submission requirements are met.

How are recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award selected?

The selection of the honoree is made by a Jury appointed by the Design Leadership Alliance. The Jury is comprised of 3 to 5 individuals, at least one of whom must be a former recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus or Kleinschmidt Awards. Each year, the Jury is charged with reviewing submissions as received and, if merited, selecting honorees for the Distinguished Alumnus and Kleinschmidt Awards. The Jury's selections are forwarded to the DLA Dean's Circle for final acceptance.

When are the selections made?

Calls for Nominations are typically distributed in May, with a submission deadline in August. See the individual Call for Nominations for exact dates in any given year.

When is the selection made and the Award presented?

The jury typically makes its selection in August or September. The honoree is notified as soon as possible thereafter. The Award is presented at the Texas Tech Huckabee College of Architecture Alumni Gathering in conjunction with the Texas Society of Architects Annual Conference in the fall.