Texas Tech University

Distinguished Alumni Award

Founded in 1986, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor Rawls College can bestow upon alumni and friends. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a record of distinguished service and extraordinary achievement in their chosen field. Honorees have made a positive impact on both Rawls College and Texas Tech, serving as an inspiration to current students and alumni. To be considered for the award, individuals must have attended Rawls College.

2023 Honorees

Frank R. Drury

Frank R. Drury

Managing Director, Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Retired)
BBA, Finance, 1984

Frank Drury has extensive experience as a corporate and private client banker, working for JP Morgan, Bank of America, HSBC and Goldman Sachs. He started his career in Dallas-Fort Worth and later moved to Nashville, San Francisco and New York City, where he spent the last 22 years of his career.

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Wendy M. Masiello

Wendy M. Masiello, Lt Gen, USAF (Retired)

President, Wendy Mas Consulting LLC
BBA, Marketing, 1980

Wendy Masiello retired from the United States Air Force as a 3-star general, culminating her 36-year career as Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. Upon retirement, Wendy continued her passion for contract management professionals. She co-led a National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine study on upskilling the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition workforce with data science skills and chaired the National Contract Management Association's Board of Directors as its newly ANSI-accredited Contract Management Standard began its industry-wide adoption. As chair of the Rawls Advisory Council, she opened doors for Rawls College and Texas Tech students and faculty in national research and workforce opportunities.

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Larry White

Larry White

President and Chief Executive Officer, Toshiba America Business Solutions
BBA, Marketing, 1978

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS), Larry White sets and oversees the strategic direction and operations of the company. TABS provides printing products and digital workplace solutions to help clients optimize productivity and communication. White oversees TABS' five unique divisions with a network of more than 100 offices across the United States, South and Central America, as well as relationships with over 300 business partners.

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Laura Whitley

Laura Whitley

Chief Financial Officer, Urban Strategies
BA, Finance, 1983

Laura Whitley is a transformational leader in the financial services industry with expertise in building and managing global businesses. During her successful 34-year career with Bank of America, she was president of Global Commercial Banking, Private Banking & Consumer Banking Services leading 30,000 teammates serving over 50 million clients. As a member of the firm's operating committee, Laura collaborated with the CEO and partners on strategic initiatives, saving $2 billion in expenses while improving client service. She held securities principal licenses, was featured on CNBC and Bloomberg, authored industry publications and received several banking industry recognition awards.

Full Bio