Alumni Award Descriptions

Dr. A. William "Bill" Gustafson Distinguished Leadership Award

The Dr. A. William "Bill" Gustafson Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes distinguished leadership that is consistent with the ideals of the Texas Tech Department of Personal Financial Planning and promotes the financial planning profession with commitments to developing leaders of the highest caliber and character.

This award was created by the PFP Alumni Advisory Board with the support and assistance of the Department of Personal Financial Planning and achieves three main objectives:

• Reinforce the importance of leadership at Texas Tech and generate dialogue and reflection throughout the great financial planning profession
• Honor a person whose leadership is consistent with the ideals of the Department of Personal Financial Planning
• Promote the financial planning profession through education, advocacy, and building relationships between leaders of financial planning businesses and society

Criteria for the Dr. A. William "Bill" Gustafson Leadership Award

Respected and Admired

• Inspires growth in people, organizations, an the financial planning profession
• Is viewed as a well-regarded leader throughout their community, firm, and/or industry
• Operates with honor, integrity, and professionalism

Proven and Accomplished

• Drives outstanding results
• Stimulates organizational change and/or enhances financial planning advocacy
• Inspires and motivates people and creates strong culture

Embodies the ideals and spirit of the financial planning profession

• Promotes innovation, diversity, and a growth for the profession
• Educationally minded, socially responsible and ethical, involved in the community
• Promotes teamwork, cooperation, and involvement

Previous Dr. A. William "Bill" Gustafson Distinguished Leadership Award Recipients

• 2020: Trudy Turner
• 2019: Deena Katz & Harold Evensky
• 2018: Dr. John Hopkins
• 2017: Dr. Jerry Mason
• 2016: Dr. Bill Gustafson

Distinguished Alumni Award

Advanced the national reputation of the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University through his/her record of significant achievements that sets him/her apart from others:

• Professional accomplishments and career advancements since graduating from the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University
• Community service
• Demonstrated leadership through civic association and/or corporate levels through receipt of awards, service on committees and boards, positions of responsibility, or other appropriate measures
• Advocacy for the financial planning profession and/or the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University

Previous Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

• 2023: Dr. Sonya Lutter
• 2021: Jaime Boyles
• 2020: Brandon Ratzlaff
• 2019: Katie Romines Starkey
• 2018: Dr. John Salter
• 2017: Jason McGarraugh
• 2016: J. Brent Beene
• 2015: Betty Splawn Lowder
• 2014: Caleb Brown
• 2013: Dan Mauck
• 2012: Alvin Murgai
• 2011: Christopher Zook

Young Guns Award

Enhanced the reputation of the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University through his/her emerging record of achievements as a graduate of the Program within the last ten years:

• Identification as an emerging leader through professional achievements, receipt of awards, committee and board service, community service, and other endeavors
• Record that demonstrates significant contributions to his/her field
• Characteristics that indicate the likelihood of future leadership and success
• Demonstrated interest in and support for the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University

Previous Young Guns Award Recipients

• 2023: Bryan Hasling
• 2022: Dr. Philip Gibson
• 2020: Ginnie Baker
• 2019: Jennifer Calvi
• 2018: Dr. Jacob Sybrowsky
• 2017: Joshua Mungavin
• 2016: Dr. Nathan Harness
• 2015: Dennis J. Moore
• 2014: Laurie Belew
• 2013: Mary Bell Carlson
• 2012: Amanda Lott

All awards will be presented at the annual Opportunity Days banquet.