On October 13, the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business celebrated its 2023 award honorees at the Distinguished Alumni & Awards reception and dinner.
Margaret L. Williams, dean of Rawls College, presented each honoree with their award.
“This annual celebration is a highlight in the life of our college,” said Williams. “We share pride in the accomplishments of all of the awardees and their impact on business, government and the non-profit sector. They are wonderful role models for our students and give of themselves so generously to the college, the university and our world. We could not be who we are without their many contributions.”
In total, five awards were presented: Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Partner, Jerry S. Rawls Excellence in Business, Honorary Alumni and Innovation.
Distinguished Alumni
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor Rawls College bestows upon its alumni. Honorees are individuals who have not only demonstrated distinguished service or extraordinary achievements in their careers but have also made positive impacts on Rawls College and Texas Tech University at large.
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.
Wendy M. Masiello, Lt. Gen., USAF (Retired)
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, 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.
Larry White, President and CEO, Toshiba America Business Solutions
BBA, Marketing, 1978
As the president and CEO of Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS), Larry White sets and manages the strategic direction and operations of the company. 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.
Laura Whitley, CFO, Urban Strategies
BBA, 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.
Distinguished Partner
The Distinguished Partner Award recognizes non-alumni or organizations who have made a significant impact on Rawls College. This impact could come in a variety of forms, such as hiring Rawls College alumni, mentoring current Rawls College students or providing generous philanthropic gifts to Rawls College.
J. David Williams, Experienced Chairman and Former CEO
Finance, Texas Christian University
J. David Williams is a seasoned banker who has worked in the industry for over 40 years. He has held various positions of leadership and governance in several Texas banks. He has also been an active member and advocate of state and national banking associations, such as the Independent Banker's Association of Texas and the Independent Community Bankers of America.
Jerry S. Rawls Excellence in Business
The Jerry S. Rawls Excellence in Business Award recognizes Texas Tech alumni who have made significant contributions in their career while also having a significant impact on Rawls College or the business community as a whole. Honorees of this award uphold the highest standards and values while blazing trails and contributing to their industries and to Texas Tech.
T.M. "Roe" Patterson, Founder and CEO, ClearWell Dynamics, LLC
BS, Biology, 1995
For over 28 years, T. M. "Roe" Patterson has worked in the energy industry, owning and operating multiple businesses and holding significant leadership roles. His latest venture, ClearWell Dynamics, LLC, is the fourth largest well-servicing company in the United States oil and gas industry.
Honorary Alumni
The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes an individual who possesses the qualities of a Red Raider but is not alumnus of Texas Tech. Honorees are highly engaged with Rawls College, creating impact through their involvement, support and contributions.
Mindy Laudermill, Founder and Co-Owner of Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, LLC
BBA, Management, University of Texas at Arlington, 1996
Mindy earned her business management degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. In 2006, in collaboration with her brother Truitt, father Max and longtime associate Gerald Curry, Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, LLC was founded. The company has evolved into the preeminent leader in water and sand transportation across Texas and New Mexico.
Innovation
The Innovation Award recognizes Rawls College alumni who have either built a new business or turned around and helped grow an established business. Honorees demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Alyson & Colton Hass, Founders, Vinglacé
BS, Human Sciences, 2000
BBA, General Business, 2000
Alyson and Colton are a power couple whose diverse journeys have converged to create a dynamic and inspiring story. Together, Alyson and Colton embody a journey shaped by passion, excellence and familial values. At Vinglacé, they have created products that eliminated the need for ice to keep wine chilled, leaving an indelible mark on wine enthusiasts.
Relive the celebration with our photo gallery.
Nominations for the 2024 awards are currently being accepted until April 30, 2024.