COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students are proud to announce the recipients of the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award:
Edward C. “Pete” Aldridge, Jr., Class of 1960, of Arlington, VA;
Frank C. Litterst, Jr., Class of 1943, of College Station, TX;
Pablo D. Marvin, Class of 1966, of College Station, TX; and
Dr. Charles R. Munnerlyn, Class of 1962, of San Jose, CA.
Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students also recognize two recipients posthumously:
Jesse W. Easterwood, Class of 1909; and
Frederick W. Heldenfels, Jr., Class of 1933.
Established in 1962, the Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University. Since its inception, 190 individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions to their professions, Texas A&M University and their local communities.
“The Aggies recognized this year with our Distinguished Alumnus Award are each a testimonial of Texas A&M’s core values put into action through their personal and professional lifetime achievements,” said Texas A&M University President Elsa A. Murano. “While each and every one of the more than 300,000 former students of Texas A&M has a unique chapter in our university’s history, this year’s recipients exemplify the Aggie Spirit across our state and country, as well as around the world. I applaud this year’s Distinguished Alumni, and celebrate their accomplishments along with their families and friends.”
The recipients learned of their honor when surprised in their places of business and other locations by a group of University and Association representatives, including Texas A&M President Dr. Elsa Murano; The Association of Former Students’ 2009 Chair of the Board of Directors Shelley Potter, Class of 1978; Association President and CEO Porter S. Garner III, Class of 1979; Association Vice President Marty Holmes, Class of 1987; a Ross Volunteer; along with Reveille and her handler, John Busch, Class of 2011.
“The Aggies recognized with this award are distinguished certainly because of their life’s accomplishments,” said 2009 Association Chair Shelley Potter, Class of 1978. “I am most impressed, however, by the way they conduct their lives and the legacy of selfless service they leave for future generations.”
The Association’s President and CEO, Porter S. Garner III, Class of 1979, echoed the sentiments of Dr. Murano and Shelley Potter and offered his congratulations on behalf of the Aggie Network. “Our 2009 Distinguished Alumni represent a cross-section of life experiences and achievements as diverse and inspiring as the Aggie Network itself,” Garner said. “They all, however, share a deep commitment to Texas A&M and the unique and unrivaled Aggie Spirit.”
The Association of Former Students will further honor Texas A&M University’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni in formal events and ceremonies throughout the year. The Association will honor all recipients of this award during its annual Distinguished Alumni Gala October 9, 2009. In addition, the 2009 recipients will be hosted for dinner by Dr. Elsa Murano and will be recognized during the Fall 2009 Freshman Convocation in August.
Brief biographical information on each of Texas A&M University’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni is included in the attached document.
The Association of Former Students, established in 1879, is the official alumni organization of Texas A&M University. The Association connects the 450,000 members of the worldwide Aggie Network with each other and the university, and provides more than $4.7 million a year in funding for scholarships, awards, activities and enrichment for students, faculty, staff and former students. For more information about the Distinguished Alumnus Award, visit www.AggieNetwork.com/DistinguishedAlumni/ or contact Brenda Lessor, BLessor@AggieNetwork.com.
Edward C. “Pete” Aldridge, Jr., Class of 1960, received a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Texas A&M and went on to earn a Master’s degree in the same field from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1962. During his time at Texas A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the Institute of Aerospace Sciences, Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Shreveport Hometown Club.
Aldridge’s distinguished 42-year career began in 1961 with Douglas Aircraft Company, and included 18 years of service in the Pentagon -- first as an operations research analyst, as the director of Planning and Evaluation under Donald Rumsfeld during his first tour as Secretary of Defense, as Under Secretary and then Secretary of the Air Force under President Ronald Reagan, and finally as the under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics under President George W. Bush. He also served as president of McDonnell Douglas Electronic Systems Company from 1988-1992 and as president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation from 1992-2001.
Aldridge was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, presented the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy by the National Aeronautic Association and has served as a volunteer and contributor to dozens of educational and nonprofit organizations. He is an Honorary Fellow and Past President of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Aldridge has been actively involved with Texas A&M, having donated generously to the Department of Aerospace Engineering and as an Endowed Century Club member with The Association of Former Students.
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