Special Awards

Historically Texas A&M University recognized certain outstanding students, faculty, and "inspirational" influences on students during past commencement ceremonies.  A few of the awards previously presented during past ceremonies are:
  • Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award
    • Through a gift from the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas, the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Outstanding Student Award was established to honor the memory of the late President Earl Rudder and to provide public recognition to the outstanding senior students graduating each year from Texas A&M University.  Each college may nominate up to two students to be considered by a special committee appointed by the President.  Those nominated by the individual colleges are listed below.  From these nominations, the committee selects two award recipients.  The awards were presented at the commencements of the two selected recipients.  Currently this award is presented at the Learning Communities, Academic Excellence, Undergraduate Research Opportunities,  National Fellowships, Capstones, and Honors Programs (LAUNCH) recognition ceremony held prior to commencement ceremonies.
  • Inspiration Award for Exceptional Secondary Education

    • In the past Texas A&M University had established the "Inspiration Award for Exceptional Secondary Education" to honor Texas high school teachers who made a significant impact on Texas A&M graduating seniors while they were in high school. The Inspiration Award was presented to teachers from May 2006 through May 2015.

      While the award was active, each degree candidate was allowed to nominate one high school teacher who challenged him/her to excel at the collegiate level and beyond. A committee was appointed by the Student Body President to review the nominees and make the selections. The teacher selected for the Texas A&M Inspiration Award for Exceptional Secondary Education received a check in the amount of $2,000, a certificate and an all-expense paid trip to campus. The high school where the teacher taught the nominating student also received a check in the amount of $1,000. Two recipients could be honored at the May Commencement, one at the August ceremonies and one at the December commencement. (Note: A minimum of 10 nominations had to be received for this award to be presented in May.) Nominations were accepted from undergraduate and graduate students. The recipient of the award was recognized at the ceremony in which the nominating student received their diploma.

      A teacher was only eligible if he/she taught a Texas A&M degree candidate in high school within the State of Texas. Previous recipients were not eligible for this award. A list of previous Inspiration Award winners can be obtained from the Student Government Association.

  • Robert Gates-Muller Family Outstanding Student Award
    • Through a gift from the Muller Family of Galveston, Texas, the Robert Gates-Muller Family Outstanding Student Award was established to honor former President Robert Gates and to provide public recognition to the outstanding senior students graduating each year from Texas A&M University. Each college may nominate one student to be considered by a special committee appointed
      by the President. Those nominated by the individual colleges are listed below. From these nominations, the committee selects one award recipient. The award is presented at the commencement of the selected recipient. The awards were presented at the commencements of the two selected recipients.  Currently this award is presented at the Learning Communities, Academic Excellence, Undergraduate Research Opportunities,  National Fellowships, Capstones, and Honors Programs (LAUNCH) recognition ceremony held prior to commencement ceremonies.