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February 16, 2007

Homecoming Honorees

Two events recognize distinguished alumni

Story by: Samantha Nhema

The Shorthorn staff

George W. Bedford and Katrina M. Keyes will be honored at this year’s African-American Alumni Reception tonight in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom.

Timeka Gordon, UTA/Fort Worth Center recruitment assistant director, called the two individuals exemplars of the reception’s theme, “What is your legacy?”

The honorees will be presented the Outstanding African-American Alumni award, at the award ceremony’s 18th year.

Gordon called this year’s decision making process difficult due to the qualifications of the nominees. However, after deliberation, these two candidates stood out.

“This year, honestly, we had a hard decision to make,” Gordon said. “We look for a history of achievement, someone who brings integrity to the university. With these two candidates, their stories were so compelling and through the submissions I felt like I knew them.”

Bedford graduated from the university in 1973 with a bachelor’s in sociology. He joined the Dallas Police Department a year later and serves today as a detective in the Southeast Patrol Division’s Investigative Unit.

Keyes is a 1996 graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration and is an active leader in Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. She is also the president of K Strategies Group LLC, a public affairs firm providing enterprise programs.

Gordon said the ceremony is geared not only to honor the recipients, but also to inspire students.

“The fact that they even care to come back to the university speaks volumes and invokes pride,” Gordon said, reminiscing on attending the awards ceremony as a student. “I felt so much pride, and it made me feel there was hope for my future.”

The ceremony is open to the public and to 60 specially selected students from various black organizations.

The Cadet Core Alumni Council, recently renamed from the Cadet Core Alumni Chapter, will also honor two alumni at its annual Hall of Honor Awards Ceremony Feb. 24.

The two inductees, Allan N. Garonzik and Granville E. Tyson, will be honored Saturday.

Garonzik, a member of the university’s first graduating class as UTA in 1967, has attended every Homecoming since his graduation and also writes a column for the council’s newsletter.

Sara Nahhas, Cadet Corps Alumni chapter assistant, said the induction ceremony gives students hope, direction and shows them how far they could end up one day.

“They kind of validate these students in the choice of what they are doing,” Nahhas said. “It’s really very moving and extremely impressive.”

The council has grown from 76 members to 91, said Stephanie Thompson, alumni association special events assistant director.

The number of annual members is 26, and Thompson said the increase was partly due to the efforts of council president, Ray Andrae.

“He worked hard to provide a lot more awareness and more membership,” she said. “This year they are trying to entice back the 1976-77 Sam Houston rifles drill team members.”

The receptions will mark two university Homecoming celebrations and the return of some of UTA’s finest, Nahhas said.