The Distinguished Achievement Awards, sponsored by The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University, recognized 24 outstanding faculty and staff for superior performance in the classroom, laboratory, campus office, or clinic, in these categories: Teaching; Research; Student Relations; Administration; Extension, Outreach, and Continuing Education; Staff; and Graduate Mentoring. The university-level Distinguished Achievement Awards were first presented in 1955 and have since been awarded to more than 1,000 professionals who have exhibited the highest standards of excellence at Texas A&M. These awards undergo a rigorous selection and review process. After nominations are received from all campus area, the Office of the Dean of Faculties and Associate Provost coordinated the work of a 39-member university wide committee that reviewed the dossier for each nominee. Each nominee received an award plaque, an engraved watch and a cash gift. Our Senior Academic Advisor, Rafael Almanzar, received this prestigious award for Individual Student Engagement. Congratulations Rafael! We're all very proud of you!