AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Larry R. Faulkner, president of The University of Texas at Austin, has resumed the Presidential Citation program to recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals who personify the University’s commitment to the task of transforming lives.
The University does not award honorary degrees, and these citations are designed to salute people whose service exemplifies the values shared by the University community. The citation ordinarily will be presented in connection with the University’s anniversary celebration on or about Sept.15, but may be announced at any time. The name of the recipient and the year of the award will be added to a plaque mounted in an appropriate place in the Main Building.
"The Presidential Citation is an opportunity to honor extraordinary achievement and outstanding contributions to the University. We look forward to extending this special recognition of excellence within the UT community," said Faulkner.
The president has appointed a committee to solicit and review nominations. Members of the University community and the public are invited to nominate people who meet the criteria found on the UT Austin Web site <www.utexas.edu/president/citation.html>. The criteria for nominees to be considered for a Presidential Citation includes:
- Be distinguished in his or her field of endeavor.
- Be a person of such integrity, stature, demonstrated ability and renown, that the University community including alumni, faculty, staff and students will take pride in, and be inspired by, his or her recognition.
- Have provided service to the University that has made a profound and positive difference in the achievement of the University’s mission.
All nominations must be submitted for review by the Presidential Citation Committee by April 15, 2001. The nominations may be submitted in writing or by e-mail. The mailing address is: Presidential Citation Committee, c/o Ms. Nancy McCowen, President’s Office, The University of Texas at Austin, Post Office Box T, Austin, Texas, 78713-8012. The e-mail address is: <nancy@po.utexas.edu>.
A person will be considered ineligible for the Presidential Citation if, at the time the selection committee meets to consider nominations, he or she currently holds an elective local, state or national public office, or is a candidate for any such elective public office in the current calendar year; or if he or she currently is a member of the UT Austin president’s or the UT System chancellor’s senior staff, an elective officer of The Ex-Students’ Association, a regent of The University of Texas System, or the head of a component institution of the UT System; or if he or she currently is a member of the selection committee.
The first Presidential Citation was bestowed at Honors Day, 1979. The last Presidential Citation was given in 1998. In the spring of 1999, Faulkner charged an ad hoc committee on Presidential Citations with reviewing the Presidential Citation Program. In the fall of 2000, the committee recommended the program be resumed and provided a set of criteria, suggested selection procedures and award and recognition process.
For additional information, contact M. Michael Sharlot, chair of the Presidential Citation Nominating Committee, (512) 232-1125, or McCowen at (512) 471-1232 or via e-mail at <nancy@po.utexas.edu>.
