Campus Life

Top Three Student Awards Presented At Commencement

Texas A&M has presented its top three student awards to Michael Bass of Longview, Ryan Trantham of Allen and Clayton J. Cromer of Oklahoma City.
By Tura King, Texas A&M Marketing & Communications May 20, 2015

grad cap
Decorated caps at commencement ceremonies 

(Texas A&M Marketing & Communications)

Texas A&M University has presented its top three student awards — recognizing outstanding accomplishments in academics, leadership and service by graduating seniors — to Michael Bass of Longview, Ryan Trantham of Allen and Clayton J. Cromer of Oklahoma City.

Their identities were kept confidential until the spring commencement ceremonies at which they received their diplomas.

Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Awards, which include cash gifts of $5,000 each, were presented to Bass and Trantham. The award honors top students who exemplify the leadership and related traits of the late Gen. Earl Rudder, a World War II hero who served as president of Texas A&M from 1959 until his death in 1970.

The Robert Gates-Muller Family Outstanding Student Award, which also includes a $5,000 gift, was presented to Cromer.

The award was established through a gift from the Muller family of Galveston to provide public recognition to the outstanding seniors graduating from Texas A&M who have demonstrated those qualities of leadership, patriotism and courage exemplified by Robert M. Gates. He served as president of the university from 2002 until 2006, when he was named U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Bass, an electrical and computer science double major with a minor in math, compiled an overall GPR of 4.0 while holding positions of leadership in several student groups, professional and honor societies and community activities. In her nomination letter, Katherine Banks, dean of engineering, also lists his other outstanding qualities as “patriotism, fortitude, courage, humility and his devotion to Texas A&M and its core values.”

One nominator said Bass had a “thirst for knowledge, demonstrated leadership skills and is ‘contagiously optimistic.’” Another nominator said, “I honestly can’t think of someone more deserving of this fine honor.”

After describing Bass’ skills in research and study, Sunil Khatri, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, said: “In my 15 years in academia I cannot think of a BS student that is more deserving of this honor. This is a student whose sincerity, depth and humility cannot be easily captured in a resume or reference letter. I am immensely proud of him.”

Yet another nominator described Bass as talented, hardworking, generous and a “truly exceptional student” who is “an ambassador for Texas A&M, its excellence and its values.”

Trantham, a biomedical sciences major with a minor in Spanish and another in business administration, said, “I am a spirited, diligent student working towards a rewarding career as a practicing primary care physician.”

Those who nominated him agreed. One noted that from the first time Trantham came to Aggieland she knew right away he would be a good candidate for the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Award. “Ryan has exemplified leadership from my early interactions with him as an incoming freshman. I still remember sitting across the table from a polite, personable and highly accomplished young man and thinking Ryan was one of the students I was hoping would come to Texas A&M so I could see the kinds of heights he would scale.”

Another spoke of Trantham’s participation in student organizations such as the L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness and how he progressed through the ranks of the Memorial Student Center’s leadership to reach the position of MSC president.

“During his presidency, Ryan has led the organization through a reorganization where he and his peers, along with staff, spent 14 weeks designing the student structure of the MSC to maximize programs and leadership experiences. In his position as president, he oversees 1,300 student leaders on 16 programming committees.”

James Herman, clinical professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said: “Many students come to Texas A&M with the goal to receive an education, gather some good memories and then find a quality job. Some, like Ryan, are impacted by the Aggie Spirit and Core Values and become more deeply involved in the community that is Texas A&M. Ryan Trantham invested his years at Texas A&M in the service of his fellow students, enhancing others’ time here through his efforts.”

Another nominator described Trantham as a “leader both inside and outside the classroom. He has a GPR of 3.89 while being involved all around campus from his freshman year.”

Cromer is graduating with a bachelor of science in economics, minors in philosophy and history and an overall GPA of 4.0. He is a student leader in the Texas A&M International Economics Coalition (founder and CEO); the Academy of Future International Leaders (executive committee chair); and the Texas A&M Student Government Association (judicial advocate general).

Cromer also served on the Aggie Muster Committee and was a member of the Aggie Catholic Ambassadors and the St. Mary’s Youth Retreat Team, for which he was a retreat leader.

One nominator noted that his “intellectual abilities, leadership and hard work are evident by his GPR, his participation in the Student Government Association and his prestigious position as a policy analyst for TechAmerica in Washington, D.C. Clayton further displays a quality that is a rarer commodity in the world. That quality is decency.”

Another said: “What truly distinguishes someone is not merely the capacity to cogently connect complex points, but the genuine character a person displays in interacting with their world. Clayton holds this quality in spades.”

Cromer was described as “having humility, commitment to his fellow students and having a strong, demonstrated commitment to his faith.”

One of his philosophy teachers, Robert Garcia, said Cromer is “one of those rare students who is consistently prepared with an articulate, accurate and interesting answer. I grew to admire Clayton’s respectful and open-minded attitude towards other students and perspectives.”

Another nominator described Cromer as having a strong ability and an analytical mind, as well as being driven and dedicated.

Nominator and fellow student Brenton Cooper said: “Texas A&M is more than a school; it’s a mindset and a way of life. It is a set of values that are emblazoned over the entrances of the Memorial Student Center. In my time at Texas A&M, I have not seen anyone embody those values better than Clayton Cromer. Clayton is strong in leadership and tireless in service to our university and is committed to the Aggie Family.”

Media contact: Tura King, Texas A&M Division of Marketing & Communications.

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