Texas A&M Presents Top Awards To Three Students During Graduation Ceremonies

Texas A&M University presented its three top student awards to Stephanie Burns of San Antonio, Morgan Knocke of The Woodlands and Blayne Thompson of Bryan during spring commencement ceremonies.

Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Awards, which include cash gifts of $5,000 each, were presented to Burns, an animal science graduate with a minor in educational human resource development, and Knocke, who received a business administration finance degree with a minor in economics.

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 Thompson, who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in both agricultural leadership and development and agricultural communications and journalism.

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 Dr. Robert M. Gates. Gates served as president of the university from 2002 until 2006, when he was named U.S. Secretary of Defense.

The students were presented their awards by Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin.

Burns is described by those who nominated her for the Brown-Rudder Award as an outstanding leader who excels at every task she undertakes. W. Shawn Ramsey, associate professor of animal science, says that he has seen many students over the years but Burns is “one of the most impressive and deserving” he has ever known.

“Throughout her time at Texas A&M, Stephanie has demonstrated a commitment to student leadership and involvement while also maintaining a high standard of academic excellence,” says Eddie J. Davis, president of the Texas A&M Foundation.

Davis and others point to her outstanding leadership as president and CEO of the Memorial Student Center during a challenging time. With this major campus facility closing for a $105 million expansion and renovation, they say Burns saw the many difficulties involved as an opportunity to reenergize students to work to preserve the spirit and history of the MSC.

“Throughout my time as student regent for the Texas A&M University System,” says Hunter Bollman, “I have traveled extensively across the state and interacted with many student leaders. Stephanie is without a doubt the most impressive student I have ever met.”

Knocke, who also received the Brown-Rudder Award, served two years as coordinator of the Mays Business School Fellows Program. Citing her “exceptional capacity to deal with both ‘big picture’ and detailed issues and hold herself and others accountable while acting professionally,” Danny Martindale, director of BBA programs in finance with the Mays School, called Knocke a “young woman of exceptional honor who leads by example.”

While her 4.0 grade-point average has her nominators calling her academic achievements “remarkable,” Knocke was also praised for her volunteer efforts to bring both educational and medical aid to Kenya. Paying both her travel and living expenses, Knocke spent the summer there working with Comfort the Children International.

Dean Jerry Strawser of the Mays Business School said he “cannot imagine a more deserving recipient of the Brown-Rudder Award. In addition to her outstanding academic credentials, Ms. Knocke has demonstrated remarkable levels of self service and leadership.”

“This past year I have been involved with the Horizon Program,” says Valerie Johnson, a fellow business student of Knocke’s. “Realizing that Texas A&M did not have a program to provide resources to prepare students for careers in strategy consulting and investment banking, Morgan founded the Horizon Program.” Johnson adds that Knocke worked to connect students with former students in top fields to act as mentors.

As a result, Johnson says the program has raised awareness about career opportunities in these areas while educating top firms across the country about the value of an Aggie graduate.

An Eagle Scout and member of the Corps of Cadets, Thompson, the Gates-Muller Award winner, has received many honors and awards for both his academic and leadership accomplishments. He was elected his freshman year to serve as Fish Council member for the Freshman Leadership Organization and was also elected sophomore, junior and senior class president in subsequent years.

Saying Thompson is a proven leader of character and competence, Lt. Gen. John Van Alstyne, former commandant of the Corps of Cadets, noted it is evident that “this young man has an undying love and unwavering commitment” to Texas A&M. “With a 4.0 in a double major, Blayne is among the best,” Van Alstyne adds.

Douglas Starr, professor of agricultural communications and journalism, said Thompson is the kind of student every professor wishes to have in his class. “Blayne listens; he is quick to ask clarifying questions; he makes good use of the answers, and his demeanor is quiet, soft-spoken, exuding ability and confidence.”

Manda Rosser, assistant professor of agriculture, called Thompson an outstanding student “an action-oriented leader both in academics and professionalism.” She adds that his integrity is seen in his actions and commitments. “Blayne is a true Aggie, an honest gentleman, someone who has the courage to stand up for what he believes to be right. He has a kind heart for those in need and sets an amazing example for everyone around him.”