R. C. Slocum To Receive Horatio Alger Award For Lifetime Service
R. C. Slocum, one of the longest-serving and winningest football coaches in Texas A&M history and who continues to serve the university, has been named a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award for 2013. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. presents the award annually to individuals whose determination and hard work have enabled them to overcome obstacles and become successful entrepreneurs or community leaders.
Slocum was head football coach at Texas A&M from 1989 to 2002 and currently serves as special adviser to the president of the university. He represents the university in a variety of ambassadorial capacities, including serving as a motivational speaker, particularly for young audiences.
He and 10 other recipients of the award this year become lifelong members of the Horatio Alger Association and will serve as role models for the organization’s scholarship recipients. The association presented 106 scholarships to high school students this year, including five in Texas. This year’s awardees will be honored at the association’s 66th annual induction ceremonies in Washington, D. C., April 4-6.
This is the second major award for Slocum within the past three months. He was inducted in the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in December, adding to numerous previously earned awards and honors.
“The Association is proud to salute men and women of exceptional achievement with the Horatio Alger Award, and we are grateful to them for joining in our efforts to enable more and more young people to achieve their own versions of the American Dream through higher education,” said Tony Novelly, president and CEO of the Horatio Alger Association.
In its role-model emphasis, Novelly said the association will share Slocum’s life experiences with its scholars and the American public, noting that as a scholarship student-athlete at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., Slocum earned his undergraduate degree in physical education in 1967 and a master’s degree in educational administration the following year. In addition to noting Slocum’s coaching accomplishments, Novelly cited his support for numerous worthy causes, including Texas Children’s Hospital, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club, and Children’s Miracle Network.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Horatio Alger Association,” Slocum said. “The Association’s mission of helping young people rise above their circumstances through scholarships and mentoring is important to me. This organization keeps alive the concept of America being a land of opportunity.”
Slocum began his coaching career as defensive coordinator at Lake Charles High School in Louisiana in 1968 and at the college level as an assistant at Kansas State University in 1970. His overall association with Texas A&M football dates back to 1972, serving as an assistant to three head coaches before being named head coach himself. His record as head coach was 123-47-2, and more than 50 of his former players were drafted into the National Football League.
Media contact: tamunews@tamu.edu.
