A Word With the 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award Winners

BY Alcalde Staff in TXEX Jan | Feb 2019 on January 2, 2019

Each year, the Texas Exes bestows on six Longhorns The University of Texas’ highest honor: the Distinguished Alumnus Award. On Nov. 2, once again, alumni and friends of UT Austin descended upon the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center to welcome home a new batch of honorees. They all stood proudly onstage in their orange jackets and spoke about what it means to be a Longhorn.

There was the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning writer. There was the groundbreaking medical pioneer who specializes in delivering health care to the underserved, especially women. Then there was the radio executive and regent whose name graces the School of Social Work; the attorney who served as special assistant to President George H.W. Bush; one of the top trial lawyers in the country; and the renowned financial services professional and philanthropist who taught at McCombs in retirement.

Though they all excel in different fields, what ties them together is their service to the university.

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k the limelight. She has a passion for education. This year marks 50 years of our marriage together. She is my partner in everything we have done, and we are all—our entire family—very, very grateful for this.”

WILLIAM P. O’HARA

Retired, Morgan Stanley

BBA ’68, Life Member

“Why am I up here tonight? I’ve never been an astronaut, or an admiral. I have never been an elected official or a regent. I have thought about this question and believe I am up here for two big reasons. First, I chose to get my education at The University of Texas. The second, and biggest reason I am here tonight, is that little redheaded girl [wife Beverly O’Hara] that I was fortunate enough to meet 53 years ago.”

Photographs by Matt Wright-Steel

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