Four Distinguished Alumni and a First Decade Awardee were honored for exemplary careers and service during Homecoming 2025. A sixth alumna and an Austin College faculty member were honored for service to the alumni community.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Carmen Tafolla ’72
Dr. Carmen Tafolla has worked in the fields of Mexican American studies and bilingual bicultural education for over 35 years. She has published more than 40 books and was named Poet Laureate of Texas in 2015. In 2018, she was the first Latina to be elected President of the Texas Institute of Letters. Carmen has received countless accolades for her work. Austin College bestowed upon Carmen a Doctorate Honoris Causa in Humane Letters.
Larry Driver '76
Dr. Larry Driver’s areas of clinical practice and expertise are cancer pain management and palliative care. He has been Chair of MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Clinical Ethics Committee since 2001, served on a multitude of subcommittees, and a faculty member for MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Division of Anesthesiology since 1999. His publications include over 100 research reports, articles, commentaries, and even poetry. Larry often lectures at medical schools throughout the United States.
Tom Vick '77
Tom Vick is a partner in the law firm of Vick Carney Law in Weatherford, Texas, and has been practicing family law since 1981. He has received several family law awards throughout his long career. He has chaired the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees and served on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors. Tom has also served his community as mayor of Weatherford, Texas—home of the fighting Weatherford Kangaroos.
Melissa Cunningham Woodall ’86
Melissa Cunningham Woodall has worked in the field of economic and community development for over 35 years. She has worked in communities of all sizes, creating thousands of new jobs and bringing in billions of dollars in new private investments. Melissa has also served on several local and regional committees and boards, and is a past president of Texas Downtown Association. She has been very active in Rotary International and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
First Decade Award
Jeremy Swisher ’17
Dr. Jeremy Swisher is currently a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor for the UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s Division of Sports Medicine. He has worked with UCLA Athletics and professional teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Sparks. Jeremy, along with fellow Class of 2017 members Cody Myers and Josh Dickerman, co-founded The Extra Step Foundation, which partners with Children’s Health Dallas to provide direct support to patients and their families facing financial hardship.
Heywood C. Cleamons Volunteer Service Award
Jana Harrison ’89
Dr. Jana Harrison has been actively engaged in service to Austin College for many years. She is a member of the Alumni Board and frequently serves as hostess for alumni gatherings in the Dallas area. Jana serves as president of the Alpha Delta Chi Alumni Association, which she also founded. She has a heart for philanthropy, offering matching donations during North Texas Giving Day, Austin College Giving Day, and various other fundraising initiatives.
Cindy Curtis Bean Service to Alumni Award
Peter Schulze
Dr. Peter Schulze joined the Austin College faculty in 1995 and currently serves as Professor of Biology and Environmental Science. He has been a stalwart supporter of students and longtime alumni, and he continues to be supportive in connecting recent graduates with jobs in the environmental sciences. Peter also sees great value in recognizing the work and milestones of his past students, particularly the Alpha Delta Chis and their relationship with the Sneed Prairie project.