Alumni Return to Campus to Mentor and Inspire at Alumni Ambassador Forum
The Alumni Ambassador Forum connected students with accomplished graduates for real-world insights, career guidance and meaningful conversations.
When more than two dozen alumni visited East Texas A&M University on Wednesday for the annual Alumni Ambassador Forum, they brought plenty of wisdom, mentorship and inspiration to share.
In collaboration with the university's Office of Alumni Engagement and Student Career Preparedness, the event offered students opportunities to engage with alumni from a wide range of industries through panel discussions, tabling sessions and informal networking.
Real-World Advice from Those Who've Been There
During panel discussions, networking was a major topic. The panelists emphasized that, despite its reputation as intimidating, networking doesn't have to be scary. It's simply about connecting with others.
“People sometimes feel that if you're networking, you have to be really ‘on' and perfect,” said Dina Marie Sosa-Hegarty, Ed.D. “What I tell folks is that you need to be authentic. You don't have to speak to the whole table or the entire room. You just have to find someone to connect with.”
Sheun Ojemuyiwa emphasized that while networking can be daunting, people appreciate it when networkers just do their best to step up and try to make a connection, even if it's not perfect.
“People are very generous when they understand that you're just trying to communicate,” he said.
Barbara Bass added, “The first thing you have to do is show up. Nothing happens until you show up. And then when you get there, step up, put your hand out and introduce yourself.”
Photo Credit: Jason Connel, ETAMU Marketing and Communications
Real Impact: Students Reflect on the Experience
Student surveys conducted after the event showed that almost 100% of respondents said they are very likely to take concrete next steps as a result of attending the Alumni Ambassador Forum—steps like networking with alumni and faculty, researching graduate and professional programs, and seeking mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.
Amari Bell, a senior psychology major, said the forum encouraged her to continue working hard to pursue her goals.
“It motivates me to keep going. I get nervous about whether I'm going to make it or succeed. Seeing these alumni and how successful they are and how much advice they can give makes me want to be like them.”
Jasmine Delgado, a biology/pre-med major, said getting career advice directly from successful alumni was helpful.
“I liked hearing the stories about the alumni here, just getting to know more about what steps I can take in college. It motivates me to continue in my career journey and not give up.”
Honoring Excellence: Alumni Ambassador Awards
The day's activities included an award ceremony recognizing the 2026 Alumni Ambassador awardees. The distinction represents the highest honor an academic department can bestow on its graduates. Individual departments nominate alumni based on their exceptional professional achievement, leadership and service.
“Being named an Alumni Ambassador is one of the most meaningful recognitions an academic department can give,” said Amanda Lowe, director of Alumni Engagement. “It reflects both exceptional career achievement and a lasting connection to the university.”
2026 Alumni Ambassador Honorees
Tyler Dewey
B.S. Agriculture ‘06
Agricultural Business
Hometown: Owasso, Oklahoma
Payton John Swinson
B.S. Animal Science '19, M.S. Agricultural Sciences ‘21
Animal Science
Hometown: Commerce, Texas
Debora Schubert Lytle
BFA ‘87
Art
Hometown: Cumby, Texas
Margo McCucheon
B.A. History '16, M.A. History ‘19
History and Liberal Studies
Hometown: Bonham, Texas
Dr. Shelby Miller
M.S. '12, Ph.D. ‘19
Literature and Languages
Hometown: Greenville, Texas
Mario Luna
MM ‘12
School of Music
Hometown: Forney, Texas
Tyler Hicks
B.S. Criminal Justice, ‘23
Social Sciences
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas
Micah McBay
M.S. Theatre ‘20
Theatre
Hometown: Greenville, Texas
Eddie Moore II
BGS ‘25
General Studies
Hometown: DeSoto, Texas
Kate Quintanar
BAAS Organizational Leadership ‘23
Organizational Leadership
Hometown: Terrell, Texas
Sherryl S. Winkler
BAAS '25, FSA
Health Service Administration
Dr. Michelle Perepiczka
Ph.D. ‘08
Counseling
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Nekeya Laton Webster
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies ‘08
Curriculum and Instruction
Hometown: Balch Springs, Texas
Dr. Jennifer Smith Jones
M.Ed ‘99, M.S. ‘01, Ed.D. ‘07
Educational Leadership
Hometown: Canton, Texas
Edward Monroy IV
B.S. Public Health ‘19, MPH
Health and Human Performance
Hometown: Richland Hills, Texas
Dr. Dina Sosa-Hegarty
Ed.D. ‘19
Higher Education and Learning Technologies
Hometown: Campbell, Texas
Stacy Anderson
B.S. Nursing, ‘21
Nursing
Hometown: Royse City, Texas
Dr. Kerry Karaffa
B.S. Criminal Justice '09, M.S. Psychology '12, Ph.D.
Psychology
Hometown: Whitewright, Texas
Tammy Finney
BSW ‘19, MSW ‘20, LCSW ‘23
Social Work
Hometown: Fate, Texas
Dr. Brian Craig Rodgers
B.S. Biological Sciences ‘06
Biological & Environmental Sciences
Hometown: Farmersville, Texas
Jose Ontiveros, Jr.
M.S. ‘18
Chemistry
Hometown: Paris, Texas
Sandy R. Davis
B.S. Computer Science ‘86
Computer Science & Information Systems
Hometown: Benbrook, Texas
Sheun B. Ojemuyiwa
M.S. Technology Management ‘18
Engineering & Technology
Hometown: Aubrey, Texas
Kaci Rae Flowers
B.S. Mathematics '13, FSA
Mathematics
Hometown: Sulphur Springs, Texas
Justin Walker
B.S. Physics ‘11
Physics & Astronomy
Barbara Bass
BBA ‘77
Accounting, Finance, Economics and Business Law
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Carlos Rivers
MBA ‘15
Management, Marketing and Management Science
Hometown: Irving, Texas
Alumni Perspectives: Real-World Impact
Several Alumni Ambassadors said the award and the opportunity to return to ET and share their experiences were very special honors. For Payton Swinson, the award is particularly poignant.
“My grandad, Conner Lee John (CL John), received the Alumni Ambassador award in 2012…” he said. “To me, it is a huge honor to receive the same recognition as one of my biggest role models growing up.”
Dr. Shelby Miller said being named an Alumni Ambassador is deeply meaningful because it represents the full-circle nature of her journey at East Texas A&M.
“I see it as an opportunity to give back—to stay connected, to support future students, and to contribute to a community that has played such a significant role in my life.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Lion Alumni
The presence of respected alumni on campus offered students a powerful, real-world vision of what an East Texas A&M education can lead to. Arthur Lumzy, executive director of Student Career Preparedness, said the event's impact goes beyond a single day.
“By bringing our alumni and students together, we create a meaningful space for Lions to learn from fellow Lions—strengthening career readiness while deepening alumni engagement.”