Texas A&M University’s Association of Former Students has released the names of seven Aggies selected as 2010 Distinguished Alumni. Two are Mays graduates: William H. “Bill” Flores ’76 and Don H. Davis, Jr. ’61 (view the complete list of honorees).

Established in 1962, the Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University. Since its inception, 197 individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions to their professions, Texas A&M University, and their local communities.

“This tremendous class of distinguished alumni exemplifies what is possible with a degree from Texas A&M,” said A&M President Dr. R. Bowen Loftin ’71. “Even more impressive than their individual accomplishments, however, is that they have based their lives on the core values that are interwoven into each and every Aggie. These former students are true exemplars of the Aggie Spirit across our state and country, as well as around the world.”

The Association of Former Students will honor the 2010 Distinguished Alumni in formal events and ceremonies throughout the year. The association will honor all recipients of this award during its annual Distinguished Alumni Gala on October 15, 2010. In addition, the 2010 recipients will be hosted for dinner by Loftin and recognized during the Texas A&M football game against Missouri on October 16.

About the Mays honorees

Don H. Davis, Jr. ’61, graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. He earned a master of science in business administration from the school in 1963. During his time at A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the varsity baseball team and the Shreveport Hometown Club.

After graduation, Davis worked as an engineering sales trainee with Allen-Bradley and moved up through the sales and marketing ranks to become president of Allen-Bradley in 1989, four years after its acquisition by Rockwell. Davis was named president of Rockwell International in 1996, CEO in 1997 and chairman in 1998. He retired in 2005 after a distinguished 42-year career with the company.

Davis was honored with the Dwight Look College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni Award in 1990, and he was elected to the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Academy of Distinguished Graduates in 1992.

Davis and his wife, Sallie, have supported Texas A&M with endowments, including the Sallie and Don Davis ’61 Professorship in Engineering, two graduate fellowships in mechanical engineering, and a major gift supporting the renovation of Olsen baseball field. Davis has served on the College of Engineering external advisory committee and he continues to serve on many boards. He is an Endowed Century Club member of The Association of Former Students and he volunteers and contributes to many educational and cultural organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

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William H. “Bill” Flores ’76 earned a BBA in accounting from A&M and earned an MBA from Houston Baptist University in 1985. As a student at Texas A&M, Flores was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Ross Volunteers. He was vice president of the Memorial Student Center and the student body’s vice president of finance.

Flores pursued a career managing the finances of several businesses and was chosen as CFO for a string of successful energy companies, ultimately becoming CEO and president of Phoenix Exploration Co., from which he recently retired to pursue public service.

Flores was named an Outstanding Alumnus of Mays in 2003, and he and his wife, Gina, were honored as Fish Camp namesakes in 2008. They are among Texas A&M’s most generous benefactors, having funded many scholarships programs and endowments to Mays, the College of Education, and the Corps of Cadets. Due to Flores’ generous support of the project to enhance the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Center, the Great Hall was renamed Flores Hall in their honor.

Flores served as chair of The Association of Former Students in 2007 and is a member of the 12th Man Foundation Athletic Ambassadors Council, the Mays Business School Development Council, and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Development Council. He is an Endowed Century Club member and an active participant in the Brazos County A&M Club.