The Texas Exes announced that two College of Natural Sciences alumni, Vice Admiral Vivien Crea and Mr. Lee Godfrey, are recipients of the 2009 University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Exes announced that two College of Natural Sciences alumni, Vice Admiral Vivien Crea and Mr. Lee Godfrey, are recipients of the 2009 University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award. They and four others are being recognized for distinguishing themselves professionally and through service to the university.
Vice Admiral Vivien Crea received her bachelor’s degree in biology in 1972. She held the second highest position in the Coast Guard and is the first woman to do so. She was confirmed by the Senate to her historic post in 2006 and stepped down from that post in early August. As second in command of one of the United States Armed Forces, Crea was the first woman to be second in charge of a military service.
Mr. Lee Godfrey received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and English in 1966 after serving four years of active duty in the United States Air Force. He is co-managing partner of Susman Godfrey LLP, a firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Godfrey taught junior high and high school English in Poteet, Texas, and taught in a Head Start program for children of migrant farm workers. He returned to Austin to earn his law degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1969. He has been named among the top 15 American commercial trial lawyers.
The six recipients will be honored at a presentation in Austin on Friday, October 9. Created in 1958 by the Texas Exes, this award recognizes annually up to six alumni of The University of Texas at Austin. Recipients are chosen by a special Texas Exes committee from nominations submitted by alumni and other members of the university community. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest alumni award of The University of Texas at Austin.
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