Feb. 13, 2003

EIGHT HONORED AS SMU DISTINGUISHED LAW ALUMNI

DALLAS (SMU) -- SMU's Dedman School of Law will honor eight individuals at its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner Saturday, March 1.

Each year the law school recognizes graduates who have distinguished themselves in their professional achievements, philanthropy, public service or by rendering outstanding service to the Dedman School of Law.

The following are the recipients of the 2002-2003 Distinguished Alumni Awards:

Gerald J. Ford ('69) will receive the Robert G. Storey Award for Distinguished Achievement. Ford is chairman of the board and CEO of Liberte' Investors Inc. and former board chair and CEO of Golden State Bancorp Inc.

Albon O. Head Jr. ('71) will receive the Charles O. Galvin Award for Service to the SMU Dedman School of Law. Head is the partner-in-charge of the Fort Worth law office of Jackson Walker L.L.P.

Judge Sharon Keller ('78) will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Judicial Service. Keller serves as presiding judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Webber W. Beall Jr. ('59) will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Private Practice. Beall is a partner with the firm of Touchstone, Bernays, Johnston, Beall, Smith & Stollenwerck, L.L.P.

Robert B. Rowling ('79) will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Corporate Service. Rowling is chairman of Omni Hotels and president of Omni's parent company, TRT Holdings Inc.

Lincoln Magalhâes da Rocha ('63) will receive the Distinguished Global Alumni Award. Judge da Rocha is a member of the Brazilian Supreme Court of Accounts.

U.S. Congressman Ralph M. Hall ('51) will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Interest. Hall represents Texas' Fourth Congressional District.

Vester T. Hughes Jr. will receive the Honorary Alumnus Award. Hughes is a tax attorney and partner with the law firm Hughes & Luce, L.L.P.

Click on the photos below to view or download high-resolution .jpg versions.

Gerald J. Ford	Albon O. Head Jr.	Judge Sharon Keller	Webber W. Beall Jr.
Robert B. Rowling	Lincoln Magalhâes da Rocha	U.S. Congressman Ralph M. Hall	Vester T. Hughes Jr