“We are excited to launch this event that honors the achievements of our incredible alumni,” says Susan Lozier, dean and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair of the College of Sciences and professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “Their accomplishments reflect the principles that define our College — curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. We’re grateful for the ways they continue to inspire and lead our community, and we look forward to celebrating them.”

Honorees will be recognized at the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration on Wednesday, October 1, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Historic Academy of Medicine.

Recognition categories include the Distinguished Alumni Awards, honoring one graduate from each School; the Distinguished Young Scientist Award, recognizing early-career excellence; and the College of Sciences Impact Award, honoring transformative contributions to the College’s mission and future.

“These outstanding alumni, nominated by their peers and leadership from the College of Sciences, are bold thinkers, dedicated leaders, and passionate advocates for progress,” says Director of Alumni Relations Leslie Roberts. “As the inaugural class of honorees, they embody the breadth of talent, vision, and valued engagement that define our alumni network.”

Alumni and friends are invited to join the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration at the Historic Academy of Medicine and help us honor these outstanding alumni. More information and registration links can be found here.

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Rutt Bridges (Physics 1973, M.S. Geophysical Sciences 1975)

Geophysicist, Entrepreneur, Author, and Founder, Rutt Bridges Venture Fund

School of Biological Sciences

Jack McCallum, M.D., Ph.D. (Applied Biology 1966)

Chairman and CEO, IntegerHealth

School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Kelly Sepcic Pfeil, Ph.D. (M.S. Chemistry 1992, Ph.D. Chemistry 2003)

Owner and President, Villa Splendida and Former President, ArrowInno

School of Mathematics

Frank Cullen, Ph.D. (Math 1973, M.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering 1976, Ph.D. Industrial and Systems Engineering 1984)

Emeritus Principal, Blackstone and Cullen

School of Physics

D. Nathan Meehan, Ph.D., P.E. (Physics 1975)

Professor, Texas A&M University and Founder, CMG Petroleum Consulting, Ltd.

School of Psychology

Margaret Beier, Ph.D. (M.S. Psychology 1999, Ph.D. Psychology 2004)

Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University

Distinguished Young Scientist Award Recipient

Kristel Topping, Ph.D. (Ph.D. Physiology, 2021)

Principal Researcher, The Home Depot

College of Sciences Impact Award Recipient

John Sutherland, Ph.D. (Physics 1962, M.S. Physics 1964, Ph.D. Physics 1967)

Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, Augusta University