Distinguished OSU Alumni Honored

Friday, September 19, 2014

The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association has recognized the recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Awards for their professional achievements and community service. The recipients are Debbie Adams, Griff Jones, J. Doug Pruitt, Cindy Ross, James (Jim) Vallion, and Calvin Vogt.

OSU Alumni Honored — The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association recognized recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Awards at a reception and at the halftime of OSU's Sept. 13 football game at Boone Pickens Stadium. From left, OSU Senior Vice President and General Counsel Gary Clark; distinguished alums Calvin Vogt, James (Jim) Vallion, Cynthia Ross, J. Doug Pruitt, Griff Jones and Debbie Adams; OSU Alumni Association Board Chair Jennifer Grigsby and Alumni Association President Chris Batchelder.

This year’s recipients were recognized at several events on September 13. They attended a special lunch at the OSU president’s house before a public reception at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in the afternoon. They were then honored at an awards presentation during halftime of OSU’s football game at Boone Pickens Stadium.

Debbie Adams of Houston graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1983. She is currently the senior vice president of health, safety and environmental, projects and procurement for Phillips 66.

Griff Jones of Cypress, Texas, graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1991. He is currently the president and CEO of Twin Eagle Resources Management, LLC. Jones said, “I’m a firm believer of what’s so fantastic about Oklahoma State is there is such a diverse makeup of the student body. You have kids from the largest of the large high schools and the most prestigious of the private schools to the most rural of the rural schools, and it makes you see the whole spectrum of the personalities and backgrounds. Your ability to interact with people from all walks of life is extremely important.”

J. Doug Pruitt of Paradise Valley, Ariz., graduated from OSU-Oklahoma City with an associate’s degree in civil technology in 1965. He currently serves as the as chairman of the board of directors of the Sundt Companies and chairman of Sundt Construction, Inc.

Cindy Ross of Oklahoma City graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in university studies degree in 1983, a master’s degree in higher education administration in 1986 and a doctorate in higher education administration in 1989. She recently retired as the president of Cameron University in Lawton. When reflecting on her time at OSU, Ross says, “From my perspective, being recognized by my alma mater is a reflection on OSU, and specifically the high quality of education and the abundant collegiate experiences provided to all OSU students. I attribute the many opportunities I have been fortunate to enjoy during my career as a direct reflection on the extraordinary educational experiences I had at OSU.”

James (Jim) Vallion of Oklahoma City graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1951 and a master’s degree in political science in 1954. He is currently the owner and CEO of Trochta’s Flowers and ValGene’s Food Service.

Calvin Vogt of Tulsa, graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1953 and a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1960. During his career, he was the president and owner of a number of companies with offices in Tulsa and other cities and countries, including a joint venture in China. Throughout his career, Vogt faced numerous challenges and triumphs. When thinking back on his career, Vogt says, “It’s hard to pick a particular thing I’m most proud of. My whole life has been one of continually experiencing things I had never dreamed of. With my small-town upbringing, working in New York City and then traveling the world starting and managing businesses in so many countries, making friends there and helping some come to the US was very satisfying.”

Additional biographic information and photos of each Distinguished Alumni Award recipient are available online at orangeconnection.org/DAA. A special thank you to the OSU Alumni Association’s corporate partner, Standley Systems, who so graciously provided support for this event.

The OSU Alumni Association serves as a lifelong connection between alumni and Oklahoma State University. As a member organization, the Alumni Association serves more than 200,000 alumni living worldwide, as well as OSU students, faculty, staff and friends. By supporting the extensive alumni network from OSU, the Alumni Association provides a connection back to the university through a number of outreach programs as well as a complete directory to connect alumni to each other. Get Connected – Stay Connected – orangeconnection.org!