The University of Texas at Dallas celebrated distinguished alumni and supporters at the UT Dallas Awards Gala on a night marking the 20th anniversary of the event. President Richard C. Benson unveiled a UT Dallas pennant that accompanied Reilly to space during his final mission in 2007. “We feel like UT Dallas is just a crown jewel of North Texas and the public education system. Hoblitzelle would be so pleased that his original gift of land has impacted so many lives in North Texas. Distinguished Alumni AwardsThe Distinguished Alumni Award is given to graduates who have achieved great renown in their careers.