Amanda Sayle Kelly (’09 M.A.), McKinney. She taught at the Art Institute of McKinney from 2003 to 2007. The following year, she became the art specialist at McKinney ISD’s Valley Creek Elementary School and served as the specials team lead, writing curriculum and teaching professional development. Amanda and her students were involved with the Empty Bowls project and Heard-Craig Center for the Arts in McKinney, and she was named her school’s Teacher of the Year in 2020. For 19 years, she was a co-organizer of McKinney’s annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras parade.

Lt. Col. Larry Willard Britton (’66), Manassas, Virginia. His career in the U.S. Marine Corps spanned 23 years, most of which were spent as a CH-46 helicopter pilot and included tours in Vietnam, where he conducted medevac missions, and Beirut. He earned numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, with four stars indicating service in four campaign periods. He also served as an acquisition management officer, operations officer and aviation safety officer prior to retiring from the military. He went on to work as a military contractor before volunteering as a docent in the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. He enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing stories and joking with his grandchildren.

Stephanie Janine Zimmermann (’05 M.S.), Dallas. She was a Chilton Society member who died after a hard-fought, 14-year battle with breast cancer. She and her husband, Harvey (’ 70, ’ 72 M.B.A.), were longtime supporters of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business’ accounting department as well as the college’s Dean’s Excellence Fund. Stephanie earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Texas and a master's degree in special education from TWU. After raising her children, she pursued a master's degree in counseling at UNT and dedicated her career to working with special education and talented and gifted students in Dallas elementary schools. She enjoyed music, playing the guitar and writing.

Robert Harry Bishop (‘53), Houston. He was a member of UNT’s Kendall Society, the establishing donor for The R. Harry Bishop Men's Basketball Scholarship and a major supporter of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business and the Kuehne Speaker Series. After working on the family farm during his youth, he briefly attended North Texas, but left to enlist in the U.S. Army. Following his service, he returned to North Texas and earned a bachelor’s in business administration. During his career, Harry worked for Sun Oil Company, Texaco and Samedan Oil Company. He married Barbara (‘52) in 1953 and the couple resided in several locations before settling in Houston in 1966. Harry founded Bishop Petroleum Inc. in the early 1970s, which he managed until his death.

William “Bill” Ellis Wittenburg (’55), Lakeway. He graduated with a degree in business management and went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army. After completing his service, he relocated to Midland to work for Midwest Oil. Following his retirement in 1974, he began a real estate career. He ran cattle and enjoyed spending time with his wife, Joyce, with whom he traveled to more than 58 countries.

Ronnie “Ron” Wesson (’70), Terrell. After earning a bachelor’s in business administration/marketing at North Texas, he began working with the Southland Corporation. He later worked as an insurance agent before becoming a teacher with Terrell ISD, where he led the DECA program (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) before retiring in 2016. He will be remembered for his loving spirit, kind heart, hugs and gentle soul.

Robert Boyd Farley (’73), Lake Jackson. He earned a bachelor’s in banking and finance. He loved his family and volunteered his services to numerous organizations at his church.

Mary Edna Crocker (’95 M.S.), Palacios. A love of reading led her to a career as a librarian. After earning a master’s in library science at UNT, she worked for the Houston Public Library system and retired in 2005. She was active in her community and was named Woman of the Year in 2023 by the Palacios Chamber of Commerce.

Billy Blake Sykes (’88), Chatfield. He was an underwriter with Liberty Mutual Insurance for 18 years. While growing up in Dallas, he cultivated his love of playing soccer, German Shepherds and dirt-track racing.

Melissa Ann Davis (’12, ’15 M.S.), Austin. She studied abroad in South Africa while earning a bachelor’s in anthropology at UNT, where she minored in international studies and leadership of community and nonprofit organizations. Fueled by an interest in sustainability, she earned a master’s degree in international sustainable tourism. After graduation, she traveled to the Philippines to support an organization that created fully sustainable homes and continued to work with them after returning to the U.S. She enjoyed traveling and loved animals, including her dog and constant companion, Dudley.