Lubbock Christian University (LCU) and the office of Alumni Relations recently named the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients in recognition of their outstanding success and service in their professional pursuits, their local communities, and to LCU.

The eight 2021 recipients include a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and Commander in the Air Force, a local urology and men’s reproductive health expert, international minister, as well as leaders in the agricultural science industry. They will all be honored at the annual Lubbock Christian University Alumni Awards Luncheon during the University’s homecoming on Friday, Feb. 12.

The awardees continue to profoundly impact the world around them, both in professional success and in service to the Kingdom of God. Every year, LCU identifies distinguished alumni in five different categories:

• Dr. Ryan Owen of Lubbock, Texas was awarded the Young Alumnus of The Year Award. Dr. Owen is a leading urologist in the South Plains region and is the only doctor that performs vasectomy reversals and who aspires to provide a comprehensive treatment approach for infertile couples in West Texas and eastern New Mexico. The award goes to those who have had significant professional achievement under the age of 40.
• Scott A. Cate was announced the recipient of the K. C. Moser Award and currently serves as the Operations Manager of Jochebed’s Hope, a children’s home which allows children in poor conditions around the island of Nias, Indonesia, to receive food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care to which they would otherwise have no access. This award goes to individuals who have shown for excellence and outstanding service to the Kingdom of God.
• Glenda King Ramee was awarded the F.W. Mattox Award for excellence and outstanding service to the University. Ramee, from Brownfield, Texas was a 1969 graduate of LCU. After teaching and serving in administrative roles within in various school districts, Ramee is currently an Educational Consultant for McAllen Independent School District.
• Major Shane C.R. Frith, retired military, is receiving the Distinguished Alumnus of The Year. Major Frith graduated from LCU in 1996 and enlisted in the military after graduating with a Youth and Family Ministry degree. Before his retirement in January 2017, Frith was a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and Commander for the Air Force EOD Joint Service Acquisition, Sustainment, and Technology Division. This award is given to individuals who demonstrate significant professional and personal achievement.
• Four members of the Joy family, originally from Artesia, NM, will receive the Gary & Pat Estep Award for outstanding contributions to the sciences. All four of the Joy siblings graduated from LCU between ‘02 and ‘09.  Each of them has forged a successful career as leading researchers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sciences – Brandon Joy, Kami (Joy) Jenkins, Kolbyn Joy, and Stuart Joy.

Learn more about other activities during LCU Homecoming, or get tickets to the Alumni Awards Luncheon.