The Inspiring the Spirit of Aggieland – The 41 Award is open to ALL Texas A&M University faculty and administrators that go above and beyond to develop leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.
Previous award recipients include James “Jim” Olson (2022), Professor of Bush School of Government and Public Service, Rodney Boehm (2023), Associate Professor of the College of Engineering and Roger R. Reese (2024), Professor of History in the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of the Law School, Aric Short (2025).
The character Texas A&M University seeks to develop can best be defined by the University Aggie Core Values—Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service. Because of these Core Values, the Aggie Spirit, and Traditions, President Bush chose Texas A&M University to house his School, his Library, and his and Mrs. Barbara Bush’s final resting place, and thus entrusted Texas A&M with carrying on his legacy. He believed very strongly that “there can be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others,” and his words continue to inspire and challenge us all to make the world a better place.
Texas A&M University faculty and administrators have a crucial role in developing leaders who will live out these core values daily and positively impact our world. The 41 Award will honor and celebrate one Texas A&M University faculty member or administrator each year whose leadership, example, and character motivate others to share in their impact and exemplify the Aggie Core Values and those of President George H. W. Bush.
The award recipient MUST be available to attend the recognition ceremony and will receive a monetary award and recognition piece.
Eligibility:
Eligible candidates for the “Inspiring the Spirit of Aggieland – The 41 Award” must be currently employed in a full-time status as a member of the Texas A&M University faculty or administration in College Station, Texas.
Criteria for Selection:
The recipient shall:
- Be selected on their body of accomplishment to impart understanding and embracement of the values of George H.W. Bush and the Core Values of Texas A&M University with an emphasis on their ability to motivate others to do the same.
- Maintain a high standard of professionalism and discipline.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and present positive solutions that have excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service as a foundation.
- Exemplify the Core Values through personal contributions of energy, time, creativity, and skills for the advancement of humanity.
- The recipient must be currently employed in full-time service to Texas A&M University as a faculty or administration member. No distinction will be made between junior faculty, professors of the practice, and/or tenured faculty.
- A candidate must be willing to present themselves in person to receive the award at a time and place designated by the Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Required Nomination Documents:
- One Letter of Nomination that specifically addresses the award criteria.*
- Two Letters of Support that specifically address the award criteria.*
- Current biography, resume, or curriculum vitae of the nominee.
*Nomination/support letters should consist of one from each of the below categories. Any category may initiate the nomination. Letters should not exceed two pages.
- One from a colleague who works/worked with the nominee in their individual university capacity.
- One from a current or former student of the nominee.
- One from an external recommender outside of the nominee’s immediate department/organization, which could include someone within the university, system, or outside from the private sector, an NGO, or community.
Submission:
Email these three nomination letters and the nominee’s biography, resume or curriculum vitae to bushschoolawards@tamu.edu.
Questions?
Email bushschoolawards@tamu.edu with any questions.
“Public service is a noble calling, and we need men and women of character to believe that they can make a difference in their communities, in their states and in their country.”
President George H.W. Bush
Past Recipients
2025
2024
2023
2022
James “Jim” Olson
Professor of the Practice, The Bush School of Government & Public Service
The Inspiring the Spirit of Aggieland – The 41 Award is made possible by the generosity of Friends of the Bush School, Linda B. and Stephen H. “Steve” Vincent ’73
