TTUHSC Recognizes Distinguished Alumni
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) recently recognized Distinguished Alumni from each school and named Richard C. Johnston, M.D., the 2016 Presidential Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
TTUHSC President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., established the Presidential Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016, making it the highest honor bestowed to an alumnus by the university.
“Our alumni set the highest standards for health care professionals everywhere,” Mitchell said. “The Presidential Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni, like Dr. Johnston, who exemplify TTUHSC’s tradition of excellence in service to others. Dr. Johnston has brought honor to our university by his personal accomplishments and professional achievements. He has dedicated his life to the care of patients throughout Texas.”
Recognizing outstanding alumni from each school is a tradition at TTUHSC that dates back to 1999. Distinguished Alumni are selected from nominations at-large based on accomplishments from the previous year. The awards reflect the alumni’s commitment to excellence and community service while making significant contributions to the health care profession.
“Our alumni are compelled to help their community,” said Julie Doss, J.D., senior director of Alumni Relations. “It is in their nature and the nature of their profession. We are proud to recognize the contributions they’ve made throughout their careers and the positive reputation they’ve given TTUHSC.”
2016 Distinguished Alumni
Presidential Distinguished Alumni Award
Richard C. Johnston, M.D., FACP, School of Medicine,’75

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Kendra Rumbaugh, Ph.D.,’01
School of Health Professions
Steve Alaniz, MPT, ’07
Jeffery Barnhart, MSCPM, ’13
Matt Berend, MRC, LBSW, ’15
Karen Copple, Ph.D., ’11
Sissy Ann Hinojos, MPAS, ’12
School of Medicine
Sharmila Dissanaike, M.D., ’06
Craig D. Rhyne, M.D., ’86
Roger Wolcott, M.D., ’92
School of Nursing
Melanie Ann Richburg, DNP, ’13
Sylvain Trepanier, DNP, ’11
School of Pharmacy
Steve Rodriguez, Pharm.D., ’01
Lyndsi White, Pharm.D., ’06
Visit TTUHSC Alumni Relations athttp://www.ttuhsc.edu/alumni/distinguished/distinguishedalumnirecipients.aspxto learn more about each recipient.
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