Reservations

Reservations are $50 per person. Seating is limited. Deadline to register is May 22, 2026.

This event will also be livestreamed starting at 7:45pm on Friday, June 5, 2026 for those who wish to watch online. The link to the livestream will be available on this webpage the day of the event.

Attire

Dress for this event is business or cocktail attire.

Menu

Salad
Summer Garden Salad with Arcadian Spring Mix, Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumbers, Quartered Strawberries, Blue Berries, Red Grapes, and Peach Slices with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Entrée Choices

Beef
Bourbon Maple Tenderloin with Roasted Seasonal Vegetable Medley including Root Vegetables and Summer Squash with a Grilled Polenta Cake

Vegetarian (also lactose free, tree nut and peanut free, and gluten free)
Southern Marinated Cauliflower Steak with Roasted Seasonal Vegetable Medley including Root Vegetables and Summer Squash with Saffron Rice topped with Cajun Butter

Dessert
Vanilla Crunch Cake
Salted Caramel Cake (Gluten and Dairy Free option, contains eggs)

2026 Lamar University Distinguished Alumni

Brian Babin, D.D.S.
B.S.-Biology 1973
US House of Representatives, Texas District 36

Jane (Crandall Knott) Fitch, M.D.
B.S.-Nursing 1978
Retired Anesthesiologist and Retired Professor & Chair, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 

Thomas E. Long
B.B.A.-Accounting 1979
Co-CEO, Energy Transfer Partners

J. Robert McLendon, Ph.D.
B.S.-Electrical Engineering 1964
Retired President, Texas Instruments, Inc.

Parking

Parking is available for this event in Lot C-1. Golf cart drivers will be available to shuttle guests from the parking area to the door of the Dr. Richard W. Setzer Student Center

Hotel/Lodging Accommodations

Blocks of rooms have been reserved at the MCM Eleganté Hotel, 2355 I-10 S, Beaumont, TX 77705, for the reduced rate of $95/night plus tax for a Double or King Tower or $105/night plus tax for a King Suite and First Floor Cabana Rooms. All rooms include a Mini Refrigerator and Microwave and hotel amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, complimentary guest laundry, free parking, free in-room wifi, outdoor pool, 24/7 fitness center, and free shuttle to and from the Jack Brooks Regional Airport and within the Beaumont city limits. Pets and service pets are allowed with a refundable deposit.

Reservations may be made by using this direct booking link or by calling the hotel directly at (409) 842-3600 while rooms last. Please mention that you will be attending Lamar University's Distinguished Alumni Awards when making your reservation over the phone in order to receive this discounted rate.

If you prefer to stay in your RV while in Beaumont, please visit www.beaumontcvb.com/hotels/camping-rv/ to locate the park that best fits your needs.