AC to Celebrate Three Alumni Oct. 14 at Distinguished Alumni Event
Amarillo College (AC) will honor three extraordinary alumni whose lives and work have shaped the Panhandle and beyond at its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Celebration, taking place Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Amarillo Country Club.
This year’s honorees—the late Captain Jim Dick Miller, U.S. Navy retired; geologist and community leader Jim J. Brewer; and nonprofit executive and education advocate Katharyn Wiegand—reflect the breadth of impact AC graduates make in the world.
Jim Dick Miller (posthumously)
A legendary figure with accomplishments too numerous to count, Miller’s story is woven into Amarillo’s history and far beyond. His brothers, Dee and Oth Miller—longtime supporters of Amarillo College nominated him to honor his meritorious service—will join the celebration to honor his memory.
Jim J. Brewer
A respected geologist, business owner, and founder of the Buffalo Council at West Texas A&M University, Brewer often credits AC for launching his academic journey before completing his degree at WT. In 2018, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus by WT, further underscoring his contributions to higher education and community development.
Katharyn Wiegand
As president and CEO of the Mary E. Bivins Foundation and a Canyon ISD School Board member, Wiegand has championed projects that transformed education across the region, including a nearly $200 million bond program that built four new schools and upgraded major district facilities. She has also served on numerous boards, including the AC Alumni Advisory Committee, always keeping students’ success at the heart of her work.
“These honorees represent the very best of Amarillo College,” said Joe Bill Sherrod, AC’s vice president of Institutional Advancement. “From business and education to community service, their leadership and accomplishments remind us that AC is a launching pad for impactful lives. We are honored to celebrate their legacies and their ties to our College.”
The Distinguished Alumni Celebration is hosted annually by Amarillo College with support from the AC Foundation to recognize graduates who exemplify excellence, leadership, and service.
For more information, contact the Amarillo College Foundation at 806-371-5107 or visit www.actx.edu/foundation.