Thursday, Aug 21, 2025 • Cristal Gonzalez : Contact

The University of Texas at Arlington will recognize five Mavericks for their professional and civic achievements, community engagement and support of UTA during the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards, a dinner and reception set for Sept. 4 in the University Center’s Bluebonnet Ballroom.

The ceremony also serves as a celebration of UT Arlington’s 130th anniversary, recognizing the University’s evolution from one small wood-frame building to a Carnegie R1 research institution with more than 41,000 students.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards are the highest honor bestowed upon UTA alumni and friends. Recipients have made significant contributions to the community and their accomplishments reflect the University’s legacy of excellence.

This year’s honorees are Trey Yelverton, Linda and Dan Dipert, Xavier Egan and the late Allan Saxe.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Trey Yelverton (’88 BA, Political Science)

Arlington city manager since 2012, Trey Yelverton has guided many of the city’s most significant projects, from AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live! and Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center to Levitt Pavilion, the College Park District and the Downtown City Center. His leadership has earned national recognition from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Human Rights Campaign, the Texas Comptroller and the Dallas Business Journal. A founding director of Arlington’s Economic Development Corporation, he has also led the city’s Housing Authority and Sports Facilities Development Corporation. Yelverton holds degrees from UTA’s College of Liberal Arts and the University of North Texas, with executive certificates from Texas A&M and Harvard, and remains an active UTA supporter as a life member of the Alumni Association, an honorary letterman and a member of the UT System Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee.

Alumni Service Award: Linda (’01 BBA, Marketing) & Dan Dipert

Linda Dipert, founder of Women Inspiring Philanthropy, has dedicated her career to advancing community engagement and education. A UTA College of Business alumna (summa cum laude), she also earned a master’s from the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas and is now pursuing a doctorate in urban planning at UTA.

Her husband, Dan Dipert, built a small Arlington travel agency into Dan Dipert Coaches and Tours, a leading tour and motorcoach company. Together, the couple established the Dan Dipert Family Fund and supported projects across DFW, from Arlington ISD to the Dipert Family Chapel at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital. At UTA, their philanthropy includes an endowed nursing scholarship, support for athletics and the Dan Dipert Welcome Center.

Alumni Rising Star Award: Xavier Egan (’11 BBA, Finance)

Xavier Egan, founder and president of Capital Asset Equities in Arlington, is a leader in business and community engagement. He chairs the Arlington Mayor’s Black Advisory Council and leads UTA’s Black Alumni Chapter, mentoring students and strengthening alumni connections. Named a UTA Distinguished Black Alumni, Mavs 100 honoree and recipient of Arlington’s 40 under 40 award, Egan also drives innovation through roles with the DEC Network, the ScanSource Diversity Partner Program, and the TCC Acquisition Academy Advisory Committee. He is known for his resilience and commitment to creating opportunities that uplift communities.

Distinguished Philanthropist Award: Allan Saxe, Ph.D.

Beloved UTA faculty member Allan Saxe taught for 54 years before retiring in 2019 and being named emeritus associate professor of political science in 2021. A popular and generous professor, he led passionate discussions and inspired students with humor and kindness. Dr. Saxe was a dedicated philanthropist. He donated his inheritance to scholarships and nonprofits, leaving his name on more than 20 institutions across North Texas. At UTA, his legacy includes the Allan Saxe Intramural Field, the Ruthie Brock-Saxe Patio at the Library, and the Allan Saxe Circle at the Planetarium, among others.

Event details

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the University Center’s Bluebonnet Ballroom. Tickets and table sponsorship opportunities are available at give.uta.edu/DAA2025. For more information, contact alumni@uta.edu.

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.