Frank A. Tillman

Special Service Award

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About Dr. Tillman

Tillman was born in Linn, Missouri in 1937. He developed an unparalleled work ethic early in his life when he began supporting his family at age nine, due to his father’s passing. Working full time to support his family and going to school full time, he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Missouri. By age 29, he was head of the K-State Department of Industrial Engineering, where he mentored many students, wrote 54 papers, and published two books, before departing with emeritus status. Dr. Tillman was the founding advisor of the Kansas Gamma Chapter, which owes its existence to his drive and dedication.

About this Award

To commemorate the Kansas Gamma Chapter’s 50th anniversary at K-State, the Special Service Award was created in spring 2024 to honor Dr. Frank A. Tillman, the Chapter’s founding advisor. In Tau Beta Gamma’s 1973 petition, he and the other petitioners define the Chapter as “More of a service organization,” which still holds true. The Chapter owes its existence to Tillman’s drive and dedication and honors his memory by awarding the Frank A. Tillman Special Service Award to only those who exhibit extraordinary drive and dedication in their contributions to the fulfillment of its service-based mission.

Recipients

#5+ - TBD

Tillman awards 1, 2, 3, & 4 have been announced. No others have been granted yet.

#4 - Emily Pine, spring 2024

Emily Pine aka 'Tau Beta Pine', served as cochair of the 2024 Engineering Formal Committee, and was awarded the fourth Tillman Special Service award in spring 2024 due to her drive and dedication during the planning and execution of the Engineering Formal in spring 2024.

#3 - Michael R. Velasquez, spring 2024

Michael R. Velasquez, a member of the 2024 Engineering Formal Committee, was awarded the third Tillman Special Service award in spring 2024 due to his drive and dedication during the planning and execution of the Engineering Formal in spring 2024. Velasquez's contributions were of utmost importance.

#2 - Matthew J. Culbertson, spring 2024

Matthew J. Culbertson, member of the 2024 Engineering Formal Committee, was awarded the second Tillman Special Service award in spring 2024 due to his drive and dedication during the planning and execution of the Engineering Formal in spring 2024. His contributions to the formal were tremendous, as he is the one who connected Kansas Gamma with the theater department and designed the facades. Without his contributions, the atmosphere would not have been so immersive, and the dance would not have been such a success.

#1 - Dalton M. Rizzo, spring 2024

Dalton M. Rizzo, chair of the 2024 Engineering Formal Committee, was awarded the first Tillman Special Service award in spring 2024 due to his unmatched and unwavering drive and dedication during the planning and execution of the Engineering Formal in spring 2024. The formal was put on by his committee of four, (Tillman awards 1, 2, 3 & 4), and was a resounding success with over 250 people in attendance. Rizzo's leadership helped put Kansas Gamma back on the map as a premier organization in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at K-State. He exemplifies the drive and dedication towards fulfillment of our service-based mission and is deserving of a Tillman award.