Paige Smith Morgan and Bonner Wimberly named NCEA Distinguished Alumni

COLLEGE STATION – Former Aggies Paige Smith Morgan and Bonner Wimberly were named recipients of the 2016 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni Award, the NCEA announced Thursday.
 
Smith Morgan received the award for community engagement, as she has been heavily involved in the Austin community since graduation, helping with organizations such as Junior League of Austin, Ride on Center for Kids and the Austin Children's Shelter. Paige has also worked with Rodeo Austin and The Burke Foundation while also running her floral design and event planning business. In 2014, Paige and her family opened a wedding venue and in her free time she enjoys showing Saddle Seat on the Arabian Horse Show Circuit.
 
Wimberly earned the award for her involvement in the equine industry. A 2006 graduate of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Wimberly completed an ambulatory internship at the world renowned Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in 2006-07 and has been an associate veterinarian at Waller Equine Hospital for nine years, specializing in internal medicine, reproduction, neonatology and preventive care.
 
Wimberly is set to graduate from Options For Animals Chiropractic College, which will allow her to perform chiropractic work on animals. In June, Wimberly will graduate from Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, which will certify her to perform acupuncture on equines.
 
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in eight categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Health Sciences/Services, Media & Communication, and Young Alumni.  Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least 6 years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions, and post-graduate success. 
 
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category.  The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and the recommendations were approved by the NCEA Board of Directors. The 2016 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized at the Opening Ceremonies of the National Championship event scheduled for Wednesday, April 13 at the Extraco Center in Waco, Texas. 
 
To learn more about the Aggie equestrian team, log onto 12thman.com or follow @AggieEquestrian on Twitter.