HARLINGEN — The late David Allex, a visionary who spent decades promoting and encouraging the revitalization of the city, has been honored as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Awards from his alma mater, Texas A&M-Kingsville.
The school’s Javelina Alumni Association recently announced the recipients of the awards. It is the association’s most prestigious honor for alumni who have succeeded both professionally and personally and have positively represented Texas A&M-Kingsville.
“These men and women embody many of the foundational values of our university, including integrity, selfless service and excellence,” said school president Mark A. Hussey. “They represent the significant impact our alumni have on their communities, state and nation.”
Also being honored along with Allex, class of 1958, are Carmen Lomas Garza (class of 1972), Donna Shaver (class of 1984), Jose Luis Cortez (classes of 1960 and 1961), Angelica Barrera (classes of 2000 and 2001) and Roberto Montoya (class of 1970).
Winner of the alumni association’s Rising Star award is Robert Ray Molina Jr., class of 2017.
Allex was known as “Mr. Harlingen” for his tireless promotion of the city for decades. He was instrumental in helping the city recover from the shock of its military base closure and helped turn Valley International Airport into a regional transportation hub.
He was the key figure in luring Southwest Airlines and regular commercial flights to Valley International.
Allex served for three decades as president of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce. He passed away last year.
