University Recognizes Bearkat Businesses During Annual Event

University Recognizes Bearkat Businesses During Annual Event

The Sam Houston State University Alumni Association hosted its annual Sam Houston 79 dinner and awards program on Oct. 20 to celebrate the fastest-growing Bearkat-owned businesses and honor 58 alumni-led or owned companies.

This year’s Sam Houston 79 honorees reflect the strength and diversity of the Bearkat business community, representing industries across Texas and beyond. From innovative startups to multi-generational companies, these business owners showcase the leadership, vision and entrepreneurial spirit that define SHSU alumni. Each business recognized has demonstrated significant growth over the past three years, earning a place among the university’s most accomplished alumni entrepreneurs.

Ahead of the dinner, the Alumni Association partnered with the College of Business Administration to connect alumni entrepreneurs with students through a career panel and pitch competition, creating valuable opportunities for mentorship and networking. 

Alumni panelists included Jessica Bensema of Lake Conroe Lakeside Properties, Justin Burnett of Burnett Ventures and JAR Capital, Kaeman Perkins of Farm and City Interiors and John Thomas of Wildseed Farms. Each Bearkat discussed the steps they took to reach the height of their respective industries, detailing how hard work and perseverance make all the difference for young entrepreneurs.  

These notable alumni and other event attendees were able to get a sample of what the next generation can do during the Student Entrepreneur Showcase, where they reviewed innovative business pitches from students of SHSU’s College of Business Administration. The resulting winners of the showcase include, in order, David Winters, Alan Orozco and Jaiden Davidson, with Elizabeth Hernandez and Akwasi Anokye Jr. tying for fourth place.  

The evening culminated in the recognition of this year’s 2025 Sam Houston 79 Honorees, a distinguished group of Bearkat-owned businesses leading their industries with integrity, vision and a commitment to community.

To learn more about the Sam Houston 79 program, please view the video below and explore the full list of this year’s honorees.