Alumni Speaker
April 23, 7 p.m.
Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center
Matt Stell ‘06, a Center Ridge, Arkansas native, blends his musical influences from Classic
Country to Indie-Alternative into heartfelt songs. Initially balancing music with college
basketball, he honed his craft playing local gigs. He went on to release successful singles
like “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On.” Stell tours extensively and founded the
Give A Damn Foundation to support various charities. He aims for emotional honesty and
musical integrity in his music, rooted in his Arkansas upbringing.
Alumni Speaker
April 24, 11:15 a.m.
Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center
Karen Lynn Williams ‘85, Ambassador (ret.), served in U.S. national security and foreign
affairs leadership positions specializing in military operations and policy, counter-
terrorism and security assistance as well as public diplomacy and multi-cultural team
leadership before retiring as a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service in 2023.
She protected U.S. citizens and interests in both foreign and domestic roles, including
as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname (2018-2022). Her most recent role in the
U.S. government was establishing the position of and serving as, the first Foreign Policy
Advisor to the Chief of Space Operations (Space Force) at the Pentagon (2022-2023).
Keynote Speaker
April 24, 6 p.m.
Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center
Olga E. Custodio is a Retired Captain from American Airlines and her achievements
are truly remarkable. She was the first Hispanic female to graduate from USAF
Undergraduate Pilot Training, graduating in the top 5%, and has received numerous
awards for her exceptional airmanship and leadership, including being recognized as the
first Latina pilot inducted into the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame.