During the MSU 2025 Distinguished Alumni celebration, two Brothers, John “Bosco” Bostick (Mu ’65) and Dale Wilson (Rho ’67), were inducted. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to Murray State alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions at local, state, and national levels. It is the highest honor an alum can receive from the MSUAA and recognizes those who have achieved success both professionally and personally.
They join 11 previous inductees as Murray State University Distinguished Alumni. The previously inducted Brothers include Charlie McDowell, Gene Ray, Earl Jones, Pat Brown, Jerry Shroat, Mac Anderson, Scott Smith, Steve Powless, David Dill, Alan Stout, and Brent Mayabb.
A little more about our 2025 MSU Distinguished Alumni…
John R. “Bosco” Bostick, ’72, is an experienced test pilot and flight test engineer with more than 15,000 flight hours. A native of Hickman County, he holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Murray State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University. With a decades-long career in both military and civilian aviation, specializing in advanced fighter aircraft and missile systems, he continues to serve well into his 70s as a test pilot for Sunshine Aero Industries and on numerous defense contract flight tests for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the U.S. Navy (USN). From 1983-1984, he flew with the USAF Thunderbirds Air Combat Command demonstration unit as part of its first F-16 team. He holds numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.
Dale Wilson graduated in 1970 with a degree in history and physical education before embarking on a 30-year career with the United States Secret Service, beginning in 1971. His extensive service included high-level roles in the protection of U.S. presidents and dignitaries, notably Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, Vice President George H.W. Bush, and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. He oversaw security for major national events, including presidential campaigns, conventions, and inaugurations. Wilson concluded his storied career as Special Agent in Charge of the Protective Intelligence Division. After retiring, Wilson served as the Executive Administrator for the Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud in the U.S. Department of Labor, retiring again in 2015. In 2024, Wilson was the keynote speaker for the College of Education and Human Services Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series at Murray State.