Alumni Newsletter for July 2007

Sul Ross State University graduates will be "Branding Together" for the first All-Alumni Reunion, July 20-22.

Hosted by the Sul Ross Alumni Association and co-sponsored by the 6^th Street Ice House, the reunion is open to all alumni, past and current faculty, staff and friends of Sul Ross. Registration and entry forms for events and activities will be available soon.

A reception, campus tour, Lobo Pack 5K run/walk, downtown business treasure hunt, Saturday evening meal and social and a golf tournament are among planned activities. The reunion will honor the Sul Ross' 1996 conference championship baseball team.

The Saturday, July 21 golf tournament, benefiting the Sul Ross Alumni Scholarship Fund, will be a four-person scramble at the Alpine Country Club. Registration is limited to the first 18 paid teams. Entry forms are available at the Office of Alumni Affairs and will be posted online on the Alumni web site.

For more information, contact Saul Garza, director of Alumni Affairs, 8697; or sgarza@sulross.edu.

1982 LOBO FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS REASSEMBLE AT 25-YEAR REUNION
By Steve Lang, News and Publications

Ever a team leader, quarterback Larry Hill promptly answered Dr. Wayne Sheehan's question:"What changes do you notice about the Sul Ross campus?""The library has a third floor and new bricks."Fellow members of the Lobos' 1982 Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association (TIAA) also noticed the changes, along with familiar sights, during last Saturday's (July 7) 25-year reunion. A total of 30 former players, coaches and trainers attended.

Sul Ross, 9-0 and ranked fourth in the NAIA Division II poll in 1982, lost a heart-stopping, 44-43 triple-overtime contest to William Jewell (Mo.) College before a packed house at Jackson Field. The Lobos' bid for a game-winning two-point conversion was stopped short of the goal line in the NAIA quarterfinal playoff contest.

"I don't think a day goes by when I don't think about this team a little bit," said Larry Hill, Bulverde, head football coach at Smithson Valley.

Former head coach Joe George, now an assistant at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, felt the flood of memories as well.

"The thing about it...in less than a minute it gets you right back," he said. "This is really good for me; I found out what's happened with these guys over the last 25 years....It's very special. When you win a championship, you've got a bond for life."

George, who guided the Lobos to a 28-12 won-lost record during four seasons as head coach (1979-82) will be the fifth representative of the 1982 team to be inducted into the Sul Ross Hall of Honor, during 2007 Homecoming festivities in October. He joins Larry Hill (1992); Burnett Williams (1997); Andrew Hill (1999); and Albert Garcia (2003) on the honor list. Dr. Chet Sample, then the Sul Ross athletic director and now dean of the School of Professional Studies, was inducted in 2006.

* Larry Hill's Smithson Valley teams have reached the 5A state semi-finals five times in the past eight years, including three berths in the championship game. Two of the finals losses have occurred on the last play of the game. Hill, a second-team NAIA All-American and TIAA's Offensive Player of the Year in 1982, still holds several Sul Ross passing records. He was elected president of the Texas High School Coaches Association for the coming year.

* Burnett Williams, Houston, is an associate principal in the Fort Bend Independent School District. He was a second-team All-TIAA tight end.

* Andrew Hill, Lockhart, is a warehouseman in Austin. He was a first-team All-TIAA runningback and still shares the single-game record of four touchdowns.

* Maurice Stephens, Leander, is a personal trainer and teaches developmentally challenged children. He joined Larry and Andrew Hill in the first-team All-TIAA backfield and shares Andrew Hill's record of four touchdowns in one game, as well as 205 kickoff return yards in a single contest.

* David Roensch, Channanhon, Ill., has worked in the energy industry since leaving Sul Ross. He was named the TIAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year and shared honors as Lineman of the Year. He was one of six Lobos (Larry Hill, Stephens, Joel Bellinger, John Creek and Henry Paige) to receive NAIA Division II All-American recognition. His son Jeff is a 2007 Sul Ross graduate.

* Joel Bellinger, Sutherland Springs, is an elementary physical education teacher and officiates high school and collegiate football games. He was a first-team All-TIAA offensive tackle.

* Curtis "Marcel" Clay, Lockhart, works for the Texas School Safety Center in San Marcos and is a country soul singer, touring with The Platters.

* John Creek, Sonora, was a coach and now is self-employed in the oilfield transport business. He was a second-team All-TIAA defensive lineman.

* Tommy Escamilla, Monahans, a team trainer, works for Bass Enterprises Production Co. as a production clerk/warehouseman.

* Albert Garcia, Edcouch, an assistant coach, has coached for over 20 years, currently at Pharr (North).

* Tommy Holmes, Panhandle., taught social studies and coached at Texas City until February, when he began working in management for Carson City Feedlot, Panhandle.

* Oscar Marroquin, Marble Falls, worked for the Federal Government for 22 years before retiring and founding a vegetable and fruit import business.

* Bob Moran, Fullerton, Calif., an assistant coach, is now on Fullerton College coaching staff.

* Todd Mund, Llano, has played professional golf, worked in the golf business and trained horses.

* Joe Sanchez, Jr., Mission, an assistant coach, continues to teach and coach, now serving as athletic coordinator and head football coach at Pharr (San Juan Alamo Memorial).

* Wayne Thorp, Mertzon, served in the U.S. Navy and now works for Tom Thorp Transport, oilfield trucking and construction.

* Rene Cortinas, McAllen, serves as Sanchez' defensive coordinator at Pharr SJA Memorial.

Also attending were David Dillard, Imperial; James Justice, Pfluegerville; and Henry Paige, Hayward, Calif.Sample, assisted by Sheehan, organized the reunion, assisted by Saul Garza, Sul Ross Alumni Association director. Team members received a campus tour and returned to Jackson Field, where they were photographed in Lobo jerseys.

Ray Hendryx of KVLF Radio, Alpine, and Sanford DeVoll, who had close ties to the team, were among the many Alpine and Sul Ross faithful who exchanged memories. A moment of silence was observed for deceased team members Sam Collins and Joe Garza, and former Physical Education and Athletics Department secretary Bobbie McDaniel.

In general, Sul Ross ties remain strong after a quarter-century."I tell people all over about the Alpine mentality," said Williams. "Everybody smiles, waves and speaks to you here. We need more of that in the world.""The best days we ever had were back here in Sul Ross," echoed Sanchez."Every step you take...every time you go around the corner, memories come back," Larry Hill said. "It was a special time; I knew it was great the, but when you step away from it, you really appreciate it."

SUL ROSS UPWARD BOUND CONTINUES TO BOOST STUDENTS TOWARD HIGHER EDUCATION
by Jason Hennington, The Skyline

For the past nine years, Sul Ross State University has boosted area high school students in preparing for higher education through the Upward Bound program.

This year, the program serves students in Marfa, Van Horn, Presidio, Balmorhea, Alpine, and Fort Stockton. Terlingua students will be added in the 2007-2008 academic year.

Upward Bound, one of the federally funded TRiO programs introduced at Sul Ross in 1999, was founded in 1965 when the Higher Education Act was passed. The program was recently awarded $293,157 for the next four years.

"It's been nice this year because we have students who are excited. They like what we're doing, no matter what we're doing," said Barbara Vega, Upward Bound director. She explained that the program is designed to help the students graduate from high school and continue on to college to get a four-year degree.

During the summer, the Upward Bound Program has students at Sul Ross for six weeks. The program offers seniors coming out of high school – called bridge students – an opportunity to take college classes on campus. Presently, 12 bridge students and 16 non-bridge students are on campus.

During the summer, Upward Bound takes the non-bridge students on trips such as Big Bend National Park, the McDonald Observatory, Indian Lodge, and Balmorhea. The bridge students, however, do not participate in some of these activities.
"They [bridge students] have to learn that to succeed in college you have to go to class," Vega said. "That's why they don't go."

Emma Rodriguez, Alpine, is the curriculum coordinator of the Upward Bound Program. She has plenty of activities planned for the students over the summer. A watermelon and ice cream party in the park is planned, along with Rangra Night movies, outdoor theater productions, a play called "Viva El Paso" in El Paso, a visit to the University of Texas El Paso campus, and even attending an El Paso Diablos baseball game.

Rodriguez has also arranged six different workshops including study skills, mathematics, English, computer technology, French, and a non-bridge student workshop.

Along with many activities, the students also volunteer in various places. Over the years, the program helped serve free meals in town, as well as working with the summer theater program, and at the two local thrift stores.

"They might complain, but we get a lot of feedback from the places we volunteer," Vega said. "A lot of the students enjoy it."

The Alpine Care Center is also a place for the students to volunteer. Vega said that one student from last year asked if they were going back to the nursing home.

"We do this because most of the students don't have community service on their college applications, and now they do."

Along with Vega and Rodriguez, staff includes El Paso teachers Frank and Ruth Frame; and three college mentors, Luis Sanchez, Van Horn; Omar Porras, Pharr; and Ruth Elguezabal, Presidio.

"It's good to have people on board who want to participate," Vega said about her staff.

Elguezabal is in her third year as a mentor, and also wanted to be a part of the program, not only for the younger students, but also for the bridge students as well.

"I was a student for four years, and I like what it stands for," she said. "This gives bridge students a chance to actually go to college and experience the college life."

Sanchez and Elguezabal are former Upward Bound students. "I'm older now, but I like how we all work together as a group," Elguezabal said about working with Sanchez and Porras.

Sanchez, working his first year as a mentor, was a bridge student last year. He now attends Sul Ross as a full-time student.
"I had been a student for four years, and I wanted to give back to the program," Sanchez said. "I get to see what it's like on the other side of the fence."

Porras, in his first year as a mentor, was never an Upward Bound student, but wanted to be a part of the cause. "I wanted to try something new, and be a part of a younger student's life," he said.

Since all of the mentors are also college students, they abide by the same rules as the bridge students. They cannot attend trips that interfere with classes and must go to all of their classes. Although they do not attend all the trips, they do keep the students busy with physical activities outside and various movie nights.

"We don't get to go on field trips, but the fun trips we do," Porras laughed.

On June 29, the Upward Bound Program held an awards banquet for the students. The banquet awarded students for their work in classes and hand-picked teacher awards.

For more information, contact Vega, (432) 837-8810 or bvega@sulross.edu.

It has been over 50-years since brothers Eugene, ‘51, Fredericksburg, and James Sidlo, San Antonio, visited Sul Ross.

Recently, the brothers drove to campus and toured all the new facilities. "Chances are we don't know if we'd ever be able to get back on campus so we'd better do it now," said Eugune Sidlo, now 89.

Brother James, a retired broker/appraiser, attended Sul Ross in 1949.

"I didn't get to finish college at Sul Ross, my father sent me $20 and I had couldn't afford to finish, so I enlisted in the service and finished college at the University of Texas in Austin," he said.

"The campus sure has changed since we were last here," James added. "I was a custodian in the library. Back then the library was located in the second floor of Briscoe Administration Building".

The brothers spent the afternoon visiting and looking through old yearbooks in the Office of Alumni Affairs, met Sul Ross President Dr. R. Vic Morgan, and toured the campus with Jaime Rios, President of the Student Government Association.

HANDMADE BOOK, JOURNAL COLLECTION ON EXHIBIT AT SUL ROSS THROUGH JULY 20

A collection of Handmade Books & Journals by Sul Ross State University students and faculty will be on exhibition in the Main Gallery, Francois Fine Arts Building, through July 20.

A public reception will be held in the Gallery Friday, July 13, 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Works by Natalie Thayer, Houston; Baldo Valeriano, Presidio; Carolyn Ripper, Alpine; Angelique Benton, El Paso; Petei Guth, Alpine; Denise Solaris Ortega, Alpine; and Carol Fairlie, associate professor of art, are on display. These handcrafted books and journals were created in the spring semester "art journals" class.

"The final book was a set of seven collaborative books where each student chose a color and a concept to create a book with," said Fairlie. "Students then began the book, determining the size and page design before passing it on to the next artist. The end result is a collection of seven very unique and fascinating handmade books."

For more information, contact Fairlie, (432) 837-8258 or fairlie@sulross.edu.
SRSU receives $293,000 Upward Bound grant

2007 Distinguished Alumni, Hall of Honor, and Outstanding Service recipients named

Former faculty member and Alumni Assocation director Robie Golden, Alpine, and Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter, Midland, will receive Sul Ross State University Distinguished Alumni Awards during Homecoming 2007.

John Martin "Marty" Davis, Dallas/Fort Davis, will receive the Slingin' Sammy Baugh Award for Outstanding Service.

Joe George, Belton, who coached the Lobo football team to a 28-12 record during his four seasons; women's volleyball standout Ruth Roman McWilliams, Marfa; Dana Souter Pannell, San Saba, who excelled in women's basketball and tennis; and John Curry, Monahans, the current Sul Ross basketball announcer, will join the Athletic Hall of Honor.

Awards will be presented and inductions made at the annual recognition banquet on Saturday, Oct. 27. Theme of 2007 Homecoming is "Livin' La Vida Lobo."

SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVED A $293,000 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GRANT TO FUND THE UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR.

Upward Bound received a continuation grant of $293,157 for the 2007-2008 school year to continue its work in Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis and Hudspeth Counties helping students graduate from high school and access college. Upward Bound is a comprehensive program that provides year-round segments of the collegiate experience to 60 students in Alpine, Balmorhea, Fort Stockton, Marfa, Presidio, Terlingua and Van Horn school districts per year.

In addition to support for students during the academic year and assisting Upward Bound students with the college application process, the program enables participating high school students to spend six weeks on the Sul Ross campus each summer, experiencing residential life, attending classes and familiarizing themselves with college preparation activities and engaging in volunteer work in the community.

Students participating in the program also enjoy cultural enrichment and recreational activities such as Theatre of the Big Bend and field trips.

MUSEUM RECEIVES GRANTS; WITHIN $15K OF FUND GOAL

Grants from Union Pacific Railroad and the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation have moved the Museum of the Big Bend within $15,000 of its $1 million exhibits phase goal.

The Museum of the Big Bend, located at Sul Ross State University, returned to its now-renovated original location this spring. A $4.4 million, two-phase fund-raising campaign is nearly complete. Grand opening of the facility, now named the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building, is planned in mid-August.

An $11,000 grant from Union Pacific Railroad paid for the restoration and installation of the Green Café sign, donated by the Pete A. Gallego family of Alpine. Portions of the grant are also being used for the exhibit tracing the community development of Alpine.
The King Foundation of Dallas awarded a $25,000 grant toward the exhibits phase of the campaign. Earlier, the Foundation awarded a substantial grant to the capital campaign.

Museum director Larry Francell noted that about 40 percent of the exhibit installation is complete. The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System will be special guests at the Museum on Aug. 15, during their meeting at Sul Ross. On Aug. 17, a gala will be held for all donors of the campaign. On Aug. 18, a grand opening will be held for the general public.

Museumscapes of Dallas was selected as the permanent exhibits fabricator for the Museum. The firm will fabricate and install exhibits in the Museum, which contains over 5,000 square feet for permanent exhibits. As designed, the exhibits incorporate 15 interrelated sections, which together will interpret the story of the Big Bend and Davis Mountains of Texas.

Exhibits will include photo backdrops, text, graphics, historic photographs and artifacts, as well as video loops. The main exhibit space will encompass about 4,000 square feet, with an additional 1,200 square feet of temporary exhibit area.

UNION PACIFIC, KING GRANTS PUSH MUSEUM CLOSE TO FUND GOAL

Grants from Union Pacific Railroad and the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation have moved the Museum of the Big Bend within $15,000 of its $1 million exhibits phase goal.

The Museum of the Big Bend, located at Sul Ross State University, returned to its now-renovated original location this spring. A $4.4 million, two-phase fund-raising campaign is nearly complete. Grand opening of the facility, now named the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building, is planned in mid-August.

An $11,000 grant from Union Pacific Railroad paid for the restoration and installation of the Green Café sign, donated by the Pete A. Gallego family of Alpine. Portions of the grant are also being used for the exhibit tracing the community development of Alpine.

"We're very pleased that Union Pacific has chosen to participant in the campaign," said Larry Francell, museum director. "The railroad has a significant and long-standing presence in the community."

The King Foundation of Dallas awarded a $25,000 grant toward the exhibits phase of the campaign. Earlier, the Foundation awarded a substantial grant to the capital campaign.

"The King Foundation's grant reflects the belief in education and historic preservation from benefactors well beyond the Big Bend Region," said Francell. "This grant puts us another large step toward completion of this campaign."

Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan said, "the widespread support shown in this extensive campaign has been gratifying. The renovation results are impressive, and we are confident our goal will be reached very shortly."

Francell noted that about 40 percent of the exhibit installation is complete. The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System will be special guests at the Museum on Aug. 15, during their meeting at Sul Ross. On Aug. 17, a gala will be held for all donors of the campaign. On Aug. 18, a grand opening will be held for the general public.

Museumscapes of Dallaswas selected as the permanent exhibits fabricator for the Museum. The firm will fabricate and install exhibits in the Museum, which contains over 5,000 square feet for permanent exhibits. As designed, the exhibits incorporate 15 interrelated sections, which together will interpret the story of the Big Bend and Davis Mountains of Texas.

Exhibits will include photo backdrops, text, graphics, historic photographs and artifacts, as well as video loops. The main exhibit space will encompass about 4,000 square feet, with an additional 1,200 square feet of temporary exhibit area.
For more information, contact Francell, (432) 837-8145 or francell@sulross.edu

AREA HIGH SCHOOL GRADS "LEAP" INTO COLLEGE-BOUND PROGRAM AT SUL ROSS
by Jason Hennington, Skyline Photographer

Eighteen regional high school graduates have jumped into the college experience, through a new program offered at Sul Ross State University.

Lobo Educational Access Program (LEAP) is a college-bound program for students who just graduated from high school. The program is funded through identical $137,000 grants from the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board of El Paso and the Middle Rio Grande Workforce Board, Uvalde.

Participating students are: Manny Avalos, Jesus Holguin, Estevan Rivas and Fabian Sanchez, Clint; Rosalinda Sanchez, Comstock; Jesse Gonzalez, Crystal City; Jose Luna, Del Rio; Kimberly Bosque, Rodolfo Herrera, Ambar Rodriguez, Luis Ruis, Alejandra Tonche and Juan Vasquez, Eagle Pass; Laura Flores, Angelica Hernandez and Leobardo Nunez, El Paso; Karina Aguirre, Fabens; and Anais Marin, Uvalde.

Qualifying students are receiving 12 hours of college credit while living in the dorms, being involved in different programs, and working at on-campus jobs. The current program began June 4 and concludes Aug. 4.

The grant provided for the students is paying for all expenses including tuition, room and board. Along with the grant and a paycheck for the campus job, the students also receive $25 spending money every week. All students must also meet Sul Ross admission requirements to qualify for the program.

Of the 18 students enrolled in LEAP, at least half indicated they plan to return for Fall semester classes.

Helen Crane, director of the Counseling and Advising Center, and Gregory Schwab, Sul Ross associate vice president for Enrollment Management, are the program creators.
"The goal is to give them a head start and hope they continue their college education," Crane said. "We'd like to keep them here."

Each student takes classes over the summer to gain college credits that will transfer to any school along with them. "These are their 12 hours, no matter what," Schwab said.
Introduction to Speech, taught by Jay Sawyer and Music Literature, taught by Erin Lippard, are the two classes offered during the first summer session and students will take other core requirements during Summer II (July 2-Aug. 3).

Along with Schwab and Crane, six Sul Ross students serve as LEAP mentors. Mentors are: Adam Rodriguez, San Antonio; Jonathan Smith, Galveston; Jessie Gonzales, San Antonio; Sonya Luna, Fabens; Frank Durant, El Paso; and Rockland Owens, Wharton.

LEAP mentors offer activities to keep the students busy throughout their stay at Sul Ross. Activities such as Capture the Flag and different board games at night are just a few, but the LEAP program has also had programs such as Low Ropes, based around challenges of everyday life with the use of team games and activities. LEAP students are also slated to take overnight field trips, including jaunts to Carlsbad Caverns and Big Bend National Park.

"I've been a mentor before but I've had the most fun with this group. They are more mature," Luna said.

Gonzales has enjoyed working with the group. "I enjoy talking to them. I'll miss being in the dorms," she said.
Students echoed the mentors' satisfaction.

"It's awesome and fun and really educational," said Aguirre.

"It's helping me get the college experience and one that will last forever." said Holguin.

Nunez said, "It's helping me expand my knowledge and it's helping me get the college experience," while Hernandez added,"I like it so much that I'm going to come here [in the fall]."

Mentors are providing programs and activities for the LEAP students and are always around to lend a helping hand. Many friendships – between students and between mentors and students – have been forged during the program.

"It's been a good experience because I get to work with a younger group and it helps me incorporate some of my life learning's," said Rodriguez.

The mentors have made an impact on the students that will last during their college careers.

"Jessie [Gonzales] is very supportive and helps when you need her. She may look tough but she is really cool once you get to know her on the inside," Nunez said. "She is amazing."

Adam Rodriguez was described as "really cool" and fun to be around, while Durant was termed a "a big huggable bear." Other mentors also drew praise.

The LEAP program has had an impact on both the students and mentors. Students receive the opportunity to get a start on life on a college campus along with actual college credits.

"I hope the students take what college offers seriously and make something of themselves," Smith said.

"I thank everyone who for helping me to start a new chapter in my life," Nunez said.

"This is a really good program because coming out of high school I wasn't thinking about college," added Luna. "This gave me the push I needed."

For more information on LEAP or to apply, contact the Office of Recruiting, (432) 837-8050.

LOBOS KUNG, MONTOYA NAMED ASC SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

Sul Ross State University student-athletes Bryan Kung, San Antonio, and Dyanna Montoya, Fabens, were recently recognized as American Southwest Conference Scholar-Athletes for 2006-07.

Kung, a history major and a three-year letterman on the Lobo track and field team, received the university's highest academic honor as Sul Ross Man of the Year. He is an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, International Education Honor Society and Phi Alpha Theta, International History Honor Society. Kung was also named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Montoya, a biology major and a four-year letter winner on the Sul Ross women's tennis team, served as vice president of Alpha Chi Honor Society. She is also a member of Gamma Beta Phi and the First Generation Program.
Montoya served as a student assistant in the microbiology lab and was named Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

The ASC Scholar Athlete Award is presented to one male and one female member of the graduating class who has compiled the most outstanding record in academics, athletics and leadership over their collegiate career. The award is presented annually by the Faculty Athletics Representative at each conference member institution.

Recipients of the 2006-07 ASC Scholar-Athlete Award represent eight different conference sports and include individuals who graduated with academic honors or hold admissions to graduate-level programs; are members of academic honor societies and campus organizations; competed on conference or division championship teams; earned ASC All-Academic, All-Conference or All-Division honors; and who served as volunteers, tutors and teachers within their campus, community and church groups.

THE LOVE STORY OF ROSS HISE, FORMER SUL ROSS CHOIR FACULTY Submitted by Gaby Ginn Hill

Ross was born and raised in Falfurrias, Tx and graduated with his bachelor's degree in 1955 from Sul Ross and in 1960 he received his masters from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960.

Zora Mae was raised in Colorado City, Texas. She received her Bachelors degree at North Texas State College in 1951 and received her Masters there in 1953.

This love story began in Denver City, Tx. where Ross was the Choir Director at the High School and at the First Methodist Church.Zora Mae was teaching second grade. Her mother introduced them. They married on April 14, 1954. In 2004 she would wear her wedding dress again for their 50th wedding anniversary celebration and Reaffirmation of Vows ceremony.

Soon after, Ross was inducted into the army and was sent to serve in the 6th Army Band in Stuttgart, Germany. He played the French horn. Zora Mae has played the harp since her days at North Texas.

After returning to the states, they both continued their careers in education back in Denver City where their first child, Paul, was born in 1956. Then they moved to Austin so Ross could earn his masters. They moved to Levelland where their son,Clark was born. Ross was the Music and Youth Director at the First Methodist Church and Zora Mae taught 2nd grade.Then they moved to Plainwiew for new teaching positions. Ross was the high school choir director and Zora Mae taught 2nd grade.

In 1964 they moved to Alpine where Ross joined the faculty in the choral dept. at Sul Ross.Their daughter, Laura, was born in Alpine. Zora Mae taught 3rd grade in Alpine and 5th grade for two years in Marathon.

Over the years, Zora Mae taught elementary classroom and elementary music. But the period in her career that most touched our lives was when she was a guest instructor in the music dept. at Sul Ross from 1969 till 1972.When Ross was gone with the Musical Majority for a nine week tour, it was Zora Mae who taught his classes while taking care of their three young children when she got home.

They made Austin their home in 1972 where they still reside.Ross worked for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He was the choir director at Memorial United Methodist Church for 26 years. Zora Mae began her career there as an elementary music specialist K-6th grade.

Zora Mae, a cancer survivor since 1988, retired that year and Ross joined her for retirement in 1995. Zora Mae continues to play the harp, and her most cherished gift was her very own harp given to her by Ross and her mother for their 30th wedding anniversay.

They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.They also stay busy spending time with Zora Mae's mother who celebrated her 100th birthday in March of this year. She lives in her home only a few blocks away.

BABY BOOMERS CELEBRATE 40-YEAR REUNION IN SAN ANTONIO Submitted by Corra Ward

"The Sul Ross Baby Boomer Reunion was like sitting in the sub at Sul Ross for three days, almost without going to bed" says Corra Ward.Approximately 200, Sul Ross Baby Boomers who met at the Holiday Inn Tropicana in San Antonio on the weekend of June 29-July 1st.

As everyone arrived at the hotel, the lobby gazers who were looking for Sul Ross Baby Boomers arriving at the hotel were sitting in the tables on the right, as you entered the lobby.

Everyone socialized and reminisced late into the night. On Saturday, many of the "Baby Boomers" took themselves forty years back remembering the great memories of Sul Ross.

On Saturday, social events continued until time 6:00 p.m. for the performance of the Musical Majority.The "Sul Ross Musical Majority" performed and sang music selectionsfrom songs they performed forty years ago as they traveled for USO (United Service Organization) shows oversea.

Walter Harrison had a great slide show of pictures of everyone from the past prior to the Musical Majority performance.

Mike Sparks emceed and served as Master of Ceremonies at the musical event. The Musical Majority put on a program for us that was beyond belief, or should I say, a hundred times better than outstanding. It was certainly a treat to listen to songs from our college years.

Gaby Ginn Hill was responsible for organizing this memorable entertainment event. After their performance was over, Gaby honored Mr. Ross Hise and his wife, Zora Mae Hise, and Ellen Boyd for their outstanding influence on student lives at Sul Ross. Mr. Hise and Ellen Boyd were wonderful music teachers at Sul Ross, and it was an honor for us that they attended the reunion.

After the musical majority performed, Mike Sparks, the Master of Ceremonies, introduced Saul Garza, SRSU Director of Alumni Affairs who spoke briefly and then introduced Dr. R. Vic Morgan, President of Sul Ross State University.Dr. Morgan showed a PowerPoint presentation of the Sul Ross campus during the time we were there and the changes that have taken place over the years.

Following the presentation, the 1967 graduates present were recognized with a "40th" Anniversary song!There were approximately fifteen Sul Ross Baby Boomers present who graduated in 1967. Many of the reunion attendees were from out of state.The program was concluded with the benediction by Tommy Seale from Louisiana and the group headed to the banquet room upstairs.

Approximately 200 people attended the reunion.After the dinner Patti had lots of door prizes that were given out between speakers.

Speakers on behalf of organizations they were involved in at Sul Ross: Ted Ivy - AKL Fraternity, Cindy Sides Edmonds -Circle of Friends, Irene Davis Newlon - Phi Mu Sorority, Toyah Taylor - Rodeo, Mark Rogers - Sports, and Bryant Truitt - TKE Fraternity. It was an honor to hear each one of them talk about memories of the past at Sul Ross.

The evening concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater by the entire group and lead by Larry Carter & Gaby Ginn Hill from the Musical Majority. see Sul Ross Baby Boomers

IN MEMORIAM

McNeill
MIDLAND -- One of Sul Ross State University's best known alumni has passed away. Ray McNeill died on Friday, June 22 at his home in Midland at the age of 98.

Mr. McNeill was a 1937 graduate of Sul Ross and a 1986 inductee into the Sul Ross Athletic Hall of Honor. McNeill lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Sul Ross. Dubbed "Iron Man" by news media because of his athletic durability, McNeill lettered four years as a running back on the Lobo football team and returned more kickoffs for touchdowns than any other player in Sul Ross history.

McNeill led a jazz band that became known throughout West Texas and also helped put McNeill and many other students through Sul Ross. He managed Herbert Kokernot's Alpine Cowboys semi-pro baseball team following his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Burma Theatre in World War II.
He was a regular at Sul Ross homecoming activities for over half a century and was past president of the Sul Ross Ex-Student Association.

The McNeill family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland Tuesday evening, June 26, from 7 until 9 p.m. Funeral services for Ray McNeill will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock at Memorial Christian Church with burial to follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park. The family requests that memorials be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch or to a favorite charity.

RON DURHAM

Ron Durham, 61, a loving husband, father, art educator, artist and civic volunteer, passed away Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, at a Fort Worth hospice from complications resulting from a brain tumor.

Funeral was held at First United Methodist Church of Arlington. Burial: Moore Memorial Gardens. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Arlington Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ron Durham Scholarship for the arts -- AISD -- in care of Ron Durham Scholarship for the Arts, 1203 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013; or Community Hospice of Texas, James L. West Hospice House, 6100 Western Place, Suite 500, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Ron was born Sept. 26, 1945, in Odessa to N.D. and Vee Buck Durham. He attended Lee High School in Midland, where he met his wife, Jan Watkins. He was a graduate of Sul Ross State University in Alpine where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees. He earned his doctorate from Texas Woman's University in Denton in 1981.

Ron and Jan moved to Arlington in 1969 from Big Spring, where they began their careers with the Arlington Independent School District. Ron taught art at Arlington, Sam Houston, Bowie and Martin high schools for 23 years. In 1992, he became the AISD area coordinator of fine arts.

A contradiction of sorts, he was a tall, rugged outdoorsman who loved camping, skiing, fishing and chili cook-offs, but also was passionate about the arts and his family. His enthusiasm and zest for life was infectious. During his 35-year career as a teacher and administrator, he helped mold the lives of countless young people. His art studio was a place where students and artists congregated to laugh, talk and discuss the world of art. Many of his former students have become successful artists, graphic artists and teachers.

Beyond teaching, Ron reached out to the community promoting the arts and art education. He believed all young people should have an opportunity to express themselves in creative and artistic ways. For these efforts and other civic involvement, he was named Arlington STARS Man of the Year for 2005. When presented with the award last year he said, "When you serve in a community, the community gives back more to you than you give to it. I feel like a duck trying to fly with swans."

Ron's community activities included Arlington Museum of Art board of trustees, the Arlington Arts League, the Martin Luther King Celebration board, working with the Arlington Fourth of July Association coordinating the T-shirt design contest, working with Metropolitan Classical Ballet, coordinating the annual Nutcracker poster contest, working with Young Artists with Disabilities programs and starting Youth Art Encounters, an annual exhibition of student art work that hangs at the Arlington Museum of Art. He also served as president of Little League West of Arlington.

While serving as scholarship director for the Arlington Arts League, Ron increased the number of scholarships awarded and began a new program to present scholarships to deserving art and music high school seniors in the Arlington Independent School District.

As the coordinator of foreign language/arts, he worked with the AISD Art Docent Program, which has become the model program for many others throughout the state. Also, he started a program that gave more than 100 students from Title I schools an opportunity to attend a week-long summer art camp at the museum, a program they could not normally afford.

Survivors: Wife of 38 years, Jan Durham of Arlington; son, Cody Durham and wife, Jennie, of Mansfield; daughter, Shay Stavenhagen and husband, Scott, of Phoenix, Ariz.; mother, Vee Durham of Arlington; brothers, Jerry Durham of Dallas and Rick Durham of Arlington; and countless others whom Ron considered friends and family.
Published in the Star-Telegram from 11/29/2006 - 11/30/2006.

SUL ROSS SUMMER II ENROLLMENT JUMPS 12 PERCENT
Second summer session enrollment jumped 12.08 percent at Sul Ross State University, the largest gain in recent years.

Head count after the second day of late registration showed 705 students, up from 629 a year ago. In addition, semester credit hours increased 5.87 percent, from 2,789 to 3,048. Freshman enrollment leaped 47.46 percent, from 59 students to 87. Post-baccalaureate (15 percent), senior (12.86 percent) and graduate enrollment (12.55 percent) also showed significant gains.

"These numbers are extremely satisfying," said Gregory M. Schwab, associate vice president for Enrollment Management. "Not only are the overall student numbers up significantly, but we are especially pleased with the freshman and graduate totals.

"I feel that Sul Ross has turned the corner in increasing enrollment," Schwab said. "The efforts of both the recruiters and coaching staff deserve special praise."

TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY GRANT PARTNERS ALPINE ISD, SUL ROSS, AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Alpine Independent School District and Sul Ross State University are partners in a grant program that facilitates teaching American history.

The three-year grant includes seminars at Sul Ross and tours of both Texas and early American historical sites.

Sixteen area history teachers, who are also enrolled in the Sul Ross graduate program, are currently participating in the Teaching American History (TAH) Grant Program. The grant was awarded to the Alpine ISD with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Funding began in 2006 and will run for three years. Sul Ross, the Museum of the Big Bend, and the Alpine Public Library are partnered with Alpine ISD and the other tri-county school districts in facilitating the grant.

During the 2006-2007 school year, the grant focused on Texas history. Participating history teachers attended seven seminars at Sul Ross, presented by Dr. Mark Saka, associate professor of history. The teachers then received three hours of graduate credit during Summer Session I for a special topics class and three more hours of graduate credit for attending a 10-day field trip to Texas historic sites.

Participants toured sites in Fredericksburg, Austin, San Antonio, Rockport, Galveston, Texas City, Houston, Beaumont, Alto, Nacogdoches, Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Matt Walter, curator at the Museum of the Big Bend and a member of the Sul Ross history faculty, helped organize the field trip and attended as facilitator.

Teachers attending the field trip included Caroline Fox and Justin Krueger, Alpine; Sara Pittman, Letty Hartnett, Howard Hoover, David Donnell and Lonnie Flippen, Fort Davis; Roberto Lujan and Mike Vogel, Presidio; Conrad Arriola and Margaret Matthews, Marathon; and Betina Kearns, Terlingua. The second year of the TAH grant will begin in September 2007, with the focus on early American history. Judith Parsons, Sul Ross associate history professor, will be facilitating the seminars, special topics class, and field trip. The field trip will include the Boston area, Philadelphia area, Jamestown, and Williamsburg, Va.

ANRS, RODEO EXES REUNION JULY 27-29 AT SUL ROSS

Sul Ross State University's ANRS and Rodeo Exes Alumni chapter will host its 31st annual reunion July 27-29 in Alpine.

Events include a Friday (July 27) social, Saturday roping and barrel racing at the S.A.L.E. covered arena, a Texas Hold'em poker tournament and Sunday golf tournament. A buckle presentation, silent and live auctions and Saturday social are among other events.

Saturday's roping will include a noon business meeting with the election of officers and board members.

The reunion is open to all Sul Ross graduates who are members in good standing with the Rodeo Exes Association; persons with interest in the ANRS and/or rodeo programs who are in good standing with the ANRS (Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences) Association; and families.

For more information, contact Saul Garza, (432) 837-8697.

SUL ROSS LVN PROGRAM OFFERS EDUCATIONAL, OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Sul Ross State University Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) students once again achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the national board licensure examination.

The 10 students in the 2006 LVN program all passed the NCLEX-PN. Over the past 10 years, Sul Ross' program has averaged over 94 percent to rank among the highest statewide.

Director Donna Kuenstler noted that Sul Ross' one-year LVN program offers a wide variety of both economic and additional educational opportunities for its participants.

"Major occupational opportunities exist for LVNs within this community," she said. "Long-term care facilities, the local hospital, at least one physician's office, the Texas Department of Health and home health care concerns all use LVNs."

In addition, Sul Ross' program is aligned with Midland College for a transitional Applied Science Degree in Nursing. After completion of this one-year program, the student will earn an Associates degree in Nursing, signifying two full years of classroom and clinical hours.

All of the Midland College classes are offered via distance learning, so students can literally earn while they learn, Kuenstler said.

"In the two years of the cooperative program, eight of the nine graduates [from Midland College] began in the Sul Ross vocational nursing program," Kuenstler said. "The advantage of the program is that students do not have to leave their jobs or the community to continue their education."

Additionally, distance learning classes are available through the Texas Tech University nursing program to enable students to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing, again while continuing to live and work locally.

"The sky is the limit," said Kuenstler. "A student does not have to leave the community if he or she chooses to pursue a bachelor's, master's or even a Ph.D. in nursing. It's all available on-line."

A critical shortage in Texas and nationwide continues to make all levels of nursing excellent career opportunities, according to Kuenstler.

"Part of the shortage is due to an aging population," Kuenstler said. "Nurses at the associate's and LVN levels are needed because the bulk of that population is or will be in long-term care facilities. Additionally, nearly 50 percent of all RNs will be more than 50 years of age by 2010, and record numbers of nurses will be retiring or leaving the profession over the next 10 years leading, to a projected shortage of more than a million nurses by the end of this decade."

Sul Ross' LVN program begins each January and concludes the following December. Scholarships for tuition are available to qualified applicants.

For more information, contact Kuenstler, (432) 837-8171 or dkuenstl@sulross.edu

GREATER TEXAS FOUNDATION GRANTS PROVIDE 50 SUL ROSS SCHOLARSHIPS

Grants from the Greater Texas Foundation of Bryan will provide 50 $1,000 scholarships to returning and transfer students at Sul Ross State University.

The Generation Proud Scholarship will make 25 $1,000 awards ($500 Fall semester, $500 Spring semester) during the 2007-08 academic year to qualifying first generation, returning students. Awards will be made through Student Support Services. Director Suzanne Harris authored the grant.

The Rising to the Challenge Scholarship will make 25 $1,000 awards ($500 Fall semester, $500 Spring semester) to qualifying transfer students from El Paso Community College; Howard College, Big Spring; South Plains College, Levelland; Odessa College; and Western Texas College, Snyder. Awards will be made through the Counseling and Advising Center. The grant was written by Dr. Helen Crane, Counseling and Advising Center director.

For more information, contact Gregory M. Schwab, associate vice president for Enrollment Management, (432) 837-8039 or gschwab@sulross.edu

"ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE" CONTINUES THROUGH JULY 22 AT THEATRE OF THE BIG BEND

Ted Swindley's musical, "Always...Patsy Cline," continues weekends through July 22 at the Theatre of the Big Bend.

All performances begin at 8:15 p.m. at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children. Sul Ross students, faculty and staff are admitted for free and those with Sul Ross Activity Cards will be admitted for half price. For advance tickets and other information, please call 1-888-722-7778. Upcoming performances are Friday-Sundays, July 13-15 and 20-22.

"Always… Patsy Cline," directed by Dona Roman, associate professor of theatre at Sul Ross, is an off-Broadway success and tribute to the legendary singer who died in a tragic plane crash in 1963 at the age of 30. Sul Ross music faculty members Dr. Justin Badgerow and Dr. Donald Callen Freed serve as musical director and vocal director, respectively. Members of the "Bodacious Bobcats Band" are Joe Bob (Badgerow, piano); Jim Bob (Tommy Cude, pedal steel guitar); Billy Bob (Ricky DeLaO, lead guitar); Jay Bob (Washtub Jerry, bass); Rae Bob (Betty McGehee, fiddle); and Bob Bob (J.D. Leyva, drums).

The musical is based on the true story of the singer's relationship with Louise Seger, a Houston fan who befriended the singer in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued to correspond with the singer until her death.

The play captures the heart of the region with down home country humor, true emotion, 27 songs, and even a little audience participation. The play features two women and several Cline hits including, "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams," and "Walking After Midnight." The show's title was inspired by the signature that appeared consistently on Cline's letters to Seger, "Love Always… Pasty Cline."

Louise Seger is played by Shelley Scott, Houston (understudy is Kimberly Richards, Alpine) and Brendy McBride, Lubbock, plays Patsy Cline (understudy is Blair Seney, Cypress).

Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

July News 2007

Sul Ross State University A Member of the Texas State University System

July News 2007

Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System