Sul Ross State University

May - June 2008

SUL ROSS, UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE CHIHUAHUA RENEW MBA AGREEMENT

Sul Ross State University and the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua celebrated 10 years of a shared Master of Business Administration program by officially renewing the agreement.

Representatives of both universties, including Dr. R. Vic Morgan, Sul Ross President; Dr. David Cockrum, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; and Universidad Autonoma Rector (President) Dr. Raul A. Chavez Espinoza signed the documents during a reception in Chihuahua City Friday evening (April 18).

Also present were Sul Ross Business Administration faculty; department chair Dr. Pamela Marett, Dr. Rafael Azauje, Dr. Bill Green and Rob Matthews, and several Sul Ross graduate students, along with their Universidad de Autonoma counterparts.

Both Chavez and Morgan praised the continuation of the program and the cooperation between the two universities.

“We are delighted to be renewing the agreement,” Morgan said. “Ten years is not a very long time in the history of things, but it is a considerable period for the students who have participated.

“We are pleased to continue what has been a very successful program. Perhaps there will be some other areas of cooperation between the two universities that can also be explored,” he said.

Retired Sul Ross Professor Dr. Edward Marcin was honored for his role in the program’s initial years, and present faculty from both universities were also honored.

Since its inception, more than 85 Universidad de Autnonoma students have completed their MBA degrees through Sul Ross.

REGENTS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT ESTABLISHED AT SUL ROSS
An endowment established by Trisha Pollard, the Sul Ross Local Committee Chair of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System will offer additional scholarship opportunities for first-generation students at Sul Ross State University.

Pollard, who is also the Regents vice chair, and Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan signed the agreement April 11 establishing the Regents Scholarship Endowment and Fund. Pollard wrote to and challenged all former and current Regents to contribute to this endowment and some have responded.

Her initial pledge and gift testablished the endowment. To be eligible for the scholarship awards, beginning freshman applicants must be first-generation students fully admitted to Sul Ross.
 
Returning students must maintain overall grade point averages of 2.5 or higher and be making normal progress toward degrees.
"We thank Trisha Pollard for her generous contribution," Morgan said. "This endowment reinforces the System's educational goals and provides additional opportunities for deserving students."

Sul Ross endowments presently exceed $12 million, with over 210 scholarships.

For information about endowments, contact Leo Dominguez, associate vice president for Advancement and University Relations, (432) 837-8033 or leodo@sulross.edu.


FORT STOCKTON WOMAN 22ND FAMILY MEMBER TO RECEIVE SUL ROSS DEGREE
by Steve Lang, News and Publications

Camilia Ortega, Fort Stockton, became the 22nd member of her extended family to receive a Sul Ross degree. Ortega graduated Saturday (May 10) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative Systems and Business Technology.  (Photo by Steve Lang)

As a little girl, Camila Ortega visited family in Alpine and played on the Sul Ross State University campus.
On Saturday (May 10), she became the 22nd member of her extended family to receive her Sul Ross degree since 1960.
Ortega, Fort Stockton, joined her mother, two great-aunts, three great uncles and 15 cousins in graduating from Sul Ross.
Thirteen became educators, seven also earned master's degrees.

Members of the Pena and Parada families of Sanderson began attending Sul Ross in the 1950s, and Clotilde Pena Hernandez, Camila's great-aunt, was the first to graduate, earning a B.A. degree in 1960. A year later, her husband, David Hernadez, Jr., received his B.S. degree, and in 1962, Higino Pena, Jr., Clotilde's brother, earned a B.A. Eight years later, he completed his Master of Education degree, while his wife, Virginia, earned a B.A. in
1972 and a M.Ed in 1973.

Camila's mother, Ramona Parada, Fort Stockton, received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1970 and a M.Ed. seven years later. At least one family member has received a Sul Ross degree in each decade since the 1960s.

"It all started with my great-grandmother," Ortega said. "She was only able to attend two days of school before she had to return home to help take care of the family. When her children graduated from high school, she packed their suitcases, set them outside the house and asked, 'Where are you going to go to school (college) and what are you going to be?'"

Ortega's own degree path was interrupted by the birth of her daughter. She returned to college and received an Associate of Arts degree from Midland College in 2002, then completed her Bachelor of Administrative Systems and Business Technology on-line from Sul Ross. She works for Sandridge Lariat Oil Co. in Fort Stockton.

"My mom was very adamant about me going to school," Ortega said, adding with a laugh, "As she has said, I'm a product of graduate research.

"Sul Ross has put all my family through school," she said. "They opened their arms to help me get my degree on-line. I wouldn't trade this university for the world. It has been a blessing to my family and me."  The Pena-Parada family graduation roll includes:

* Clotilde Pena Hernandez, B.A., 1960.
* David Hernandez, Jr., B.S., 1961.
* Higino B. Pena, Jr., B.A., 1962; M.Ed., 1970.
* Virginia DeLaO Pena, B.A., 1972; M.Ed., 1973.
* Ramona Oralia Olivares Parada, B.B.A., 1970; M.Ed., 1977.
* Rosa Silvas Olvera, B.S., 1970.
* Estela Calzada Menchaca, B.A., 1973.
* Robert Menchaca, B.A., 1973.
* Clelia Silvas Carrillo, B.A., 1973; M.Ed., 1975..
* Delma Montolvo Light, B.S., 1980.
* Carlos Garza, B.S., 1977.
* Jerry Garza, B.S., 1994; M.Ed., 2007.
* Gina Maldonado Garza, B.B.A., 1993.
* Luis Calzada Villarreal, B.S., 1993; M.Ed., 1997.
* Yvette Gonzales Villarreal, B.S., 1994.
* Elizabeth Villarreal Rivera, B.A., 1997.
* Carlos Parada Flores, B.S., 2002.
* Clarisa Annette Olvera, B.A., 2001.
* Pam Tyree Galvan, B.S., 1989; M.Ed., 1992; M.Ed., 1996.
* Crystal I. Galvan, B.S., 1999.
* Pete Galvan, A.A., 1990.
* Camilia Yvette Ortega, B.B.A., 2008.



JOSE AGUAYO NAMED SUL ROSS STUDENT PUBLICATIONS ADVISER

Jose Aguayo, Alpine, has been named Student Publications adviser at Sul Ross State University.

Aguayo, a former reporter for Forbes Magazine and an editor in energy publications, began his new duties May 8. He will supervise publication of The Brand yearbook and The Skyline student newspaper and oversee Photography Services for the Department of News and Publications.
He replaces Barbara Richerson, who retired in August 2007. During the past academic year, Drs. Laura and Brad Butler served as co-advisers on an interim basis.

Aguayo, a native of Cuyutlan, Colima, Mexico, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He served as deputy director of the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) Secretariat in Mexico City and later worked as a reporter for The Mexico City Times. He later joined Forbes Magazine in Houston, then worked as a senior editor for Platts Oilgram Price Report in New York City, producing daily price assessments and market commentaries and writing about oil prices and trading in the U.S. and Latin America.

Later, he founded Templum, LLC in New Jersey, publishing a technical analysis report focused on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Aguayo worked as an associate editor for United Communications Group, Rockville, Md., before moving to Alpine.


EDUCATION A LIFELONG ENTERPRISE, POLLARD TELLS SUL ROSS GRADS

Commencement speaker Trisha Pollard, Bellaire, Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System, delivered the address at Saturday's (May 10) Sul Ross State University spring commencement exercises. (Photo by Steve Lang) As a strong advocate of reading, Trisha Pollard advised Sul Ross State University graduates that "education is the magic key that takes you where you want to be."

Pollard, Bellaire, Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System, delivered the commencement address at Sul Ross' Alpine Campus and Rio Grande College Saturday (May 10) as part of the annual spring graduation ceremonies. A total of 256 students were candidates for degrees, 175 at Alpine and 81 at RGC.
Pollard, recalling the commencement address when she completed her law degree, noted that graduation was not slaying the dragon, but winning the right to slay the dragon.

"The educational experience is a lifelong enterprise, and if we have taught you how to think, you have succeeded," she said.
Reading is the key to education, Pollard emphasized, and noted that technology expertise - from downloading digital photographs to programming DVD players - is no substitute for knowledge.

She praised the graduates for demonstrating their commitment to higher education, adding that Texas cannot expand its goal of increasing its number of college graduates without participation.

"A college degree is not just a social necessity, it is an economic imperative," she said. Pollard urged the graduates to be advocates for higher education.

Pollard also stressed the importance of community service, of time management, and advised graduates to "take rejection in stride, but don't dwell on it."   Seek help, she encouraged.

"There are more people than you realize that are ready to help," she said. "Keep asking until you get the help you need."
She asked graduates to shout out the names of persons who had already been influential in their respective educational journeys, and ended by quoting Proverbs 16:3.

"Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established."

Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan paid special recognition to Camelia Ortega, Fort Stockton, who became the 22nd member of her extended family to receive a Sul Ross degree. Ortega graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative Systems and Business Technology.

Saturday's commencement also marked the retirement of two long-time Sul Ross faculty. English professor Dr. Paul Lister was a faculty member for 37 years and History professor Dr. Wayne Sheehan served 32 years.

Dr. Chet Sample, dean of the School of Professional Studies, served in his final commencement in that capacity. He will return to the classroom as a full-time faculty member at the start of the first summer session.

SUL ROSS STUDENTS RECEIVE DEGREES AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT

A total of 244 students, 168 from the Alpine campus and 76 from Rio Grande College, were candidates for degrees during spring commencement exercises at Sul Ross State University.

Ceremonies were held Saturday, May 10 in the Pete P. Gallego Center on the Alpine Campus and in the Del Rio Civic Center for RGC graduates..

Alpine campus graduates, their degrees and hometowns are listed below. Degree codes are as follows: AA-Associate of Applied Science; BA - Bachelor of Arts; BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration; BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts; BS - Bachelor of Science; Cert. - Certificate; MA - Master of Arts; MAg. - Master of Agriculture;

MBA - Master of Business Administration; MEd - Master of Education; MS - Master of Science; VN - Vocational Nursing Certificate; cum laude, 3.5-3.69 grade point average; magna cum laude, 3.7-3.89; summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0.

CLARESHOLM, ALBERTA, CANADA: Kaycee Rae Watt, BS, Biology

TOKYO, JAPAN: Masahiro Ohnishi, BS, Natural Resource Management

CHIHUAHUA, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO: Jesus Alberto Castanon Hernandez, MBA, Management; Jennifer Chavarria Flores, MBA, Management; Rodolfo Guillermo Chavez Ruiz, MBA, Management; Jose Luis Derat Carrasco, MBA, Management; Heriberto Perez-Rodriguez, MBA, Management; Adrian Santiago Santana Cera, MBA, Management

DELICIAS, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO: Diana Denisse Rodriguez Archer, BS, Biology

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.: Vicky L. Aguero-Sizemore, MEd, School Administration

MIAMI, FLA.: Carlos Manuel Castro, MS, Criminal Justice

POCATELLO, ID.: Laramie K. Weimer, BS, Animal Science, summa cum laude

AUGUSTA, KAN.: Jennifer Payne, MEd, School Administration

ELYRIA, OHIO: Monika Christel Rodgers, MA, Liberal Arts


ALPINE: Jessica Blair Baker, BS, Animal Science; Clinton Douglas Brackett, BBA, Business Administration; Justin David Ceniceros, MS, Biology; Sharon P. Collyer, BA, English, magna cum laude; Marilyne C. Dieckert, BA, Music; James M. Fitzgerald, BS, Geology; Tanyasue R. Franco, MA, Liberal Arts; Frances Nicole Homrighaus, MA, Art; Abigail Ann Garza, BA, Psychology; William Flesher Juett, MS, Range and Wildlife Management; Cynthia A. Kennedy, BBA, Accounting, cum laude; Liliana Mason, MBA, Management; Jacklyn Marie Martinez, BA, Communication, cum laude; Talitha Covington Raby, BS, Mathematics, magna cum laude; Stacey Leigh Roberts, BA, General Studies; Robert Anthony Rodriguez, BA, General Studies; Lisa F. Short, BA, General Studies; Jessica M. Sierra, BS, Biology; Esmeralda Rosa Torres, Cert., Office Systems; Jena Vanderburg, BS, Animal Science

ANTHONY: Andrea Rose Burciaga, BS, Interdisciplinary Studies;

AUSTIN: Charles R. Crouchet, BA, General Studies; William Janssen Dopson, MEd, General Education; Micah David Thornton, BS, Criminal Justice

AZLE: Phillip Russell Carey, BS, Animal Science

BANGS: Landon Lee O’Bannon Moore, MA, English

BRAZORIA: Preston Dandrew Watts, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science

BROWNSVILLE: Jessica R. Morgan, MA, Art

BROWNWOOD: Rockey James Hernandez, BA, General Studies

BURNET: Roman Andrew Sager, BS, Animal Science, AA, Meat Technology

CEDAR LANE: Byron La’Troy Mack, BA, History

CLINT: Robert Kit Bramblett, BS, Agricultural Business; Ricardo A. Ortega, BA, Communication

COLEMAN: Auralee Kay Horne, BS, Animal Science

COLLEGE STATION: Tina E. Lilly, BS, Animal Science, AA, Veterinary Technology

CONROE: Angela M. Comeaux, BA, General Studies

COPPERAS COVE: Jeremy Alan Spencer, BS, natural Resource Management

CORPUS CHRISTI: Lisa Marie Barba, BS, Criminal Justice

CRYSTAL CITY: Ashley D. Young, BS, Natural Resource Management

CYPRESS: Blair Seney, BS, Animal Science

DALLAS: Shannon M. Anderson, BA. Communication; Wesley D. Moyer, BS, Biology

DEL RIO: Lawrence Adam English, MA, English; Jason T. Huebner, MS, Criminal Justice; David E. Martinez, MEd, Physical Education

EL CAMPO: Kaydi J. Kubala, Bs, Animal Science

EL PASO: Claudia Denise Aguirre, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies; Lourdes Ambriz, MEd, School Administration; Rebecca Avila, MEd. Counseling; Sara Castillo, MEd, Counseling; Jeffrey A. Ellsworth, MEd, School Administration; Daniel Franco, MEd, Counseling; Soledad Sally Gallegos, MS, Criminal Justice; Lorena Gomez, AA, Veterinary Technology; Arturo Gonzalez, Jr., BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science; Stephanie Diane Gutierrez, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies; David Glenn Hancock, Jr., MEd, Counseling; Karen Kay Hancock, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science; India America Hoover, BA, English; Anne M. Jacquez, BS, Interdisciplinary Studies; Alicia L.C. Luna, MEd, Counseling; Monica Alyssa Luna, MEd, Counseling; Vanessa Alina Luna, MEd, Counseling; Robert Alan Marsh, MEd, School Administration; Gilbert Roy Martinez, MEd, School Administration; Julia Pedregon, MEd, Counseling; Lazara Maria Quinones, MEd, Counseling; Larry T. Reese, BA, Social Science; Christina Rojas, BBA, Management; Janice M. Sandoval, BA, English; Eric Daniel Torres, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science;

FABENS: Maria Elena S. Mesquita, MEd, School Administration; Adrian A. Telas, BA, Social Science, cum laude

FORT DAVIS: Lisa M. Bohnert, BA, Communication, cum laude; Marc N. Wetzel, BA, Communication

FORT STOCKTON: Abigail V. Alcala, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies; Lilia Carreon, BA, Psychology; Ida C. Casias, BA, Administrative Systems and Technology, magna cum laude; Kelley Jacquelyn King Copser, MEd, Counseling; Camilia Yvette Ortega, BA, Administrative Systems and Business Technology

GALVESTON: Merrill Britton Pauls, MA, History; Taylor H. Pauls, BA, General Studies; Jonathan C. Smith, BFA, Art

HALLSVILLE: Austin Brady Davidson, BBA, Management; Zachary Heath Gideon, BBA, Management

HAWLEY: Arthur Lee Saytre, BA, Political Science

HEBBRONVILLE: John Erik Morales, Bs, Kinesiology and Sports Science

HITCHCOCK: Cody M. Kemmerling, BA, Communication

HOUSTON: Armando Miguel Gonzalez, BS, Animal Science; Michael Otero, BBA, Management;

HUMBLE: Ruth Matiel Frame, MEd, School Administration

IRAAN: Venus Castaneda, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science, cum laude;

LA VERNA: Shannon M. Malesky, BS, Animal Science

LOCKHART: John Kinsey, BS, Natural Resource Management

LUBBOCK: Anna Marie Kreger, BA, Social Science; Bobby Shawn Mesker, MEd, Physical Education

MARATHON: Terra Rabe Peters, BA, General Studies

MCALLEN: Desirae R. Garcia, MEd, Counseling

MIDLAND: Teresa Marie Womack, Bs, Agricultural Business; Cornell Hunt, Jr., BBA, Management; Jermaine Packer, BS, Computer Science; Tracie LaTrelle Bunton York, MEd, Reading Specialist

MILLSAP: Darla Finch Henry, MEd, School Administration

MONAHANS: Lyndi Annette Cypher, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science, cum laude;

MORTON: Dreu Kirkland, BS, Animal Science

NEW BRAUNFELS: Caleb Waters, BA, History, cum laude

ODESSA: Amber M. Bowman, BFA; Mary Catherine Briggs, BS, Animal Science, AA, Veterinary Technology; Laura Alicia Canales, BS, Criminal Justice, magna cum laude; Deborah Ann Haiduk, MEd, Counseling; Courtney DeSean Hallcy, BA, English; David Alan Johnson, BA, Social Science; Robert Hart Mace, MA, English; Angel D. Navarette, BFA, Theatre; Audra Angela Pasternak, MEd, School Administration; Jason R. Ross, BS, Biology, magna cum laude; Jillian Ross, BS, Biology, summa cum laude; Holly Kay Tveit, BS, Interdisciplinary Studies, summa cum laude;

PADUCAH: Misty S. McLaury, MA, History

PEARSALL: Lonnie Dale Felps, BS, Criminal Justice

PECOS: Phyllis J. Brisbin, BA, History; Angelica M. Metcalf, BA, Administrative Systems and Business Technology; Amanda N. Nevarez, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies

PHARR: Emilio Garza, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science

PORTLAND: Tiana Zell McCoy, MEd, Reading Specialist

PRESIDIO: Jesus H. Baeza, BS, Animal Science, AA, Meat Technology; Teresa G. Knight, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies; Karina Haydee Luna, MA, Liberal Arts; Luisa Y. Olivares, BS, Biology; Brenda Ramirez, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies; Mayra J. Ramirez, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science; Jackie Kay Sandifer, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science; Gustavo Tijerina, BBA, Accounting;

ROUND ROCK: Adam Swart Gaden, MA, History; Janice Kristien Mitchell, BBA, Business Administration

SAN ANGELO: Karissa M. Block, BA, Interdisciplinary Studies; Debra Krieg-Rosenthal, MEd, Counseling

SAN ANTONIO: Jeffrey Nicholas Gilman, BBA, Management; MaryAshley Phelps Gredell, BA, General Studies, cum laude; Megan E. Tavenner, BS, Animal Science

SMITHVILLE: Clifford James Archer, MA, Political Science/Public Administration

SNYDER: Jared Owen Hester, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science

SPRINGTOWN: Brittney Nicole Rhodes, BA, Communication

SPUR: John Andrew Hannon, MEd, School Administration

TAHOKA: Blandon Reid Hancock, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science

TERLINGUA: Kelly A. Sufficool, BFA, Art

TORNILLO: Robert Silva, BS, Kinesiology and Sports Science

VAN HORN: Dennis L. Davis, BA, History; Rosie T. Espudo, BA, General Studies; Melinda Lee Lerma, BA, Psychology

WACO: Sally Street, BS, Natural Resource Management

WEST COLUMBIA: Shaun H. Barak, MS, Criminal Justice

CALLING NOMINATIONS FOR SUL ROSS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD DIRECTOR

As a member of the Sul Ross Alumni Association (SRAA), you have the privilege of electing members to the SRAA Board of Directors. There are three two-year terms and two one-year terms to be filled at this time. Two-year terms positions available are School of Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences and School of Professional Studies, and Rio Grande College. One year term positions available are School of Rio Grande College and School of Arts & Sciences. You may vote for the nominees presented or you may write in a candidate for any of the five positions. The new board members will take office on Homecoming, November 1, 2008.

Selection of candidates are nominated by an appointed Nominating Committee comprised of four (4) persons, one person from each of the four Schools of the University, for purpose of compiling a group of proposed candidates from which the above parties might be elected. Those persons confirmed who desire to run for Board positions must be a member in good standing of the Alumni Association. The election of the parties is by written ballot prepared by the Executive Director of the Association and transmitted to the Active members of the Association. Results of the election are made known at the annual (Homecoming) meeting of the general membership of the Association. Each of these Board members is elected for a two (2) year term and may be re-elected.

Please return submit your name to be posted on ballot by September 1, 2008 to Sul Ross Alumni Association, C-187, Alpine, Texas 79832 or fax to 432-837-8017

As a member of the Sul Ross Alumni Association (SRAA), you have the privilege of electing members to the SRAA Board of Directors. There are three two-year terms and two one-year terms to be filled at this time. Two-year terms positions available are School of Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences and School of Professional Studies, and Rio Grande College. One year term positions available are School of Rio Grande College and School of Arts & Sciences. You may vote for the nominees presented or you may write in a candidate for any of the four positions. The new board members will take office on Homecoming, November 1, 2008.

Selection of candidates are nominated by an appointed Nominating Committee comprised of four (4) persons, one person from each of the four Schools of the University, for purpose of compiling a group of proposed candidates from which the above parties might be elected. Those persons confirmed who desire to run for Board positions must be a member in good standing of the Alumni Association. The election of the parties is by written ballot prepared by the Executive Director of the Association and transmitted to the Active members of the Association. Results of the election are made known at the annual (Homecoming) meeting of the general membership of the Association. Each of these Board members is elected for a two (2) year term and may be re-elected.

Please return submit your name to be posted on ballot by September 1, 2008 to Sul Ross Alumni Association, C-187, Alpine, Texas 79832 or fax to 432-837-8017


LAND LEASE, PROMOTION AND TENURE AMONG SUL ROSS ITEMS ON REGENTS' AGENDA
Approval to negotiate a long-term lease of surplus land and granting tenure and promotion for several faculty members are among Sul Ross State University agenda items at the May 14-16 meeting of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System.
The Regents will meet at Texas State University, San Marcos.

Other items include acknowledgment of gifts and donations totaling more than $475,000, resolutions honoring retiring faculty Dr. Paul Lister and Dr. Wayne Sheehan and approval of the 2008-2009 holiday schedule for administration and staff.

Sul Ross will seek authorization to negotiate and execute a long-term lease of approximately 10 acres of surplus land. The land, located on the south side of East Highway 90 in Alpine, previously contained duplex housing units. The units - replaced by new family housing units in the Lobo Village complex --were sold in July 2007 and moved off the site.

Sul Ross issued a request for a long-term lease in November, with one response. The respondent, Brown-Miller Management Inc. of Beeville, proposed to build a 60-unit franchise motel on the site, but was unable to secure the necessary franchise and relinquished its interest. Sul Ross now requests authority to negotiate and execute another lease.

Tenure is recommended for Dr. Patricia A. Nicosia, assistant professor of Education, who has taught at Sul Ross Rio Grande College for six years; and Dr. Keith West, assistant professor of Communication and Theatre, who has 15 years' experience.

Promotion is recommended for Dr. Louis Harveson, from associate professor to professor, and Dr. Bonnie Warnock, from assistant professor to associate professor, Natural Resource Management; Dr. Elizabeth A. Measures, from assistant professor to associate professor, Academic Center for Excellence; Dr. Mark S. Saka, from associate professor to professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences; Dr. Beverly G. Six, associate professor to professor, Languages and Literature; and Nicosia, assistant professor to associate professor, Liberal Arts, RGC. The Regents will be asked to adopt resolutions recognizing the retirements of status to Lister, Professor Emeritus of English, who retired after 37 years at Sul Ross; and Sheehan, Professor Emeritus of History, who retired after 32 years. The Regents will also be asked to designate Sheehan as Distinguished Professor Emeritus, based on his outstanding teaching and community service record.

Approval is sought for the 2008-2009 holiday schedule for Sul Ross and Rio Grande College. The 17-day schedule includes: Labor Day, Sept. 1; Thanksgiving, Nov. 26-28; Christmas, Dec. 24-Jan. 2, 2009, with energy conservation day Jan. 2; Martin Luther King Birthday, Jan. 19; Spring Break, Alpine, March 11-13, including energy conservation day March 11; Spring Break, RGC, March 18-20, including energy conservation day March 18; and Memorial Day, May 25.  Gifts and donations include $165,000 to Sul Ross and $310,000 to the Friends of the Center for Big Bend Studies.

Sul Ross gifts include:

* $18,000 from the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation, Sinton, to the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation Fund, providing for continuation of the research project studying mule deer habitat changes.

* $5,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Harvey W. Smith, Houston, to the Borderland Research Institute Fund, which provides leadership in science-based land stewardship.

* $25,000 from the Potts and Sibley Foundation, Midland, applied to the Potts and Sibley Foundation Education Endowment and Excellence Fund. The endowment and excellence fund will help increase the number of science/mathematics teachers completing programs at Sul Ross.

*The John Z. and Exa Means Cache, a collection of Native American arrowheads, valued at $47,498.40 from Mr. and Mrs. Alfred G. and Ruth D. Means, Valentine, to the Center for Big Bend Studies Endowment.

* $10,000 from the Swain Charitable Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation, St. Louis, Mo., to the Baseball Endowment, supporting operational expenses, equipment, supplies, achievement awards, graduate assistantships and other items for the Sul Ross baseball program.

* $10,000 from the Estate of Ellie McKinney, Tuscaloosa, Ala., to the General Scholarship Endowment. The funds established the Ellie Aileen McKinney and Georgia Gant Winn Scholarship and Fund, providing scholarship opportunities for English and English Education majors.

* $25,000 from the Richard K. Craig and Lois B. Craig Family Fund of the Community Foundation of North Texas, Fort Worth, to the Geology Endowment and General Scholarship Endowment.

* $25,000 from John McCall, Austin, to the General Scholarship Endowment through the Texas State University Foundation, Inc. Funds will provide 10 scholarships of $2,500 each .

Gifts to the Friends of the Center for Big Bend Studies include $10,000 from the J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan Foundation and $300,000 from the Brown Foundation, Inc., both of Houston, in support of the Trans Pecos Archaeological programs. Funding backs programs aimed at recovering and preserving significant data in archaeological and historical resources in the Trans Pecos and Big Bend areas.

MEMORIAL AT SUL ROSS TO HONOR FALLEN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
by Jose Aguayo, Student Publications Adviser

Law enforcement honor guard flies the colors at Sul Ross State University ceremony. (Photo by Jason Hennington)

About 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, joined by State Representative Pete P. Gallego, gathered at the Sul Ross State University Mall Friday (May 30) to honor colleagues who have died in the line of duty.

A memorial wreath was placed next a temporary plaque honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in West Texas and those from West Texas who died elsewhere.. Honor guards from the U.S. Border Patrol, Marfa Sector and the Texas Department of Public Safety presented colors and preformed a 21-gun salute, respectively.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief John J. Smietana, Jr., was the master of ceremonies. The national anthem was sung by Penny Hardaway of Sul Ross. Ed Jennings, Chaplain for the Presidio County Sheriff’s Department, provided the invocation and benediction. Carla Smith, whose son is a Midland policeman, provided a special musical number. The event, sponsored by the Big Bend Law Enforcement Officers Association and supported by Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan, was part of a project that will ultimately result in the construction of a permanent memorial on the Sul Ross campus.

Gallego brought a message from Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez thanking association members, their families and friends, for their public service and their leadership in organizing the construction of the memorial.

“In 2007, Texas lost a record number of officers in the line of duty, leading the nation in officer deaths nationwide. 2007 was one of the deadliest years for officers across the country since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. A report counted 186 officer deaths, up from 145 in 2006. An additional 61,000 officers are assaulted each year,”Rodriguez’ letter stated.

A wreath was laid next to a plaque with the names of 111 officers. The list ranges from Gus Krempkau, an El Paso County constable who died on April 14, 1881 to Abel Marquez of the Odessa Police Department who died in the line of duty on Sept. 12, 2007.

Plans for the design concept of a permanent memorial are pending. The temporary memorial will be located in the Sul Ross Law Enforcement Academy.

Public donations will be accepted for the construction of this memorial. Tax deductible donations can be made to the BBA-LEOA, in care of John Carter, P. O. Box 512, Pecos, Texas 79772.

SUL ROSS TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM STUDENTS EXCEL
By Jason Hennington, News Writer

Students involved in the Sul Ross State University Teacher Education Program have excelled in the past year, with 96 percent of the students passing all exams required for Educator Certification.

Students planning to obtain teacher certification begin preparation for testing in the required education courses and the subject they plan to teach. The Texas Examination for Educator Standards (TExES) or Examination for Educators in Texas (ExCET) exams are given to ensure that students have net certain criteria for teaching in Texas public schools, and are administered by the Educational Testing Services.

Dr. Tyra Manning, Department Chair and associate professor of Education, praised the students’ accomplishments.

“Our students have done so well,” she said. “It speaks well of our students and faculty.”

Manning commended the faculty for working hard to ensure that the students are prepared to teach in a program that meets state requirements.

“One of the most special things about Sul Ross is the personal touch our faculty extends to our students to ensure they are prepared,” Manning said. “Our faculty insists that our students are prepared and offer personal assistance if needed.”

Test takers must achieve a minimum score of 240 in their teaching field, Pedagogy, and Professional Responsibilities before they can be recommended for a teacher certification. Students are allowed to take the appropriate exams until they achieve the required score. Once the exam is passed, students can challenge any teaching field to add to their certification. Professional exams such as Principal, Superintendent, Counselor, Reading Specialist, and Educational Diagnostician can only be taken after a student completes course work and receives approval from their advisor.

“There is much more to being a successful educator than is communicated through these scores,” Manning said. “It is not enough to simply achieve the required scores but to be model citizens with integrity.”

The Sul Ross Teachers Education Program offered a campus tour to members of the Future Teachers of America (FTA) from Monahans High School. FTA adviser Rebecca Melius brought the students to Sul Ross . “It was a very eye-opening experience for small town students. It was a very profitable day,” Melius said.

Teacher Education Program students Daniel Brown, Alpine, and Lyndi Cypher, Monahans, gave the tour.

“They made us feel very welcome and were very informative,” Melius said. “It’s a very home-like setting.”

Manning offered the chance for high school students to visit the campus once she heard that Melius had a Future Teachers program.

“Dr. Manning was very instrumental once I told her I had students,” Melius said. “I will do my best to recruit kids for her.”

Melius, whose mother attended Sul Ross, is considering graduate school here.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Sul Ross,” she said.

Manning is looking forward to having more FTA groups visit the campus with hopes of educating students about the education field.

“We understand how important it is for young people to see the opportunities in teaching careers or education,” Manning said. “A career in education is an opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of young people.”

For more information on the Teachers Education Program, contact Sul Ross State University Department of Education (432) 837-8170.

THEATRE OF THE BIG BEND OFFERS WESTERN-STYLE ENTERTAINMENT
by Jason Hennington, News Writer

The Theatre of the Big Bend returns to the stage beginning June 27 with boot stomping entertainment.

“Cowgirls,” “Petra’s Cuento” and “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” will be performed during the summer season. Each play is unique and will entertain audiences of all ages. The productions are a part of an ongoing fund-raiser to make the Theatre of the Big Bend a more professional company, along with drawing large audiences in the Big Bend area.

“It’s supposed to bring in tourists and it has,” said Dona Roman, theatre director and associate professor of Theatre.

Twenty students have been given scholarships and student jobs within the theatre program at Sul Ross and are forming a company.

“It is always related to the class, but we want it to be more professional,” Roman said.

The city of Alpine gave $20,000 to help with promotions and to bring in guest stars for each show. Three guests were brought in last year, and three more scheduled for this year.

“We need help from the community,” Roman said. “The more funds we raise locally, the more grant funding is possible”

Roman sees this as an opportunity for both the university and the city of Alpine.

“This raises the visibility of tourists and students,” she said. “It’s a business opportunity not just for the university, but for the community. I hope everyone comes to see the shows.”

“Cowgirls,” written by Mary Murffitt and Betty Howard, is a musical where country meets classical. Opening June 27 and continuing through July 14, the play involves six women, three classical and three country. When one group learns they have shown up to the wrong place, things get interesting. Another twist is that all the actresses play instruments.

“Petra’s Cuento” on stage July 18-Aug. 3, is a bilingual play that is a continuation of last year’s popular play Petra’s Pecado. It involves some of the same cast, and will have promotional help again from Rupert Reyes. This will be the fifth bilingual play in two years, and is a push towards having a bilingual theatre festival slated for 2010.

“This play is very funny,” Roman said.

Petra attempts to educate her daughter, who does not know much about her culture. The play has everything from phony kidnappers to District Attorney officers.

“It did really well last year,” Roman said. “I want to take it further. I want to make this year’s production even better and promote even more.”

The third play set for the summer is “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede,” scheduled Aug. 8-10. The interactive show is the tall tale of the cyclone riding cowboy in the Wild West, and will have the children in the audience participating as the stampede.

“Children love being a part of the show and parents love seeing their children being involved,” Roman said.

This is the first interactive play since the performance of “Cinderella, Cinderella” in 2005.

“It’s so good, that’s why we chose ‘Pecos Bill,’” Roman said.

All shows are scheduled Friday-Sunday at 8:15 p.m. – except July 4 – at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre. For more information, call 1-888-722-SRSU (7778) or visit www.sulross.edu/theatre.

NEW BOOK FEATURES ILLUSTRATIONS BY SUL ROSS’ DUMITRESCU

A new book published by the University of California Press features illustrations by Sul Ross State University adjunct professor Avram Dumitrescu.

“M.F.K. Fisher among the Pots and Pans,” written by Joan Reardon, includes watercolors by Dumitrescu, who is also the scientific illustrator for the Center for Big Bend Studies. The book is a retrospective of noted cook Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, interspersed with recipes and illustrated with Dumitrescu’s original watercolors.

For more information, contact Dumitrescu, (432) 837-8779.


BIG BEND THEATRE FUND DRIVE MAY 19-JUNE 10

In preparation for its 43rd anniversary, the Theatre of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University will kick off its third annual fund raising drive May 19 - June 10.

This year's effort will aim for a broader reach within the community. The generosity of contributions from local businesses and individual contributors, coupled with successful box office holdings over the past two years have enabled the summer theatre to create an intern program for undergraduate and graduate students. Currently, 15 students have committed to the summer program which will include theatre and music scholarships and student worker positions.

This year's season will kick off June 27-July 13 with the musical, “Cowgirls.” The second installment of the Petra Trilogy, “Petra's Cuento,” runs July 18-Aug. 3. The 2008 season closes with the children's show, “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” Aug. 7-10.

The season's focus on heritage coupled with promotional support from the City of Alpine, has enabled the summer theatre to grow its attendance by over 50 percent during the past two summers.

For more information, call 8218; 1-888-722-7778 or visit www.sulross.edu/theatre.

IN MEMORIAM

Frances Powell Newsom

Lord called Frances G. Powell Newsom, a longtime Sul Ross State University employee, to be with him on Mother's Day, May 11, 2008.

Services were held at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Alpine with burial in Elm Grove Cemetery. Porter Loring Mortuary of San Antonio and Geeslin Funeral Home handled arrangements.

There was also a memorial service held at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs in Boerne at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Frances was born July 24, 1919, in Toyah to Katie Grayson Powell and Guy H. Powell. She graduated from Toyah High School in May 1936 and attended Sul Ross State Teacher's College, where she received her bachelor's degree in August 1939 and a master's degree in May 1954.

She taught business classes at Sul Ross in 1939-40 and worked there in other positions until 1941, when she accepted a civil service job at Fort D.A. Russell in Marfa as a clerk-typist in the quartermaster area and as civilian personnel officer until the base closed in November 1945. Fran married Sherman Newsom in March 1940.

After returning to their favorite place, Alpine, she was employed at Sul Ross in the following positions: cashier in the business office, secretary to President R.M. Hawkins and then auditor and assistant business manager. She retired in May 1977 after 30 years of service at her alma mater.

Fran was active in the American Legion Auxiliary in Alpine, having served as both secretary and treasurer and four times as president. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Alpine for over 60 years. She had been living at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs in Boerne for the past two years to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Sherman A. Newsom.

Survivors include one son, Allan Lee and wife Lisa of Boerne; one daughter, Donna K. and husband Guy Moore of Leander; six grandsons, Corey Newsom and wife Barbara of Kingwood, Scott Newsom and wife Annette of League City, Michael Moore and wife Jennefer of Leander, Matthew Moore of Austin, Mark Moore of Austin and Blake White of Boerne; and six great grandchildren. Other survivors are two sisters, Katherine Weidel of Carrollton and Eva Mae Linn of Novato, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sul Ross State University General Scholarship Fund, First Baptist Church in Alpine or the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Fund.