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HIGH PLAINS BAR SR BAR RODEO SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT ESTABLISHED AT SUL ROSS
A new scholarship endowment for students enrolled in the rodeo program has been established at Sul Ross State University.
The High Plains Bar SR Bar Rodeo Scholarship and Fund was recently established by a donor group. Group members include: Keith and Jane Bowman, James and Peg Aplan, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Lewis, Don and Lorren Smith, R.F. and A.F. Caton, Russell Johnson, Jeff Smith, R.C. McCargo, Larry O'Neill and Jim Bausch.
Applicants for scholarships must be unconditionally admitted to Sul Ross if entering freshmen or transfer students. Returning students must be enrolled full-time, in good standing, making normal progress toward a degree and maintain a 2.5 or higher grade point average. Applicants must also be in good disciplinary standing, meet National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) requirements, obtain NIRA membership and participate in the Sul Ross rodeo program.
Changes to the criteria for scholarship awards may be made upon the recommendation of the rodeo coach, through the dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and approval of the Sul Ross President.
"Sul Ross is the birthplace of intercollegiate rodeo and the program has been nationally prominent since its inception," said Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan. "We are grateful to these Sul Ross alumni and friends for their generous contributions. The endowment will provide additional scholarship opportunities and help Sul Ross strengthen its storied program."
Sul Ross endowments presently exceed $12 million with nearly 200 scholarships.
For more information on endowments, contact Leo Dominguez, associate vice president for Advancement and University Relations, (432) 837-8033 or leodo@sulross.edu
SUL ROSS RECEIVES $574,690 GRANT TO STRENGTHEN RETENTION
Sul Ross State University has been awarded a $574,690 Title V grant to help strengthen student retention and academic success.
The U.S. Department of Education announced the award to U.S. Rep. Ciro D. Rodriquez and Sul Ross. The grant, funded under the Strengthening Institutions - Hispanic Serving Institutions Program, will be for the period from Oct. 1, 2008-Sept. 30, 2009. It is anticipated that the total grant request of $2,865,405 over five years will be awarded.
The grant project, "High Impact Practices to Improve Student Success," will develop "learning communities: to address low academic success and low persistence (retention) among first-year and second-year students, particularly at-risk low-income and Hispanic students.
As a historically Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Sul Ross presently serves more Hispanic students (48 percent) than white (42 percent).
"The service area - larger than the state of Pennsylvania - includes an extremely remote rural region of southwest Texas and has a majority Hispanic population (61.9 percent, compared to 34.6 percent in Texas)," said Gregory M. Schwab, associate vice president for Enrollment Management.
Sul Ross is the only institution of higher education within a 135-mile radius. Spanish is the primary language spoken in over 53 percent of the homes. Only 59.9 percent of the residents have a high school diploma, compared to 75.7 percent statewide, and 13.5 percent of adults 25 and older have a bachelor's degree, trailing the statewide average by roughly 10 percent (23.2 percent).
"Many of our students are not college ready and thus not returning for a second year," Schwab said. "Consequently, few are persisting to complete their degrees. We will use high impact practices to better engage and support students."
First Year and Second Year Experience (FYSYE) learning communities will be established. Pilot program activity will focus on math and science, writing/literature, social science/humanities and communications/fine arts.
In addition, an improved, proactive blended advising system will be initiated. Support will include an FYSYE-focused advising center with resouces; peer mentoring and use of graduate assistants to conduct weekly sessions to reinforce study skills and social integration; student e-portfolios and tracking technology to enable students to chart their progress; and a summer intensive orientation for students enrolled in the pilot learning communities.
Faculty professional development support will be provided to help design and teach the learning communities, including the use of computer-based learning.
"Through application of the grant project, we are confident that we can improve academic success, get at-risk students more engaged in the learning process and subsequently increase persistence rates," said Schwab.
For more information, contact Schwab, (432) 837-8039 or gschwab@sulross.edu
AT&T AWARDS $50,000 TO THE MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND
 State Rep. Pete P. Gallego presents a $50,000 check to the Museum of the Big Bend on behalf of the AT&T Foundation. The contribution will be used to help complete the design and installation of various cultural and historical exhibits. Also pictured (from left) are: Sul Ross President Dr. R. Vic Morgan; Sonia Perez, AT&T vice president of External Affairs; Elaine Craig, chair of the Museum's Director's Advisory Council; and Larry Francell, Museum director. (Photo by Steve Lang)The AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), made a $50,000 contribution to the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus.
With the donation, museum officials will come close to completing the design and installation of various cultural and historical exhibits that interpret the history and cultures of the region. Exhibits include a chuckwagon, stagecoach, mine cart, pterosaur model and regional topographic map.
The Museum of the Big Bend completed a five-year $4.4 million capital campaign that included the renovation and relocation to its original location, a native stone building constructed in 1936 during the Texas Centennial. The museum held its grand opening in August 2007.
Sonia Perez, AT&T senior vice president of External Affairs and State Rep. Pete P. Gallego presented the contribution Friday, July 18 at the museum. "We are pleased to help Sul Ross State University enhance this facility, which for years has done an excellent job of capturing the human spirit that reflects the heritage of this area, " Perez said.
"The exhibits complement three primary interpretive goals of the museum," said Larry Francell, Museum of the Big Bed director "We want to show the region's cultural diversity and confluence of cultures and how they are shaped by environment, the fragility of the environment and limitation of resources, and the representation of the Rio Grande as both a lifeline and a political barrier."
The Museum of the Big Bend serves the population of the three Far West Texas counties of Brewster, Jeff Davis an Presidio, over 12,500 square miles.
"The museum is the only large general purpose institution in this area. It provides a gateway to the Davis Mountains and Big Bend by introducing visitors from far and wide to this truly unique region," said Gallego.
Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan said, "We deeply appreciate the AT&T Foundation and Ms. Perez for helping us to finish this project. We are grateful to Rep. Gallego for his efforts in making this gift happen."
AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
For more information, contact Francell, (837) 432-8145 or francell@sulross.edu.
77 COMPETE IN "BRANDING TOGETHER" RUN/WALK
Tony Moralez, Jr., Alpine, and Yomi Bueno, Odessa, were the overall winners in Saturday's (July 19) "Branding Together" 5K run/walk. The second annual event drew 77 runners and walkers.
Moralez, 16, was the top overall male finisher, completing the 3.1 mile course in 16:17. Bueno won the women's competition in 20:59.
Jeannette Rudder, Alpine, was the overall walk winner, finishing in 38:06. Charles Dobbins, Alpine, was the overall male winner, 39:19.
The run/walk was part of the second annual "Branding Together"
reunion, held July 18-20. Other activities included a pancake breakfast after the race, a Friday night social and campus tour. Program Council members from 1976-2004 were the honored guests at the reunion, sponsored by the Sul Ross Alumni Association and area organizations and businesses.
Proceeds from the pancake breakfast support student scholarships. "We had a good turnout and support for this year's event," said Saul Garza, director of Alunni Affairs. "We especially thank our sponsors for their generosity in helping to make Branding Together another successful event." Top finishers in each age category of the 5k run/walk, their times and hometowns are listed below.
5K Run
Female 12 and Under: Cindy Moralez, Alpine, 26:43
Female 13-19: Leslie Vargas, Alpine, 31:21; Alyssia Simmons, Midland, 34:54; Ivonne Arellano, Tornillo, 36:13
Male 13-19: Crispin Salais, El Paso, 16:53; Ernesto Valdez, Alpine, 19:34; Thomas Cruz, Eagle Pass, 21:04
Female 20-29: Adrianna "AD" Ramirez, Odessa, 25:39; Maria Carrillo Alpine, 25:44; Jessica Gonzales, Alpine, 27:30
Male 20-29: Josh Caudell, Odessa, 17:02; Peter Ojeda, Del Rio, 19:12; Clint
Holsomback Houston, 21:04
Female 30-39: Adrienne Dreyfus, Alpine, 25:42; Laura Carlin, Alpine, 26:43; Sharon Simmons, Midland, 38:16
Male 30-39: Adam Portillo, Sanderson, 22:13; Edward
Sanchez, Alpine, 22:43
Female 40-49: Monica McBride, Alpine, 34:53; Vickey Wilson, Alpine, 37:07
Female: 50-59: Kay Schmidt, Alpine, 23:01; Helen Crane, Alpine, 32:18; Lee Hartman, Midland, 33:09
Male 50-59: Jim Hector, Alpine, 23:09
5K Walk
Female 13-19: Gladys Delgado, Eagle Pass, 40:01; Marisela Baca, Presidio, 43:21; Nancy Huerta, Alpine, 43:22
Male 13-19: Luis Rosas, Marfa, 38:29; Omar DeLaGarza, Eagle Pass, 38:16; Juan Cervantes, Tornillo
Female 20:29: Ruth Love, Alpine, 39:40; Sonia Luna, Alpine, 46:54
Female: 30-39: Shannon Gray, Alpine, 54:47
Male 30-39: Mitchell London, Austin, 43:27; Chris Ritzi, Alpine, 53:16
Female: 40-49: Davalu Cummings, Alpine, 48:59; Karlin DeVoll, Alpine, 1:11:47
Male 40-49: Jason Tucker, Corpus Christi, 54:47
Female 60-69: Marsha Lavallee, Alpine, 49:00; Sylvia Izard, Fredericksburg, 53:17
Male 60-69: David Cockrum, Alpine, 43:18; Elbert Bassham, Marfa, 43:24
Male 70 and over:Gary Schmidt, Alpine, 52:58; Lynn Izard, Fredericksburg, 1:12:03
For more information, contact Garza, (432) 837-8697 or sgarza@sulross.edu.
SUL ROSS PASS PROGRAM DRAWS 90 PARTICIPANTS
by Jason Hennington, News Writer
A record number of students crossed the "PASS" to Sul Ross State University.
Over 90 incoming freshmen attended the PASS (Pathway to Academic Success and Socialization) program, held July 6-19 on the Sul Ross campus.
PASS is aimed at helping entering freshmen succeed in college. The program has two major activities, an orientation program in the summer and a learning community during the Fall semester. Students involved in the program attend classes geared at bridging the transition from high school to college and ensure success at the college level. In the process, they learn about the Sul Ross campus and the Alpine community.
In previous years, Suzanne Harris, director of Student Support Services, headed the program, but this year recruiters Victor Natera, Brittany Rhodes, and Liz Castillo were in charge.
Students participated in activities such as dodge ball, volleyball, the Sully Olympics, a campus wide scavenger hunt, and a trip to Balmorhea State Park. The PASS program also provided educational programs including sex education, drug and alcohol awareness and self-defense. Students attended three classes each morning - mathematics, reading and writing and University 101 - to help prepare them for college courses and life.
The recruiters oversaw the program, but had 12 student mentors assisting. Mentors were: James Aldridge, Enrique Cisneros, Christine Gallardo, and Veronica Ruffier, El Paso; Marlett Garcia and Elvira Hermosillo, Presidio; Amanda Almaraz, San Antonio; Fernanda Busch, Sanderson; Christian Celis, Guanajuato, Mexico; Moises Morales, Fort Hancock; Jamie Rios, Roma; and Yadira Villalobos, Dalhart. Aldridge, Busch, Cisneros, Gallardo, Hermosillo and Rios were also mentors last year. The mentors worked directly with students and enjoyed helping them prepare for college.
"I enjoy helping the students watching them interact with each other," Hermosillo said. "It is a very rewarding feeling to know that they felt comfortable asking me for help both about school and personal situations."
Morales believes PASS shows students what Sul Ross has to offer when they return in the fall."I make them aware of several opportunities that Sul Ross offers," he said. "It's an excellent avenue for all incoming freshmen."
Other mentors feel they have helped students in their transition from high school to college. "I hope I've helped them bridge the gap between high school and college, and also that it's about getting an education and having fun at the same time," Almaraz said.
Rios was chosen to be the head mentor, and given the responsibility of leading both new and experienced mentors throughout the program.
"We collectively chose Jamie for the job," Natera said. "He would delegate for all the mentors and if he had any questions or problems then he would contact us."
Rios, former president of the Sul Ross Student Government Association, put his leadership skills to good use.
"I tried to motivate students to enjoy activities by interacting with others and trying to make activities interesting," Rios said.
He stressed that his favorite part of being a mentor was hearing the students talk about their best experiences.
"I think the students who went through it have a beneficial experience and will help them integrate to college life," he said.
Each mentor hoped to make an impact on the students, and at the end of the program believed they succeeded.
"I feel that my group will enjoy their college experience. They are ready to start at any time," Celis said. "It's a great opportunity for the incoming freshmen to get to know other students and to get the feeling of college before it starts."
During PASS the students were split into groups with a mentor who encouraged participation in activities. At many of the events the groups competed against one another for fun.
"I encouraged them and pushed them to participate," Villalobos said.
"My favorite part of being a mentor was working with students, participating, working as a team, and having fun."
Participants in PASS experienced the full college life by living in the dorms and dining at the University Center food court. In addition, each student received a $200 tuition voucher for successful completion of the program. During the fall semester, they have the opportunity to enroll in courses restricted to PASS participants, allowing them to create study groups with people they met during the summer. Along with events and activities, PASS helps students prepare for the required COMPASS exam.
For recruiters, PASS is a job that extends past office hours. "We are still doing our own jobs, picking up students for other programs and recruiting," Natera said. "We didn't just work eight to five during these two weeks."
He also commended Harris for her excellent work with the program in previous years.
"With just us three it's hectic. I don't know how just one person done it," he said.
The goal of the program is to help students get ready for college and inform them of the opportunities on campus.
Both the mentors and recruiters feel the program met and succeeded its expectations.
"I think it helps students feel like a part of the university, thus increasing their chances of success. I'm happy to be a part of a program is so rewarding for those students," Hermosillo said.
This year's enrollment was the largest group since the program began. Next year there are plans for an even bigger group, and hopes of having the same impact."It's better than just the three-day orientation," Rhodes said.
"When students leave they feel they really belong here." To be eligible for the PASS program, students must be accepted by Sul Ross and be a first-time freshmen. For more information on PASS contact the Office of the Recruiting, (432) 837-8050.
SUL ROSS FACULTY JOIN AREA HISTORY TEACHERS ON HISTORIC SITE TOUR
Valley Forge: Participants in the TAH Grant field trip are shown at Valley Forge. (From left): David Donnell, Fort Davis ISD; Howard Hoover, Fort Davis; Margaret Matthews, Marathon; Sara Pittman, Fort Davis; Barbara Stooksberry, Alpine; Brenda Criddle, Alpine; Caroline Fox, Alpine; Roberto Lujan, Presidio; Donel Lara, Fort Davis; Mikal Crowder, Presidio; Letty Hartnett, Judith Parsons, Sul Ross; Matt Walter, Sul Ross; Lonnie Flippen, Fort Davis; and Betina Kearns, Terlingua. (Photo Courtesy Barbara Stooksberry)Sul Ross State University history faculty members Judith Parsons and Matt Walter joined 12 area high school history teachers touring early American historic sites.
The field trip, taken July 6-17, was funded by the Teaching American History grant via the U.S. Department of Education. This is the second year of the TAH grant, awarded to the Alpine Independent School District and its partners in 2006. The group visited historic sites in Boston, Mass. and the surrounding area, including Lexington, Concord, Old Sturbridge, Salem, New Bedford and Plymouth; Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Pa.; Fort McHenry, Md.; and Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Va.
Joining Parsons, Walter and Barbara Stooksberry, Alpine ISD project director, were: Sara Pittman, Donel Lara, Letty Hartnett, Howard Hoover, Lonnie Flippen and David Donnell, Fort Davis ISD; Roberto Lujan and Mikal Crowder, Presidio ISD; Caroline Fox and Brenda Criddle, Alpine ISD; Betina Kearns, Terlingua ISD; and Margaret Matthews, Marathon ISD.
Prior to the field trip, the teachers attended seven workshops and seminars at Sul Ross throughout the school year. Parsons led the sessions, with a topic revolving around early American history. The teachers are enrolled in the Sul Ross graduate program and are now working on teaching projects dealing with early American history to be used in their classrooms.
"After visiting so many ports, everyone on the trip came away with a better appreciation of the importance of water transportation in Colonial America," Walter said.
Teachers studied Texas history in 2007, the first year of the TAH grant funding. The Civil War will be the 2008-2009 school year topic.
"The TAH grant has provided opportunities for the teachers that would not have been possible otherwise," said Stooksberry. "The funding has allowed teachers to travel to sites that are key components to their curriculum."
Parsons said, "I was really impressed by how determined each participant was to bring as much as possible back to his or her classroom."
"We had fun, but we took the trip very seriously, with an eye to improve our teaching."
For more information, contact Stooksberry, (432) 837-5783; Parsons, 837-8148 or jparsons@sulross.edu; or Walter, (432) 837-8735 or mwalter@sulross.edu.
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