Sul Ross State University students, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered at The Venue for the SRSU annual spring celebration on Saturday, April 15, to recognize student scholars and favorites from the Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde campuses.
SRSU’s Juan Tamez, master of ceremonies, provided opening remarks followed by the Presentation of Colors by the C.C. Winn High School JROTC. Gisella Rodriguez, a Noyce Scholar and C.C. Winn graduate, spoke about her journey as a first-generation college student and how she hopes to inspire others. She plans to graduate with a degree in mathematics with teacher certification so she can share her passion for math.
From left, Dr. Patricia Nicosia, Brenda Lopez, Darissa Cervantes, and Evelyn Perez. Those inducted but not in the photo are Dennise Gonzalez and Fernanda Martinez.
Dr. Patricia Nicosia, Associate Provost and Dean for Academic Affairs, inducted five students into the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Alpha Chi’s purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. Graduating students will wear the Alpha Chi medallion at commencement and those inducted on Saturday include Darissa Cervantes and Fernanda Martinez of Del Rio, Dennise Gonzalez and Evelyn Perez of Eagle Pass, and Brenda Lopez of Uvalde.
Dr. Jeanne Qvarnstrom, Professor of Education, honored Evelyn Perez and Ashley Quinones of Eagle Pass and Liberty Valdez and Darissa Cervantes of Del Rio as members of Zeta Delta, the SRSU chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honor society. KDP fosters excellence in education and promotes fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. Members share the mission to be leaders in improving education to promote global citizenship.
La Frontera Research Initiative is a multidisciplinary effort that seeks to understand how literacy, culturally responsive teaching, and mentoring might improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through targeted programming. Noyce Scholars en la Frontera aims to increase the pipeline of highly qualified STEM teachers by 10 percent to serve in high-need school districts located on the Texas-Mexico border. SRSU Noyce Scholars recognized included Gisella Rodriguez of Eagle Pass, Jose Gloria of Del Rio, and Andrea Rivera of Uvalde. Graduating seniors Evelyn Perez and Ashley Quinones of Eagle Pass were named Gold Noyce Scholars.
Others recognized included fall 2022 and spring 2023 scholarship recipients, those named to the Dean’s list for spring 2022 and fall 2022, and Psychology and Math Club members.
The student body voted for their favorite peers, staff, and faculty. Favorite students include Jose Trevino and Angela Dominguez for the Eagle Pass campus; Rogelio Gallegos and Darissa Cervantes for the Del Rio campus; and Gilbert Betancourt, Amanda Vara, and Marisela Sanchez for the Uvalde campus. Favorite staff include Bianca Vela, Eagle Pass; Yuritssa Trevino, Del Rio, and Jazell Diaz and Sindy Ortiz, Uvalde.
Dr. Bernie Canteñs, Executive Vice President and Provost, announced Dr. Gina Stocks, professor of Education, as the favorite faculty member. He read quotes from students about her unfailing support, kindness, and willingness to help solve academic and personal challenges.
Dr. Carlos Hernandez, President, presented Paulette Harris with an Outstanding Service Award for her 20 years of service at Sul Ross. She serves as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President and Associate Provost and provides exceptional support to students, staff, and administrators.
Dr. Garza, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer said, “I want to congratulate all the students, faculty, and staff who were recognized and received awards. This was a wonderful, well-organized Spring Banquet which indicates that great things are happening and that great things are yet to come. Thank you to all that contributed to the success of our students and all of you who contributed to the preparation of this banquet.”
Dr. Hernandez added, “It’s always a joy to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our students and the dedicated service of our faculty and staff. We look forward to celebrating student’s graduation and academic recognition as part of our Spring 2023 Commencement this coming May 20th.”