Sul Ross-Rio Grande College Scholars Recognized

By: Laura Nelson

Eagle Pass – The La Mansión Reception Room vibrated with enthusiasm on Saturday, April 22, as outstanding Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College students were honored for their academic achievements.

Seventeen scholars were inducted into Alpha Chi, a national collegiate honor society that recognizes students across all disciplines who demonstrate high academic achievement. Dr. Patricia Nicosia, Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Natural and Behavioral Sciences department and Dr. Tim Wilson, Professor of Education, led the ceremony in which the initiates were presented with a medallion and a pin. Those inducted include Edward Beyer, Katrina Flores, Angela Martinez, Emmanuel Odin, Edith Trevino, and Azucena Villanueva, all of Del Rio; Jesus Cuellar, Evelyn Hernandez, Dalia Martinez, Jenniffer Montoya, Adriana Ortiz, Mary Jo Rico, and Mychal Sanchez, of Eagle Pass; Mariah Rivera of Fresno; Esmeralda Ruiz of Utopia; and Pedro Navarro and Araceli Vega of Uvalde.

Also recognized were students who qualified for the Dean’s List, those who have served in the Student Government Association, students who have mentored first year RGC students, and campus clubs. Dr. Sarah Roche, Professor of English and Chair of the Humanities department, recognized the Writing Center tutors. Favorites chosen by RGC students include Dr. Fernando Quiz, Professor of Education, and staff members Bobbi Jo Guerra of Del Rio, Juan Garza of Eagle Pass, and Thania Bernal of Uvalde. Favorite students include Angela R. Martinez and Emmanuel Odin of Del Rio; Jenniffer Montoya and Abraham Carranco of Eagle Pass; and Aryel Ramirez and Alejandro Maldonado of Uvalde.

Dr. Claudia Wright led the program, introducing guests and serving as mistress of ceremonies. Poncho Nevárez, State Representative of District 74, spoke to the gathering about the importance of RGC in the communities it serves as well as the significance of higher education in general. Other public figures from Eagle Pass taking part in the festivities were Ramsey English Cantú, Mayor; Delia Esquivel, Outreach Office Manager, Southwest Texas Junior College; David Saucedo, Maverick County Judge; and Samuel Mijares, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Eagle Pass Independent School District.

Rio Grande College’s spring commencement ceremony is set for Saturday, May 13, at the Del Rio Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.