SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr. presented Lifetime Achievement Award at 19th Annual Eagle Pass Business Journal Awards
By: Jose G. Landa
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013
Southwest Texas Junior College President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr. was presented a much deserved and earned Lifetime Achievement Award by Eagle Pass Business Journal Publisher Ricardo E. Calderon at the 19th Annual Eagle Pass Business Journal Awards on Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Eagle Pass.
Dr. Sosa was recognized for his distinguished 46 years of service and dedication to Southwest Texas Junior College in several positions with the latest as its President from 1999 to 2013. Dr. Sosa has led Southwest Texas Junior College from one campus in Uvalde, Texas to its current five campuses including Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Crystal City, Pearsall, and Uvalde. Southwest Texas Junior College currently has over 6,000 students and was named one of the top 10 Junior Colleges in the United States in 2012.
Dr. Sosa began his illustrious career at Southwest Texas Junior College in 1967 as a Graduate Assistant and became an Instructor in 1968 teaching English and Spanish courses. He then became Director of Community Services and later promoted to Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Dean of Admissions and Student Services, and eventually to President. Dr. Sosa was instrumental in the development and growth of Southwest Texas Junior College during his 46 years of service. Today, Southwest Texas Junior College is preparing students and employees in the Texas Middle Rio Grande region to meet high technology and technical careers in demand by today’s business world.
Dr. Sosa was accompanied by his beautiful wife, Eunice Sosa, in receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and humbly accepted it in honor of the tens of thousands of students he had the pleasure of helping and achieving their career goals while at Southwest Texas Junior College.
The over 400 guest in attendance at the 19th Annual Eagle Pass Business Journal Awards gave Dr. Sosa a standing ovation as he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award from Eagle Pass Business Journal Publisher Ricardo E. Calderon. San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro also congratulated Dr. Sosa on his exemplary 46 year career as an educator and college administrator.
Dr. Sosa has announced his retirement effective July 31, 2013 as President of Southwest Texas Junior College after a successful and rewarding 46 year career.
