2019 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS
Liliana Esparza '94
Liliana Esparza earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Sul Ross and a master’s degree in secondary education from Stephen F. Austin State University. As principal of St. Patrick Cathedral School, she is currently the longest tenured of 12 principals working for El Paso Catholic Schools. Esparza is the school district’s lead principal, guiding diocesan-wide projects while ensuring a level of academic excellence which constantly [Read More]
Edward Sandoval III '66 & '73
Eddie Sandoval is a three-time Sul Ross graduate who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in industrial technology as well as a master’s degree in educational counseling. After teaching and coaching for five years in San Antonio, Sandoval spent nearly 40 years at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, retiring in 2011 as head of counseling. Alongside his education and counseling careers, Sandoval, who has ancestors in the Mescalero and Chiricahua Apache tribes of Geronimo, has become [Read More]
John Robert '48 & '50 and Betty '55 Prude
John Robert and Betty Hicks Prude have become legendary figures in the field of Far West Texas hospitality. Representing the third generation of Prude ranchers, John Robert (BS, MS, and MA Sul Ross degrees) and Betty (BA Sul Ross degree) helped introduce the concept of ranch tourism to Jeff Davis County nearly seventy years ago. Holding their first “camp” for a group of 18 boys in 1951, the couple worked as head counselor, camp administrator, and chief cook. When summer ended, they returned to their full-time jobs as teachers, but found themselves back at camp the following summer with a growing enrollment. In 1955, the pair [Read More]
2019 YOUNG ALUMNUS
Dr. Elizabeth Will-Bates '01
A native of Alpine and daughter of two Sul Ross faculty members, Elizabeth Will-Bates was perhaps destined to become a Lobo, an educator, and a Distinguished Young Alumnus. She demonstrated her passion for education early by following up her Sul Ross bachelor’s degree in communication with two Texas teacher certifications and a teaching post at Pecos High School. She went on to work as a research assistant and graduate instructor at Texas Tech while earning her master’s degree and PhD in mass communications. Will-Bates is currently [Read More]
SLINGIN' SAMMY BAUGH AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Rick Kelly '65
Another Alpine resident known for his generosity to Lobo Land is Rick Kelly, owner of Alpine Auto Rental. For years, Kelly has given the Athletics Department discounted van rates for team travel—discounted to the extent that driving his vans cost Sul Ross less than driving [Read More]
Bake Turner
Another Alpine native (and, coincidentally, a Texas Tech alumnus), Bake Turner is being honored with the Slingin’ Sammy Baugh Award for Outstanding Service to Sul Ross. Known nationally for playing wide receiver on the victorious New York Jets Super Bowl III team, locally Turner is [Read More]
2019 ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
(Click Images for Bios)
1986-87 Champion Women's Basketball Team
Gregg Slape '68
Sydney Hooper '06
Randy and Sherry Jackson
SAT
March 30th
6PM - 9PM
PETE P. GALLEGO CENTER
ALPINE, TX.