2020 Scholarship and Distinguished Alumni Celebration

Honoring the donors and recipients of South Plains College Endowed Scholarships and our Distinguished Alumni honorees

November 5, 2020 https://portal.stretchinternet.com/spcadmin/ Scholarship Banquet November 5, 2020 6:00 p.m. PROGRAM

Event Welcome...... Julie Gerstenberger Director of Development and Alumni Relations South Plains College

College Welcome...... Dr. Robin Satterwhite President, South Plains College SPC Distinguished Alumnus 2013 SPC Class of 1990

Donor Appreciation...... Juan Ortiz Wheeler First to College Impact Scholarship Petersburg, TX

Introduction of 2020 Distinguished Alumni honoree, Mr. Terry Hill...... Stephanie Smith Alumni Coordinator South Plains College SPC Class of 2011

Acceptance by Mr. Hill...... Terry Hill SPC Class of 1980

Introduction of 2020 Distinguished Alumni honoree, Mrs. Dereesa Reid...... Stephanie Smith

Acceptance and Keynote Address by Mrs. Reid...... Dereesa Reid SPC Class of 1981

Student Success Story...... Willard Norman SPC Culinary Lubbock, TX

Closing...... Julie Gerstenberger

2 2020 Scholarship Recipients Academic Promise Scholarship Daryl and Sammie Anderson until his retirement in 1997. The The Academic Promise Scholarship Scholarship scholarship was established by his wife recognizes an outstanding student Mr. and Mrs. Anderson owned and Nancy Bryant Barry and son Donny majoring in sociology or psychology at operated Anderson Grain Company in Barry following his death in 2001. South Plains College. The scholarship Levelland prior to his retirement. Mr. Recipients...... Taylor Chavez was established in 2019 by Jana and Anderson passed away in 2017. Mrs. Loy Daniel of Brownfield, Texas, and Anderson now resides in Lakeway, Texas Jerry and Mary Beth Barton Brant Farrar of Lubbock, Texas. Both Recipient...... Alexander Wells Scholarship Loy and Jana are SPC alumni as is This scholarship honors Jerry Brant, Jana’s son. In addition, Jana Marvin and Mildred Baker Barton who graduated from SPC in Daniel and Brant Farrar are professors Scholarship 1961 and returned in 1969 to teach at SPC teaching Sociology in the This scholarship program honors mid-management. He later served Behavioral Science Department. The the second president and first lady of as registrar and dean of students, scholarship was named because of the South Plains College, who served the retiring in 1999 with 30 years of promise that SPC makes to support college from 1961 to his retirement service. He died a short time later. the success of students, the promise in 1994. Much of the college’s early Barton is credited with providing of Loy, Jana and Brant to support growth and expansion into a multi- exemplary service to thousands of the success of students through the location community college was the SPC students through the student proceeds of the scholarship and the result of Dr. Baker’s leadership. Mrs. services program. Mrs. Barton, his promise of the students who receive Baker died in 1995, and Dr. Baker widow, resides in San Antonio. His the scholarship funds to work to be died in 2018. son Dr. Scott Barton is an alumnus successful in their course of study. Recipients...... Micah Burns of SPC who practices dentistry. Recipient...... Barbara Swopes Nathan Fletcher Recipient...... Caden Arnold Gabriella Ghandour Weldon Adams Scholarship Scarlett Gonzalez Jerry and Vanneta Beach Family This scholarship was established in John Hibbard Scholarship honor of Weldon Adams by members John Hollis The Beach Family Scholarship of the Independent Insurance Agents Dayton Pedigo honors the memory of Vanneta of Lubbock. Mr. Adams was a long- Beach and celebrates the other family time member of the association and a J.B. Balch Memorial Science members. Mr. Jerry Beach and family leader in the insurance industry in the Scholarship established this endowment for the South Plains region. The scholarship This scholarship program was benefit of students in the associate assists a student majoring in business. established by the widow, children degree nursing and licensed vocational Recipient...... Hannah Parker and family of J.B. Balch who taught nursing programs to encourage in geology in the Science Department future nurses the level of excellent Altrusa Club of Lubbock Jewell at SPC from 1966-1982, capping a care Mrs. Beach received during her Foster Memorial Scholarship 35-year teaching career. While at fight with ALS, often referred to as The Altrusa Club of Lubbock has SPC, he was selected by his peers to Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mrs. Vanneta established the Jewell Foster Memorial receive the Excellence in Teaching Beach passed away on September Scholarship in memory of a beloved Award. Professor Balch died in 2003. 27, 2011. long-time member. Ms. Foster was a Recipient...... Breklin Davis Recipient...... Kalei Ellis public school teacher, guidance counselor and vocational education coordinator E.M. Barnes Family Scholarship Bob Beck Chemistry Scholarship in the Lubbock Independent School The E.M. Barnes Memorial Scholarship This scholarship honors Bob Beck, District. She served as a vocational honors a Levelland community leader professor of chemistry. Professor Beck counselor for South Plains College’s and one of the original members of joined the SPC faculty in the fall of Lubbock Main Street Campus for eight the South Plains College Board of 1959. He taught 37 years in the Science years after retiring from LISD. Altrusa Regents, who served from 1957-63. Department, which included 15 years is an international organization that The scholarship was established by as department chairperson. He retired provides opportunities for its members the Barnes Family children. in 1996. Professor Beck was named to to make the local community better Recipient...... Ben Bowman receive the Faculty Excellence Award through leadership, partnership and in 1969. Through the generosity of service. The scholarship recognizes Delbert Barry K-Bar Texas Electric Science Department faculty, former an outstanding student in an SPC Scholarship students and friends, the scholarship technical education program. This scholarship honors Delbert program was endowed in 2008. Recipient...... Kendra Marroquin Barry who owned and operated K-Bar Recipient...... Breklin Davis Texas Electric Company in Levelland

3 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Bell Family Scholarship Bliss Family Scholarship Helen and Karl Brandt Memorial Paula Bell was a founding faculty Tony and Tess Bliss established this Scholarship member of the computer information scholarship for the benefit of students Ms. Liz Brandt established the Helen systems program. She taught 34 years planning to enter the field of medicine and Karl Brandt Memorial Scholarship at SPC before retiring in 1994. She has with special attention to those who in memory of her parents. The Brandts served as a member of the Board of are the first in their families to attend believed in a strong work ethic, in Directors of the South Plains College college. The Bliss family also appreciates reading and in learning. This program Foundation and resides in Littlefield. the high quality of SPC’s technical assists non-traditional age students Recipient...... Jonah Trevino and vocational programs, so a second entering college for the first time. preference for their scholarship is for Recipients...... Casey Glass Jill Berset Tech Prep Scholarship a student in one of these programs. Kendra Marroquin This scholarship was established by Recipient...... Elena Castaneda Dr. Alice White in honor of Jill Berset J. Murrell Brown Memorial who served as director of the South Etta Charlene Blume Memorial Scholarship Plains Tech Prep Partnership for more Scholarship This scholarship fund was established than 20 years. Mrs. Berset now serves The Etta Charlene Blume Scholarship by Mike Worley in memory of J. as Director of Career and Technical was established by Phelps and Dianne Murrell Brown, who operated one of Education for the Lubbock Independent Blume of Levelland in memory of Mr. the first welding shops in Levelland, School District. Dr. White is a former Blume’s mother who taught for 25 Murrell’s Welding Works. Mr. Worley member of the South Plains College years in public schools in Amherst and got his start in the welding industry Foundation Board of Directors. Sudan. She taught first through sixth working for Brown and his associate Recipient...... Shelby Scifres grades and also served as an assistant O.M. “Rube” Morris. Brown, who also to the Amherst High girls basketball operated several other businesses in Wayne Black Memorial Scholarship coach before leaving teaching to Levelland, died in 1987. Mr. Worley The Wayne Black Memorial Scholarship raise her family. Mrs. Blume placed owns and operates Worley Welding has been established by his parents, a great emphasis on education and Works in Levelland. Rex and Carita Black of Levelland, was the first in her family to graduate Recipient...... Julio Gomez with support from family members and college. Phelps Blume has worked many friends. Wayne was a student at as a certified public accountant in Judy Bryant Honorary Scholarship SPC at the time of his death. Levelland for the past 30 years and in Physical Education Recipient...... Jacob Dawson is a partner in the firm of Myatt and This scholarship fund honors Judy Blume. Mrs. Blume is a homemaker Bryant who taught physical education Cindy Caswell Blessen Memorial who is also a seamstress and quilt- at SPC for 42 years. Mrs. Bryant retired Scholarship Programs maker. The scholarship is awarded from SPC in 2011 as professor and These two scholarship programs were to an outstanding student who is chairperson of the Physical Education established by the Blessen and Caswell majoring in accounting or finance. Department. The scholarship program families of Levelland in memory of Recipient...... Marissa Longoria was established by the Bryants, their their wife, mother and daughter. Cindy son Scott, and numerous family Blessen who was a 1976 graduate of Carroll and Marcie Bowen members and friends. Mrs. Bryant SPC. While a student, she performed Scholarship serves on the SPC Foundation Board with the traveling musical group “The The Montgomery Foundation helped of Directors. Baker’s Dozen.” She devoted her career establish the Carroll and Marcie Bowen Recipients...... Kaleb Flick to teaching music to others. She died Scholarship program. Mr. Bowen Nathaniel Montes in 2008. served as manager of the Double U Ranch in Hockley County and served Harley and Anne Bulls Fine Arts Cindy Caswell Blessen Memorial many years on the SPC Foundation Scholarship Scholarship in Education Board of Directors. Mrs. Bowen has Harley and Anne Bulls are the Recipients...... Tyler Cortez been a generous contributor to the founding faculty for the music program Samantha Hardin scholarship fund and continued her at SPC. Mrs. Bulls retired in 1984 as husband’s service to the Foundation one of the college’s original faculty Cindy Caswell Blessen Memorial as a member of the Foundation Board members with 26 years of service. Mr. Scholarship in Music of Directors and past secretary to Bulls taught 21 years in the Fine Arts Recipients...... Jimmie Cook the board. Department and served as department Katie Williams Recipients...... Benjamin Broussard chairperson 11 of those years. He Jason Burreson retired in 1980. The creation of this Holly Deavours scholarship is a great testament to the Hailey Garcia influence of these two fine educators. Tiffany Medina Abby Rodriguez 4 2020 Scholarship Recipients

As a student at South Plains College, James and Mary Carroll Family Rodney Collins Memorial Vickie Wilks Wisian studied music with Scholarship Scholarship the Bulls and they were a valuable The Carroll Family Scholarship was This scholarship program was part of her life. Vickie and her late established by the Carrolls to benefit the established by the friends, co-workers husband, Elroy Wisian established agriculture program. Mr. Carroll taught and family of Rodney Collins who the scholarship fund in recognition of many years for SPC in the agriculture worked at the Lubbock County Court the Bulls’ lifelong career of inspiring program and Mrs. Carroll worked in Residential Treatment Center at the students in the fine arts. the SPC Library. The scholarship was time of his death in 2006. SPC provides Recipient...... Carlos Olvera originally established to honor their the educational program at the center son Jimmy Ray Carroll, who was an and faculty members there organized a Donald Caddell Memorial SPC graduate and worked for the number of fundraising events to endow Scholarship in Law Enforcement Radian Corporation at the time of the program. Mr. Collins worked with The family of the late Donald Caddell his death. James Carroll died in 2013. residents in recovery and was known established this endowment to assist Recipient...... Hadley Albracht for his compassion and commitment. an SPC student majoring in law Recipient...... Jeffrey Peoples enforcement. Mr. Caddell was a life- J.O. “Sonny” Chapman Scholarship long resident of Hockley County and This scholarship has been established M.B. and Glea Conatser Memorial served for 28 years with the Hockley by Robbie and James Walker of Scholarship County Sheriff’s Department, rising Lubbock in honor of Mrs. Walker’s The M.B. and Glea Conatser Memorial through the ranks as a deputy for five father Sonny Chapman. Mrs. Walker Scholarship program was established years, chief deputy for 15 years and served as a public school teacher and by Mrs. Glea Conatser in memory of then as sheriff from 1996 until his librarian in Lubbock and Levelland. her husband who served the Levelland retirement in 2004. The scholarship The scholarship is awarded to an community in the insurance industry. is open to any student in Hockley outstanding student enrolled in the Even though Mr. Conatser only County and the surrounding counties college’s culinary arts program. J.O. completed the 9th grade, he was an who is interested in a career in law “Sonny” Chapman was an agricultural avid supporter of public education and enforcement. student at Texas Tech in 1946 and 47. encouraged many young students to Recipient...... Yzena Castaneda He was always a farmer at heart and complete high school and helped others Hinojosa loved the land. Along with cotton, he attend college. Mr. Conatser died in planted his fields in peas, pumpkins, 1976 and Mrs. Conatser died in 2008 Capital Farm Credit Scholarship tomatoes and watermelons. His family Recipient...... Reanne De Souza The Capital Farm Credit Scholarship spent many summer afternoons was chartered in 2006 by Chris shelling peas and arguing over who Donna Cook Paxton Memorial and Roberts, then president of First Ag would get the prize heart out of the Larry Cook Honorary Scholarship Credit Levelland to benefit a student next watermelon. He started his own The children of Eddie Paxton majoring in agriculture. The company‘s business, Chapman’s Meat Market, in established this scholarship after Mrs. name changed in 2008 and the fund Big Spring, Texas, from 1958 through Donna Paxton’s passing in 2017 in order reached endowment status in 2010 via 1983. He was a very astute and to pay tribute to her brother’s career a generous donation from then Capital successful businessman. He enjoyed in higher education. Mr. Larry Cook Farm Credit president Jason Swann. his own farm, never giving that part was a professor of English at West Recipient...... Caleb Behrends of his life up until the day he died. Texas A&M University in Canyon for Recipient...... Makayla Cavazos approximately thirty years, after which Joe Carr and Alan Munde Bluegrass he retired and moved to Kerrville, TX. Scholarship Cole Family Scholarship The award benefits a student majoring Former faculty members Joe Carr This scholarship program honors a in Education and has a preference and Alan Munde have established long-time Hockley County family that for those planning to teach English. a scholarship that recognizes an has supported education and young Recipient...... Chloe Dorsett outstanding student who is studying people in many ways. The Cole Family bluegrass music in the commercial Scholarship was established by brother Kelsi Cook Memorial Scholarship music program. Carr and Munde were and sister Jim Cole and Sue Jo Cole This scholarship was established by the founding members of the noted of Levelland. The scholarship fund Danny and Marla Cook in memory of bluegrass band “Country Gazette” prior honors their father and mother, the their daughter Kelsi who was a junior to joining SPC. Since his retirement, late Percy and Maude Cole, and their at Cooper High School at the time of Mr. Munde has re-established the band sister, the late Jane Cole and brother, her death in 2001. The scholarship which is now performing throughout the late John Cole. Mr. Cole serves on benefits a student who is majoring the southwest. Mr. Carr, who taught 30 the Board of Directors of the South in agriculture at SPC. years at SPC, died in December 2014. Plains College Foundation. Recipient...... Edwin York Recipient...... Jade Throneberry Recipient...... Miranda Montoya 5 2020 Scholarship Recipients Joe Ed and Juanita Crawford Delta Kappa Gamma Education John P. Dickson Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship in Agriculture The Joe Ed and Juanita Crawford This scholarship program was John P. Dickson served South Plains Scholarship has been established by Mrs. established by the Theta Epsilon College as tax assessor-collector Crawford in memory of her husband Joe Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society and later as the college’s business Ed. The Crawfords owned and operated International to support students manager. Mr. Dickson retired from Crawford Equipment/GMC Truck/Allis pursuing a career as teachers. The SPC in 1993 with 31 years of service. Chalmers dealership for many years. society promotes excellence among He died in 2008. The scholarship Mrs. Crawford’s association with South women professionals in the field of program was established by his widow Plains College goes back to the early education. Lunette Dickson who taught business 1960s when she had a sewing shop in Recipient...... Dayley Mosley at SPC for 24 years and retired in Levelland and hand-sewed uniforms 1993 as chairperson of the Business for the Texan Cheerleaders and the Derl DeArmond Memorial Administration Department. TexAnn Drill Team. Scholarship Recipient...... Sarah Valdez Recipient...... Kaitlyn Neal The Derl A. DeArmond Memorial Scholarship was established by the Dorothy Lunette Dickson Memorial Maggie Davidson Memorial DeArmond Family in memory of their Scholarship Scholarship in Graphic Design son. Derl studied Computer Science in This scholarship was established by This endowment was established the early 1980s when the floppy disk Mary Lu (Dickson) Grappe of Levelland to honor the memory of Maggie was in the design stage. Because he and Linda Dickson of Carrollton in Davidson whose life was tragically died at age 19 and did not realize his honor of their mother’s 24 years of ended at the age of 30 as a result of college dream, the family has chosen service as a faculty member at South an automobile accident with a drunk to give young people an opportunity Plains College. Lunette Dickson retired driver. The youngest child of SPC to realize their dream in this field. from SPC in 1993 as professor of faculty member Paul Davidson and Recipient...... Kristi Carlson business administration. During her his wife Becky, Maggie grew up in 16-year tenure as chairperson of the Levelland and graduated from South Marty Demel Memorial Scholarship Business Administration Department, Plains College with an associate of Established to support students in the department experienced its greatest applied science degree in graphic arts, the electronics technology specialty growth and expansion in programs, formerly graphic design. She worked track of the industrial manufacturing students and technology. Mrs. Dickson for Elite Sign and Design in Lubbock emerging technologies program, died in 2019. The scholarship program prior to her death. Maggie had friends this scholarship endowment honors recognizes an outstanding student in all around the world in part because the memory of SPC alumnus Marty the business administration program. of her activity in the online creative Demel and was created by his wife, Recipient...... Brittanni Ford community of web comic artists and Mrs. Dana Demel. After graduating gamers. This scholarship benefits a from South Plains College, Mr. Demel Diesel Service Technology Program student majoring in graphic arts. spent his entire professional career Scholarship Recipient...... Jennikah Jackson working in the field of electronics, Spearheaded by the leadership of including starting his own business retired SPC Diesel Service Technology Jim and Ramona Davis Honorary A-Kilowatt Electric. program coordinator Whitney Owens, Ag Products Scholarship Recipient...... Lance Willard the funds for this scholarship were raised This scholarship fund benefiting by Diesel Service Technology program students in the agriculture program Nolan Demel Memorial Scholarship students. Since 2006, Mr. Owens honors Jim and Ramona Davis who The family and friends of Nolan facilitated the students’ participation operated Ag Products for 40 years in Demel have established a scholarship in fundraisers like a paintball activity Levelland. The scholarship endowment program to honor this young man’s at SPC’s annual community Halloween was established by Ronny and Suanne life. This scholarship program Carnival and the collection and sale Alexander in honor of Mrs. Alexander’s has a special story in that Nolan’s of scrap metal. With countless coffee parents. Mr. Alexander serves as a classmates in the National Honor cans of coins and cash over the years, member of the South Plains College Society at Whiteface High School the dedication to the project paid off in Board of Regents. and the Whiteface community raised 2018 when their savings finally totaled Recipient...... Caden Arnold more than $12,000 to help endow the $10,000. This scholarship benefits scholarship. The Lafayette and Nancy a sophomore in the Diesel Service Demel family has a long association Technology program who is pursuing with the college as former students. an Associate of Applied Science degree Recipient...... Esmeralda Espinoza or certificate of proficiency. Recipient...... Cody Powe

6 2020 Scholarship Recipients P.O. and Rafaela Dominguez by his wife Carolyn Ellis and children Dr. Felker is former chairperson of Memorial Scholarship and benefits students majoring in the English Department at SPC and P.O. Dominguez served South Plains pre-pharmacy at SPC. retired in 2010. College many years in the college’s Recipients...... Betzabe Lopez Recipients...... Susan Fleming Grounds Department. The scholarship Abigail Sexton D.F. Roberts program was established by his children, Henry Dominguez, Cathy Spencer and Irene Ellis Memorial Free the Music Foundation Rios, Juanita Cruz, Geneva Gomez, Scholarship Scholarship John Dominguez and friends of the This scholarship honors the The Free the Music Scholarship family. Henry Dominguez serves on memory of Spencer and Irene Ellis, program was established by SPC the SPC Foundation Board of Directors. early Levelland settlers who owned alumnus Jerrod Niemann, who has Recipient...... Breklin Davis and operated Ellis Pharmacy from made a name for himself as a country 1926 until their retirement in the music songwriter and recording artist. Amy Lynn Drennan Memorial 1970s. Mrs. Ellis’ career began as a The scholarship is named for Niemann’s Scholarship loan officer with First National Bank nonprofit foundation Free The Music This scholarship endowment was in Levelland and later she helped USA. Born out of his deeply rooted established by Chad and Jody Drennan manage the pharmacy. Mr. Ellis served belief that every child deserves the of Levelland, Texas in memory of Mr. as Mayor of Levelland when South opportunity to explore music within Drennan’s sister who died in March Plains College was founded in 1957. themselves, Mr. Niemann helps place 2010. Prior to a life-changing accident The scholarship was established by instruments in the hands of children at age 14 that left her disabled for 20 Ellis’ grandson Richard and his wife who could not otherwise afford them years, Amy had planned to attend South Carrie. Richard is a member of the and also makes spontaneous and Plains College to study to become a SPC Board of Regents. varied donations to charities. Mr. public school teacher, specializing Recipient...... Jose Ibarra Niemann donated his time and talent in deaf education. Because of Mr. William Sollis to serve as the featured entertainer Drennan’s 20 years of service in the Jaiven Thompson at the 2016 SPC Scholarship Gala. U.S. Air Force, the scholarship also The scholarship is awarded to an recognizes a student who is a military Max Evans Western Swing outstanding commercial music, sound veteran. Scholarship technology or video production major Recipient...... Julie Chavez This scholarship was established by in the Creative Arts Department. the friends of Max Evans, a native of Recipient...... Vincent Deleon Royce Elam Memorial Scholarship Ropesville, Texas, who is best known as The Royce Elam Memorial Scholarship an author, screen writer and working Mary Jane Frescaz program has been made possible by cowboy. Mr. Evans is best known for Memorial Scholarship family and friends. Mr. Elam served his screenplay for the 1956 movie The Mary Jane Frescaz Memorial more than 30 years with the Whiteface “The Rounders,” starring Glenn Ford Scholarship was established by the School District, retiring as business and Henry Fonda, and 1998 film family and friends of Mrs. Frescaz manager. This industrious family “The Hi-Lo Country,” starring Woody who died December 2013. Mrs. Frescaz hosted a golf tournament for many Harrelson and Patricia Arquette. Mr. grew up in Levelland and worked as years to raise funds for the scholarship Evans has written numerous novels an office manager for Allied Oilfield program. and short stories about the American Services. Her husband Manuel Frescaz Recipient...... Karigen Garza Southwest. His widow Pat resides in initiated the scholarship program Albuquerque, N.M. in 2014. Mrs. Frescaz had a love for Neal and Carolyn Ellis Scholarship Recipient...... Bobby Gibson literature and reading. This scholarship fund honors the Recipient...... Randy Garcia memory of Neal Ellis who owned W. V. and Mattie Muriel Felker and operated Neal Ellis Pharmacy Memorial Scholarship Michael Frescaz in Levelland, continuing his father’s This scholarship honors Dr. Mike Memorial Scholarship legacy of what was originally Ellis Felker’s parents who were highly The family and friends of Michael Pharmacy. The business operated for successful business leaders in Haskell, Frescaz have established a scholarship more than 50 years in Levelland. Mr. Texas. Mr. Felker owned and operated fund in memory of Michael who was Ellis supported SPC and education a men’s clothing store until his death a student at SPC at the time of his through his advocacy of learning, in 1986, and Mrs. Felker owned and death. His parents, Manuel and the passion for helping others and his belief operated a high-fashion women’s clothing late Mary Jane Frescaz and other that all persons have the freedom to store with her sister for 55 years. This family members generously supported think, speak and pursue their dreams. scholarship program benefits working the scholarship and have permanently The scholarship fund was established adults who are returning to college. endowed the fund. Recipient...... Isaias Lopez 7 2020 Scholarship Recipients Gage Thompson Memorial generously to this scholarship fund Tom T. and Dixie Hall Commercial Scholarship which is now endowed. Music Scholarship Established by Connie and Jim Recipient...... Ryder Ross Country music legend and storyteller Belcher, this scholarship honors the Tom T. Hall has been associated with memory of Connie’s parents. Her Helen Grappe Graf Memorial the SPC commercial music program father, Elmer Lee Roy Thompson Scholarship in Design since 1979 when he brought a Nashville married the love of his life, Gloria Communications film crew to Levelland to produce a Jeanne Gage, on Aug. 16, 1945. They The Pat Grappe and Dave Graf mini-documentary on the country and were married for almost 64 years families of Levelland have established bluegrass music program. Eight years before her death in 2009. To honor this scholarship in memory of Helen later SPC celebrated Tom T. Hall Day her father’s unique abilities and work Grappe Graf who was a graduate of and the opening of the Tom T. Hall ethic, the focus of the scholarship is SPC’s Design Communications program. Production Center. Proceeds from a on those SPC programs which require Mrs. Graf was a lifelong resident of benefit concert featuring Hall and “hands-on” work. The first preference Levelland and an accomplished quilter. SPC faculty resulted in the Tom T. for the scholarship recipient is for a She died in 2010. and Dixie Hall Scholarship. student who has earned a General Recipient...... Whitney Busby Recipient...... Landon Watkins Education Diploma (GED) and the Brandi Day second preference is for a student who Brandon Depper Larry Harder Memorial Scholarship has earned an Honorable Discharge Esaiah Rodriguez This scholarship endowment recognizes from any branch of the United States Larry Harder, a Levelland community military. William Thomas Green Memorial leader and insurance business owner Recipient...... Cassandra Garza Scholarship who died in July 2005. Mr. Harder was Established to support students very active in the Texan Booster Club Cindy Garcia Memorial Scholarship majoring in Physical Education, this at SPC and served on a number of in Respiratory Care scholarship honors the life of Will community boards. The scholarship This scholarship program remembers Green. A graduate of Levelland High was established by Mr. and Mrs. Dee Cindy Garcia, a graduate of SPC who School and Texas Tech University, Will Macha and other colleagues who served 17 years as a lead respiratory was an accomplished coach and judge worked with Mr. Harder. therapist with University Medical of USA Gymnastics. Will was named Recipient...... Michael Pompa Center in Lubbock. The scholarship a Master of Sport by the organization, program was initiated by Dr. Cynthia which is their highest honor. He was Fred and Bettye Harris Memorial Jumper, professor and chairperson of owner of Sports Academy and one of Scholarship Internal Medicine and Associate Dean the head coaches of the Acrospirits The Fred and Bettye Harris Scholarship of Human Services Management at Trampoline Team in Levelland where, program benefits a student majoring Texas Tech University Health Sciences along with his mother Sherry Mulkey, in music or the fine arts. Fred Harris Center, and was also funded by the he successfully coached a team member served many years as director of UMC Foundation. as an alternate to the 2012 Olympics. development at SPC and secretary- Recipient...... Jessica Archer Recipient...... Andres Valdez Alanis treasurer of the SPC Foundation. Recipient...... Samuel Orta Earl and June Gerstenberger H. D. Gregory Memorial Scholarship Scholarship in Welding Winnie Harrison Memorial Nursing The Gerstenbergers helped start South Family and friends of H.D. Gregory Scholarship Plains College. Earl was a member helped establish an endowed scholarship This scholarship fund benefiting of the college’s original faculty hired in memory of Mr. Gregory who students in the vocational nursing in 1958. In his 35 years with the operated South Plains Welding Supply program was established by Mrs. college, he served as an instructor in Levelland for many years. Harrison’s daughter Joy Pearce of and chairperson of the Agriculture Recipient...... Leslie Darlin Levelland. Mrs. Harrison, a graduate Department, dean of men, dean of of SPC’s vocational nursing program, students and vice president for Student Randy and Candy Hall Academic practiced nursing many years at St. Affairs and Administration. June worked Scholarship Mary of the Plains Hospital in Lubbock 28 years with the college, retiring from The Halls, who reside in McKinney and Covenant Hospital in Levelland. the Business Office as administrative and are alumni of South Plains She died in 2010 at age 95. assistant for Financial Services. The College, have established a general Recipient...... Ashley Peralta college established the Earl and June scholarship program that benefits an Gerstenberger Scholarship upon their incoming freshman student who has retirement and the Gerstenberger graduated from a Christian/private or family and friends have contributed home school. Recipient...... Luke Middleton 8 2020 Scholarship Recipients Barry and René Heard Scholarship Hill Family Scholarship Hockley County School Employees The Heards, who have a long-time Terry Hill and his wife Shari created Credit Union Scholarship association with South Plains College, this scholarship endowment to support The board of directors of the Hockley have established an endowed scholarship students majoring in science. Mr. Hill County School Employees Credit program that assists an incoming graduated from South Plains College in Union have established an endowed student. Mr. Heard, who grew up in 1980 and went on to achieve significant scholarship that benefits the children the Whitharral community, has farmed success as a chemical distribution of credit union shareholders. in Hockley County for many years. consultant and executive advisor. Prior Recipients...... Kylie Corbin The Heard’s two children attended to forming Apex Distribution Consulting Neely Cross SPC, and Mrs. Heard retired from in 2015, he guided the development South Plains College with 22 years and execution of commercialization Dan and Carolyn Hook Honorary of service. She passed away in 2014. strategy at Univar, where he held Scholarship Recipient...... Adamari Calderon leadership roles as president of U.S. This scholarship program was field operations, chief commercial established by Dan and Carolyn Hook R. L. and Louise Heard Memorial officer, and executive vice president of Levelland to provide tuition and fee Scholarship of industry relations. Mr. Hill credits assistance for a student who is enrolled The R.L. and Louise Heard Memorial SPC and its faculty and staff for in the vocational nursing program. Scholarship was established by Mrs. encouraging him to excel in science Recipient...... Scarlett Davis Heard just prior to her death. The and challenging him to become a Andrea Legaria Heards were strong supporters of better student and develop a passion South Plains College from its early for learning. Frank Hunt Technical Scholarship years. Mr. Heard, who farmed in the Recipient...... Hannah Beadles This scholarship honors Frank Hunt, Whitharral area, was an election judge Elena Castaneda who served 28 years as dean of the for the college for many years and also Technical Education Division at SPC. served on the Whitharral School Board. Linda Kay Hines Memorial Under his leadership, the division Mrs. Heard was a teacher for many Scholarship grew from 12 technical programs years with Whitharral schools. She To honor their daughter’s association and faculty in 1967 to more than 40 was among the first evening college with the Theatre program at SPC, programs with 70 faculty members students to enroll at SPC when it the Glen and Sue Hines family has when he retired in 1995. He is credited opened in 1958. established a memorial scholarship with developing the SPC technical Recipient...... Erin Tienda fund in her memory. As a student education program into the excellent here, Linda was involved in several program it is today. Jeanie L. Henager Memorial theatre productions and studied under Recipient...... Sarah Jones Scholarship in Associate Degree former theatre professor Helen Roberts. Nursing The family hopes to engender Linda’s Lynn C. and Sarah A. Ivy This scholarship honors the love of the theatre in the lives of the Scholarship memory of Jeanie Henager who was a scholarship recipients while paying This scholarship was established by registered nurse and taught 15 years tribute to a very special faculty member. the family of Lynn C. Ivy who worked in SPC’s associate degree nursing Recipient...... Paisley Thomas in many phases of the oil industry. program before her death in 2003. The Mr. Ivy died in 2003 and his widow scholarship program was established Hockley County 4-H Club Adult Sarah (Toni) Ivy created the scholarship by her sister Mrs. Virginia Doster of Leaders Scholarship fund that benefits students who major Amarillo and her brother Al Henager The Hockley County 4-H Adult in the associate of arts in teaching of Little Rock, Ark. Leaders Association has established program at SPC. Recipient...... Leigh Galvan a scholarship that assists a former Recipient...... Helen Rios 4-H club member who attends SPC. Stephen and Pat Henry Scholarship Recipient...... Emily Robinson Richard James Scholarship This scholarship fund provides a Richard James taught mathematics at general college scholarship and was Hockley County Junior Livestock South Plains College for 43 years before established by Stephen and Pat Henry Show Scholarship retiring as a professor of mathematics of Levelland. The Henrys are publishers The Hockley County Junior Livestock in 2010. Colleagues and former students of the Levelland & Hockley County Show Executive Board has established established the scholarship fund to News-Press and are noted leaders in a scholarship program to support recognize his service and impact as the business community. Mr. Henry incoming freshman students who have a master teacher. is a former member of the Board of participated in the livestock show as Recipient...... Laura Ortega Directors of the South Plains College an exhibitor at least during the senior Foundation. year of high school. Recipient...... Luke Martin Recipient...... Emily Robinson 9 2020 Scholarship Recipients Jim R. and J.L. Jenkins Memorial active in the community until his Levelland Noon Lions Club Scholarship in Agriculture death in 2000. The scholarship was With a long history of serving The Jim R. & J.L. Jenkins Agriculture established through the donations of the community in various ways, the Scholarship program was established many family members and friends. members of the Levelland Noon Lions by the late Jim and Mrs. Jenkins and Recipient...... Bryce Gersbach Club began donating to scholarships family in honor of his father. Before at South Plains College in 2011 his death in 2013, Jim Jenkins served Las Fidelis Study Club Scholarship and were able to establish a full as an agriculture professor at SPC The Las Fidelis Study Club has endowment in 2014. This scholarship for 45 years. been providing scholarships for young benefits a graduate of Levelland High Recipient...... Stock Martin women to attend South Plains College School and considers both academic for more than 60 years. The club achievement and financial need among Homer, Ruth and Justin Johnson officially chartered the scholarship its requirements. Memorial Scholarship endowment in 2011 in recognition Recipient...... Isaias Lopez This scholarship program was of their 65th Anniversary as a service established in 1988 by the Johnson organization chartered with the United Little Dribblers Basketball children, in memory of their father States Federation of Women’s Clubs. Scholarship and in honor of their mother. Homer Recipient...... Jennifer Prado Levelland is the national head-quarters Johnson owned and operated Homer for the Little Dribblers Basketball Johnson Oil and Butane, marketing James and Sycily Lattimore Family Association. The association has Phillips Petroleum products for 50 Scholarship established an endowed scholarship years. He and his wife Ruth were The James Lattimore Family has that is awarded to a former Little respected community leaders. Mrs. established an endowed scholarship. Dribblers participant to attend SPC. Johnson died in 2005. The endowed Mr. Lattimore was an educator in the Pat and Cara Phelan of Levelland serve scholarship also honors a grandson, Levelland public schools for many as the association’s directors. Justin Johnson, who died in 2009. years. His wife Sycily Lattimore, who Recipient...... Michelle Cruz Recipient...... Eli Alarid was a member of the SPC Foundation Board of Directors for 30 years, was a Bethany Loper Memorial John Jordan Memorial Scholarship retired professor of business at SPC. Scholarship A beloved son, brother, nephew She passed away in 2015. Bethany Caitlin Loper is described and grandson, John Edward Jordan Recipients...... Javier Rios by her mother, Shanna Snyder, as found his fit in the SPC diesel service Alexia Taylor a beautiful soul who never judged technology program. To honor this anyone but accepted everyone just as excellent program and to pay tribute to George and Carole Lawless they were. Bethany had a very strong the memory of John, his parents Mark Honorary Scholarship faith and love for the Lord and was and Katy Ehlo started supporting diesel This scholarship fund was established a fierce and loyal friend. Her two service technology students almost by the children of George and Carole greatest loves were her family and immediately after John’s passing in Lawless. Mr. Lawless served as music and she nurtured her love for 2013. What began as a donated set of professor and coordinator of the law music by enrolling at SPC in 2012. tools became regular and significant enforcement program at South Plains Tragically, Bethany, along with her Impact Scholarships and, in 2016, Mr. College for 28 years, retiring in 1999. best friend Brittney Woolis, lost their and Mrs. Ehlo created the endowment. Mrs. Lawless served as director of lives in a 2013 automobile accident. John was known as being loyal, friendly, nursing for Cook Memorial Hospital Both were sophomores at South Plains kindhearted, respectful, determined and later managed an assisted living College. This endowment was created and hard working. These are the center. The scholarship program assists to support those students following qualities the successful recipient of students majoring in law enforcement in Bethany’s footsteps and studying this scholarship will demonstrate in and allied health. music at SPC. their studies at SPC. Recipient...... Rebekkah Delgado Recipient...... Jacob Miller Recipient...... Rene Larrea Levelland Marigolds Scholarship Howard Maddera Memorial Johnnie Keen Memorial Scholarship The Levelland Marigolds is a women’s Scholarship The Johnnie Keen Memorial service organization dedicated to the Howard Maddera was a respected Scholarship was chartered in 2000. betterment of the Levelland community. community leader and the founder Mr. Keen served on the SPC Board of The club has established an endowed of South Plains Community Action Regents for 24 years during which he scholarship that is awarded to a female Association, a non-profit organization served as secretary of the board for a graduate of Levelland High School. whose mission is to expand the number of years before being elected Recipient...... Erin Tienda concept of providing opportunities chairperson in 1987. He retired from the Board in May, 1994 but remained 10 2020 Scholarship Recipients and initiatives for individual economic Jim McCutchin owns and operates Charles and Jean Miller Scholarship growth. The endowed scholarship McCutchin Construction and Zach This scholarship program recognizes program was established by the board McCutchin is the owner/operator of an outstanding pre-engineering major. of directors of SPCAA and the former ZM Interiors. Mr. Miller served on South Plains American State Bank with additional Recipient...... Emily Sanchez College Board of Regents from 1988 contributions from family and friends. to 2013. He worked as an engineer for Recipients...... Kylie Corbin Gary D. and Kay McDaniel Amoco for 32 years before retiring and Juan Herrera Presidential Scholarship during that time was instrumental in Marissa Naranjo-Olivares This scholarship program was founding the South Plains Chapter Hallie Satterwhite established by Dr. and Mrs. McDaniel API Scholarship program. Mrs. Miller who served as SPC’s third president worked 22 years with the Levelland Don Marble Memorial and Nancy and first-lady from 1994 until his Independent School District as high Marble Honorary Scholarship retirement in 2005. Dr. McDaniel school registrar. To honor the memory of her father joined SPC in 1992 as vice president Recipient...... Aaron Bien and pay tribute to her mother, Donette for Academic Affairs. Prior to coming Marble chose to create the Don Marble to SPC he served as president of Frank David Millsap Memorial Scholarship Memorial and Nancy Marble Honorary Phillips College in Borger and Panola in Chemistry Scholarship. Mr. Marble was a cotton College in Carthage. The McDaniels Established by faculty of the Science farmer and leader, serving as president reside in Longview, Texas. Department, this scholarship honors of both the Plains Cotton Gowers and Recipient...... Mario Butler a former chemistry professor in the National Cotton Association. In his department. David Millsap taught honor, the scholarship is awarded to a Richie McDonald Scholarship 15 years at SPC before his death in student majoring in agriculture with This scholarship program was 2006. Science Department faculty a preference for those in agribusiness. established by Vickie and the late Elroy began contributing to a scholarship A former SPC student, Donette earned Wisian to honor Lubbock native and fund in his memory in 2012 as way to a spot as a member of the Lady Texan former SPC student Richie McDonald. recognize his exemplary contributions basketball team and went on to play McDonald studied sound technology at to the educational program of the basketball at Texas Tech University. She SPC and later performed and recorded college. The scholarship reached the currently resides in Midland, Texas. as the lead vocalist for the country permanent endowment level in 2020 Recipient...... John Bowen music group “Lonestar.” McDonald and honors an outstanding student launched a solo career as a singer in the Science Department. Roland Martin Memorial and songwriter in 2007. Recipient...... Michael Dennis Scholarship Recipient...... Matthew Green The Roland Martin Memorial Samuel and Juanita Montez Scholarship was established by the Albert and Doris June Melton Memorial Scholarship Martin family to benefit a student from Scholarship This scholarship was established by Sundown. Mr. Martin was the owner This scholarship program was the youth of St. Michael’s Catholic and operator of Sundown Meter Service established by Stevan and Darlene Church and the family and friends for many years and was a respected Melton of Levelland in honor of Mr. of Samuel Montez, Sr. Mr. Montez, businessman in the community. Melton’s parents. Albert and Doris who worked at SPC in the 1970s as a Recipient...... Hope Perez June grew up in farming families in custodian, was an active adult leader the Pettiet area of Hockley County. A of the church’s youth program for McCutchin Family Scholarship veteran of WWII, Albert returned to many years prior to his death in 2001. The Jim and Susan McCutchin Levelland after the war and worked as Five of the Montez’s 14 children have family members have been long-time a heavy equipment operator until his attended SPC. Mrs. Juanita Montez supporters of South Plains College, retirement. Doris June was among the passed away in 2020. our fundraising efforts and our first students to enroll at SPC when it Recipient...... Destiny Perez scholarship programs. In a surprise opened in 1958. As a mother of two gift at the 2017 SPC Scholarship young children, she was part of a group Jim and Mildred Montgomery Gala, the McCutchins fully funded of women who saw an opportunity to Accounting Scholarship an endowment to benefit virtually go to college. Mrs. Melton graduated This scholarship was established any student with a financial need. from SPC in 1960 and went on to by James and the late Mildred Joining Jim and Susan McCutchin in complete a bachelor’s and master’s Montgomery of Levelland to assist a establishing the endowment were son degree at Texas Tech University. She student majoring in accounting. Mr. Zach McCutchin and his wife, Dayna. taught 28 years in Levelland public Montgomery served as a member schools before retiring. of the SPC Board of Regents from Recipient...... Elizabeth Jimenez 1996 to 2010. He owned and operated Hockley County Abstract Company for 40 years and is a past Levelland 11 2020 Scholarship Recipients

City Mayor. Mrs. Montgomery was a Thelma Hudson Murphy Memorial among Lubbock HVAC contractors for former educator who taught home Scholarship more than 35 years and served on economics for 35 years in public A generous bequest through the the college’s advisory committee for schools in Amarillo and Levelland. estate of Thelma Hudson Murphy has Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mrs. Montgomery died in 2011 and established this endowed scholarship Technology. Mr. Montgomery in 2020. program. Thelma Hudson Murphy Recipient...... Isabel Torres Recipient...... Mayra Martinez enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional educator, teaching Neal Family Scholarship in Sound Monta Moore Memorial Scholarship at Whitharral, Ackerly, Brownfield, Technology This scholarship program was Lubbock Monterey, Lubbock Estacado A member of the South Plains established by the principals of the and Jal, N.M. Even after retiring from College faculty since 2004, Chris Post-Montgomery Double U Ranch the classroom, Mrs. Murphy never lost Neal currently serves as Program in honor of Mr. Moore who worked her interest in helping young people Coordinator and Associate Professor 28 years for the Post-Montgomery seeking to advance their education. of Sound Technology. Together ranch and farm operations. Mr. Moore This scholarship benefits students who with his wife LuAnn and his parents died in 2009. are first-generation college students Dewey W. “Bill” and Louise Neal, the Recipient...... Makalyn Connor majoring in English, Spanish or family has established this scholarship enrolled in SPC’s associate of arts in to support students pursuing an Rube Morris Memorial Scholarship teaching program. Associate of Applied Science degree This scholarship, established by Mike Recipients...... Tambria Garcia in Sound Technology and students Worley and Janna Worley, honors the Victoria Herrera enrolled in a certificate program for memory of Otis M. “Rube” Morris, Samantha Leyendecker Fundamentals of Sound Technology, a long-time Hockley County welder Sound Technology Enhanced Skills who worked with J. Murrell Brown Paul and Verna Musslewhite or Sound Reinforcement. The family and Murrell’s Welding Works in Scholarship knows the value of a quality education Levelland. Mr. Morris was a mentor Paul Musslewhite was known as a and through Neal’s work at SPC and to Mr. Worley who owns and operates leader in the community and the oil because several of his children are Worley Welding Works in Levelland. industry in Hockley County. As an alumni, the family hopes to help others Recipient...... Kelton Addison active member of the South Plains complete their studies and reach a life Chapter of the American Petroleum changing achievement. John V. and Auvena Morton Institute, he also was instrumental Recipients...... Jaxon Burk Scholarship in establishing the API Scholarship The scholarship funds were made Program at South Plains College. The Panhandle Bluegrass and Old Tyme possible by Mr. and Mrs. John V. Morton Musslewhite Family established this Music Association Scholarship of Levelland, longtime supporters of scholarship program in honor of their Members of this Bluegrass Music community college education. Mr. parents Paul and Verna Musslewhite. Association based in Amarillo, Texas, Morton, a Levelland businessman, Recipients...... Sydney Artrip have contributed to a scholarship helped to establish SPC as a member Azul Arzate fund which recognizes outstanding of the original SPC Board of Regents Jaden Clabaugh Bluegrass Music students at SPC. from 1957 to 1978. The late Herb Mayfield and his wife Recipients...... Kollin Bergt Daniel K. and Susan Nazworth Dorothy of Dimmit were instrumental Jaiven Thompson Theatre Arts Scholarship in getting this program established. This endowed scholarship fund Recipients...... John Hibbard Ophelia Quezada Murillo Memorial honoring SPC theatre arts instructor Heaven Nelson Nursing Scholarship Dr. Daniel Nazworth and his wife Susan The Ophelia Murillo Memorial was established through the generosity Gene and Geneva Parkinson Family Scholarship was originally established of John Wilkerson of Lubbock. Scholarship by the South Plains Rural Health Recipient...... Miranda Melendez Established by a generous bequest, Services, and through the generosity the Parkinson Family Scholarship and work of the Quezada family, Kenneth E. Neagle Memorial assists an outstanding student who the scholarship fund reached full Scholarship is studying computer information endowment status. Mrs. Murillo, who The Kenneth Neagle Memorial services or associate degree nursing. graduated from SPC, was a nurse with Scholarship was established by members Gene Parkinson, who died in June the Rural Health Services at the time of the South Plains Chapter of the Air 2009, operated Parkinson Electronics of her death. Conditioning Contractors of America. for more than 50 years. Mrs. Geneva Recipient...... Madison Haynes Mr. Neagle was known and respected Parkinson passed away in 2017. Recipient...... Gabriela Longoria

12 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Jo Beth Parks Memorial female bank officer in Fort Worth at Phi Beta Kappa Scholarships Scholarship the time. She remained at the bank Two scholarship programs were The late Jo Beth Parks served as until the couple married and she established by Dr. Alice White in Hockley County Treasurer and was moved to Levelland. The scholarship honor of fellow Phi Beta Kappans involved in many community, school is awarded to an outstanding business who are members of the Lambda of and college projects. Friends of Mrs. major who has plans to work in real Texas Chapter and Phi Beta Kappa Parks established a scholarship program estate, banking or insurance. Association of West Texas and Eastern in her memory. Recipient...... Carolyne Sullivan New Mexico. The endowments provide Recipient...... Kazzi Spears scholarships for outstanding members Buster Payne Memorial Scholarship of the Kappa Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Dennis Patton Memorial Endowed Virgil “Buster” Payne was born into Kappa at South Plains College. Dr. Athletic Scholarship a musical family and at an early age White served on the SPC Foundation This scholarship honors the memory began playing fiddle, banjo, mandolin Board of Directors for six years before of Dennis Patton who was a true SPC and ukulele. Over his lifetime, he moving to Fredericksburg, Texas. Texan. Mr. Patton played basketball performed with a number of musical for the Texans from 1964-66 and groups throughout Eastern New Mexico Phi Beta Kappa West Texas/Eastern was co-captain of the first team to and the Texas Panhandle, playing NM Scholarship win a WJCAC championship. He later fiddle in the style of Bob Wills. This Recipient...... Selena Covarrubio served as head coach of the Texans scholarship program was established for six seasons from 1974-80. He was by his family and friends. Phi Beta Kappa Lambda of Texas serving as a member of the SPC Board Recipient...... Heaven Nelson Chapter Scholarship of Regents at the time of his death Recipient...... Guadalupe Martinez in 2007. The scholarship was made Robert and Joy Pearce Mathematics possible by his family and friends. His Scholarship Bette Pitts Scholarship in Office widow, Linda Patton, has served on Robert Pearce, retired professor Administration the SPC Board of Regents and on the of mathematics and department Established by Mike and Janna Worley SPC Foundation Board of Directors. chairperson, holds many distinctions at of Levelland, this program honors Recipient...... Arick Dominguez South Plains College. But the one he Bette Pitts who taught 31 years in the is most known for is his commitment Business Administration Department at Eddie and Donna Cook Paxton to helping math and pre-engineering SPC, retiring as Professor of Business Scholarship students be successful in all their college and Departmental Chairperson in 2007. This scholarship program was endeavors. Mr. Pearce exemplified this The program recognizes Professor established by the families of Brett, credo for 40 years at SPC. He and his Pitts years of service, helping SPC Keith, Todd and Micah Paxton in wife Joy endowed the Robert and Joy students prepare for success in a memory of their parents Eddie and Pearce Scholarship in Mathematics. business career. Donna Paxton who died in 2017. Mrs. Pearce taught 29 years in public Recipient...... Gladhys Bujanda Mr. Paxton was a community leader schools, 14 of these years were as a Crystal Ortega and real estate developer who began math teacher at Levelland Middle his 48-year career in Levelland in School. G.F. “Buz” Poage Memorial real estate appraising and lending. Recipient...... Nicole Worley Scholarship He co-owned and operated Paxton- This scholarship honors the memory Harpole Lumber Company during Alton C. “Pete” and Charleen of G.F. “Buz” Poage, a respected and which he developed his first housing Pettiet Honorary Scholarship recognized agri-businessman in the addition to the city. He worked for a This scholarship endowment was cotton delinting industry in Texas. time in the insurance industry before established by Bradley Pettiet to honor He established Levelland Delinting establishing Paxton Real Estate in 1976. his parents Alton “Pete” and Charleen and All-Tex Seed and was the owner In 1986, he developed the Ridgecrest Pettiet for their long-time support and and president of the two companies housing addition in Levelland. He also involvement in education and especially for 34 years until his death in 2009. served as president of the Levelland South Plains College. Mr. Pettiet, a Mr. Poage also served on the South Independent School District Board of native of Ropesville and graduate of Plains College Board of Regents. The Trustees for many years. He retired Ropes High School, has served as a scholarship fund was established by from the real estate brokerage in 2000. member of the SPC Board of Regents his son Cody Poage and wife J’Lyn Mrs. Paxton worked more than 20 since March 1989. The Pettiets have of Levelland. years in the banking industry, where worked in agricultural chemical sales Recipients...... Madellyne Adams she advanced through the ranks of and in agency insurance. Brad Pettiet, Tatum Christie Continental National Bank in Fort a 1978 graduate of SPC, is a practicing Jacob Dawson Worth to become the highest ranking attorney in Lubbock. Brantly Hoover Recipient...... Coby Holland Cashen Horton Collin Welper 13 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Rusty Price Memorial Scholarship well, he received the Faculty Excellence collection of television and broadcast This scholarship was established by Award in 1993 and was inducted into memorabilia that charts the history of the Price Family in memory of their the Texan Athletic Hall of Fame that telecommunications on the South Plains. son and brother, Rusty Price. Members same year. The Dub Rogers collection is housed in of the Price family are business and Recipient...... Cyra Mireles the communications building here at civic leaders in Levelland and are SPC. This scholarship was established concerned with helping deserving Monty Roberts Memorial by the Communications Department students achieve educational and Scholarship in Theatre Arts in his memory. career goals. The Monty Roberts Memorial Recipient...... Haleigh Hinojosa Recipient...... Stefan Ramone Scholarship was established by the Roberts family in memory of their J. P. and Judy Rose Memorial Ramesh Family Honorary son to benefit the theatre and speech Scholarship Scholarship in Engineering programs at South Plains College. Mr. This scholarship honors the memory An SPC faculty member since Larry Roberts taught physical education of J.P. and Judy Rose of Levelland. Mr. 2002, Dr. Ramesh Krishnan and his at the college for 26 years and Mrs. Rose was senior drilling superintendent wife Thena Ramesh established this Helen Roberts directed the theatre and for Norton Drilling Company and scholarship to support students majoring speech program for 27 years. Mrs. Rose was a homemaker at the in pre-engineering. Dr. Krishnan Recipients...... Matthew Lamar time of their deaths in 1998. The holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering scholarship was established by their from Texas Tech University and sees The Roberts Family Scholarships son Rusty Rose and daughter Karen the SPC path as one that prepares The late Burnett and Martha Roberts Rose Durrett. students to transfer and be successful established four scholarship programs Recipient...... Mikenzi Johnson at their senior institution. In addition at South Plains College in memory of to his teaching duties, Dr. Krishnan family members. Burnett Roberts served C. M. and Cora Sanders Memorial has been instrumental in directing 16 years on the SPC Foundation Board Scholarship students to create the College’s first of Directors and supported numerous During their lifetime, C.M. and Makerspace to foster innovation and community and civic projects during Cora Sanders were dear friends of entrepreneurship. his lifetime. The Roberts established South Plains College. Charlie Sanders Recipient...... Nicole Worley memorial scholarship programs served as a member of the original honoring their son Burk B., daughter Board of Regents from 1957 to 1967 Helen Starr Roberts Scholarship George Evelyn, son-in-law Max, and and is credited with obtaining the The SPC Forensic Club and faculty an infant grandson Jedidiah Poer. Texan Victory Bell that is located at of the speech communication program the entrance to Texan Dome. Prior to have established a scholarship program Burnett B. and Martha G. Roberts her death, Mrs. Sanders established in honor of former speech and theatre Memorial Scholarship an endowed scholarship program in professor Helen Starr Roberts. Professor Recipient...... Alexi Vigil his memory. Roberts taught 27 years at SPC and Recipient...... Marcus Hinojos retired from the college in 1994. While Burk Burnett Roberts Family a faculty member she was named a Scholarship in Business Deborah J. Scott Memorial Minnie Stevens Piper Professor and was Administration Scholarship awarded the Excellence in Teaching Recipient...... Halle Bloomer Established by SPC alumna Courtney Award by her peers. Bullard Hurst along with her husband Recipient...... Saul Rosa George Evelyn Roberts Memorial Justin Hurst, this scholarship honors the Scholarship in Vocational Nursing memory of Justin’s mother, Deborah J. Larry Roberts Honorary Physical Recipient...... Aimee Madrigales Scott. Preference for this scholarship Education Scholarship is for a recipient who is attending Chartered in 2012, this scholarship Max and Jedidiah Maxwell Poer SPC via the Upward Bound Program. honors longtime SPC faculty member Memorial Scholarship in Business Upward Bound is part of the TRiO Larry Roberts. Mr. Roberts was on Administration Programs which was created in 1965 faculty for 26 years and also served as Recipient...... Cason Holly to assist low income or disadvantaged department chairperson. He coached students enter, graduate and move tennis and golf for a combined total of W. D. (Dub) Rogers, Jr. Scholarship on to participate fully in America’s 12 years. During that time in either In addition to serving as city society. The program was implemented one area or the other, Mr. Roberts was mayor, Dub Rogers was a pioneer at SPC in 2003. The program serves selected by the conference coaches broadcaster in Lubbock, Texas. He students in grades nine through 12 and players as Coach of the Year of brought the first national affiliate in Brownfield, Morton, Levelland, the Western Athletic Junior College to West Texas in 1952. In 1992 Dub Whitharral and Whiteface. conference on four occasions. Held in contributed to the college an invaluable Recipient...... Reina Regalado high regard by his SPC colleagues as 14 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Kelvin and Lissa Sharp Scholarship Raymond and Audie Sonnenburg Valerie Job South Plains Foreign The fourth president and first lady Scholarship Language Collaborative Honorary of South Plains College, Dr. and A desire to help young people pursue Scholarship Mrs. Kelvin Sharp have established the dream of a college education led Recipient...... America Villanueva an endowment fund that provides Mrs. Audie Sonnenburg, with counsel scholarships for students in the from her son Guy, to establish an Gary Stacy Memorial Scholarship college’s rodeo program. Dr. Sharp is endowed scholarship fund at South An alumnus of the college, Gary credited with reviving SPC’s tradition Plains College. This scholarship Stacy served a number of years as in intercollegiate rodeo in 2001 gives first consideration to a female chairperson of the South Plains College when he served as vice president for student in honor of Mrs. Sonnenburg’s Board of Regents and is credited with Academic Affairs. daughter and Guy’s sister, Teresa establishing the SPC Foundation in Recipient...... Zachary Nicholson Thomas Etchison. Preference is for a 1979. The Stacy family established a graduate of Olton high school majoring scholarship program in his memory. Billy Sheek Memorial Scholarship in either business administration and Recipient...... Trinity Garcia The late Mrs. Cora Sanders established computer information systems or the Billy Sheek Memorial Scholarship selected SPC industrial technology David and Stephanie Stanley in Agriculture in memory of her programs. Scholarship in Government grandson who majored in agribusiness Recipient...... Lena Chick The late David Stanley graduated at SPC prior to his death. from South Plains College and later Recipient...... Benjamin Swindull SPC Livestock Judging Team served 22 years as a history and Alumni Scholarship government professor at SPC. When Annette Davis-Smith Memorial Created under the guidance of he retired in 1987, he established and Aaron C. Smith Honorary SPC Block and Bridle Club sponsor the David and Stephanie Stanley Scholarship and agriculture department faculty Scholarship program, also recognizing This scholarship program honors the members Dave Cleavinger, Ron Presley his daughter. Stephanie Stanley-Allen memory of Dr. Annette Davis-Smith and Conner Newsom, this endowment taught speech communication at SPC who developed South Plains College’s benefits a member of the SPC Livestock from 2002 to 2012. Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree Judging Team. Recipient...... Raikolf Lopez program and taught in the program Recipient...... Wyatt Geistweild for 14 years. It was established by her Lonnie and Floriene Stern husband Aaron Smith of Sundown South Plains Foreign Language Agriculture Scholarship and her mother Sarah A. “Toni” Ivy of Collaborative Scholarship Programs This scholarship program was Lubbock. The scholarship recognizes The South Plains Foreign Language established by Mrs. Stern of Levelland an outstanding student enrolled in the Collaborative has established two in memory of her husband who died AAT program who plans to become a endowed scholarship programs that in 2008. Mr. Stern was a graduate of public school teacher. Dr. Smith was recognize outstanding students who Texas A&M University and worked as known for her dedication and service are majoring in a foreign language. a cotton broker and general manager to the college and her students. She The first scholarship honors former of Producer’s Market Association for was instrumental in establishing the foreign language educators Irma 25 years. He served on the Levelland transfer partnership between South Bollinger and Sherry Barsch, who City Council. Mrs. Stern was active in Plains College and the Texas Tech were instrumental in establishing the Levelland as a community volunteer. University College of Education. This Collaborative which hosted the South Recipient...... Brooklyn Tyson partnership was recognized by the Plains Foreign Language Festival for Texas Higher Education Coordinating many years at SPC. Mrs. Bollinger Redd and Darlene Stewart Board with the Texas Higher Education taught foreign language 22 years at Scholarship Star Award in 2008. Dr. Davis-Smith SPC before her retirement in 2001. As a country music songwriter and died in 2018. Mrs. Barsch taught foreign language Grand Ole Opry performer, Redd Stewart Recipient...... Arianna Martinez at Levelland High School for 20 years was best known as the composer of before her retirement in 2006. In such classic songs as “The Tennessee Robert Smotherman Memorial 2011, the Collaborative established Waltz,” “Bonaparte’s Retreat” and Scholarship a scholarship program in honor of “You Belong to Me.” The Stewarts Robert Smotherman served many Dr. Valerie Job, professor of foreign established this scholarship program years as superintendent of the language at SPC who also provided for a Bluegrass Music student in 1991. Whiteface Consolidated Independent leadership in the Collaborative and Mr. Stewart was a guest lecturer and School District. The scholarship which its annual Foreign Language Festival. performed on the SPC stage on a honors him was established by family number of occasions. The scholarship and friends. Bollinger-Barsch South Plains was endowed by a generous bequest Recipient...... Hope Perez Foreign Language Collaborative that was received in 2004. Both Redd Scholarship and Mrs. Stewart died in 2003. Recipient...... Tabasom Marandiz Recipient...... Mason Montgomery 15 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Pete Stracener Instructor’s Jeanette Swaringen Memorial Thompson of Levelland established Scholarship in Welding Scholarship this scholarship endowment. Over a Mike and Janna Worley of Levelland This scholarship was established by period of years and through various established the Pete Stracener Instructors David Swaringen to honor the memory means such as the College’s employee Scholarship in Welding Technology of his late wife Jeanette Swaringen monthly payroll donation program in honor and appreciation for the who tragically and unexpectedly and the annual Scholarship Gala, the program’s longtime instructor and passed away on Jan. 18, 2018. The Thompsons’ dedication allowed the coordinator. The program has long recipient of the scholarship must be a fund to achieve full endowment status been a source of graduates and skilled graduate of Levelland High School and in 2019. Sarah Thompson currently technicians who have been employed an Education major. After graduating serves as the program coordinator for by Worley Welding Works. from Texas A&M University, Jeanette the SPC Cosmetology program and also Recipient...... Robert Rose taught kindergarten, first and second serves on the SPC Foundation Board. grade for Levelland Independent Recipient...... Libby Smith Melvin and Agnes Straube School District. She returned to Scholarship school and earned a master’s degree Freda Tubb Memorial Scholarship This scholarship program was in counseling at Texas Tech University The Freda Tubb Memorial Scholarship established by Mrs. Agnes Straube and then spent the next seven years is presented to an outstanding student in memory of her husband who at Levelland Intermediate School as who is majoring in elementary worked as an engineer for American a counselor before moving to Capitol education. Mrs. Tubb taught 31 years Oil Company. Mrs. Straube was a Elementary for the last three years. in the Pep, Whiteface and Levelland homemaker and worked as secretary at Recipient...... Hallie Satterwhite schools. The scholarship program was Cactus Elementary in Levelland. She established by her husband Nathan was also an active member of the Las Kurt Taylor Memorial Scholarship Tubb of Levelland and her children Fideles Study Club. She died in 2005. The family and friends of the Dr. Terry Tubb of Midland, Libby Recipients...... Colton Rea late Kurt Taylor have established a Thetford of Levelland and Gerry Tubb scholarship program in his memory of Austin, along with the support of Donald D. Stroud Memorial Art that benefits students enrolled in the family and friends. Scholarship automotive technology program. Taylor Recipient...... Sabrina Deam The Don Stroud Memorial Scholar- graduated from Whiteface High School ship program was established by family and from SPC and was working for a Gano and Goldie Tubb Levelland and friends to benefit students in diesel testing firm in Odessa at the Noon Rotary Club Scholarship the art program at SPC. A founding time of his death. The Levelland Noon Rotary Club faculty member of the Art Department, Recipient...... Samantha makes possible the Gano and Goldie Mr. Stroud served 30 years as an Jimenez-Cuello Tubb Memorial Scholarship at South art professor and chairperson of the Plains College. Gano and Goldie Tubb Fine Arts Department and later as a Wade and Gaylia Taylor Memorial coached and taught in the Levelland member of the SPC Board of Regents. Scholarship in Education public schools for many years. The mosaic “Wild Horses” in the foyer This scholarship program was Recipients...... Jersson Hernandez of the Christine DeVitt Fine Arts established by Wade Taylor of Whiteface Kaitlyn Villa Center is one example of his artistic to honor the memory of his wife who contributions to SPC. He died in 1991. died in 2005. Gaylia Taylor attended Nathan Tubb Country Music Recipient...... Baily Jones SPC and later worked as a secretary Scholarship at Whiteface Elementary School for Nathan Tubb touched many lives Sundown State Bank-Gano Tubb nearly 30 years. Mr. Taylor managed during his time at South Plains Scholarship Whiteface Coop Gin for nearly 25 years College. Dean Tubb, who served as the This scholarship program was and has farmed in the Whiteface area. college’s first registrar and retired from established by Sundown State Bank in Because of Mrs. Taylor’s love for the the college in 1981 as Academic vice memory of Gano Tubb who coached and students she mentored, the scholarship president, is credited with pioneering served as athletic director at Levelland supports an SPC student who plans to the commercial music program at High School during a 35-year career pursue a career in education. SPC. The scholarship program was in public education. Recipient...... Christina Vidaurre established by his son Dr. Terry Tubb Recipient...... Kolby Head of Midland and family and friends to Buddy Thompson Family enable talented young musicians to Scholarship in Cosmetology take that first step to fulfilling their Seeing an ongoing need for financial dreams of becoming professional support for students in the SPC musicians. Cosmetology program, Sarah and Buddy Recipient...... John Hibbard

16 2020 Scholarship Recipients

United Supermarkets Scholarship of SPC’s three-semester Vocational Arvie E. Walker, Jr. Scholarship United Supermarket has provided Nurse program. Unique to this award, Established by James and Robbie funds for an endowed scholarship to recipients are selected from students at Walker of Lubbock, this scholarship benefit SPC students. three separate SPC locations: Levelland, honors Mr. Walker’s father Arvie Recipient...... Jacob Ebenkamp Reese and Plainview. Walker. Mr. Walker worked 22 years Recipients...... Brittany Escobar at South Plains College as dean of The Upshaw Family Scholarship Khena McAllister continuing education and workforce Programs Alicia Sanchez development and later retired as In 1980, Mrs. Brenda Ainsworth Courtney Warner vice president for academic affairs in established two scholarships in loving 2015. The scholarship recognizes an memory of her parents, Tom and Iris Bob Veretto Memorial Scholarship outstanding student who is pursuing Upshaw. These were the first two in Business Administration studies in geology. Arvie E. Walker, Jr. endowed scholarship programs at The family and friends of the late Bob graduated from Texas Tech University South Plains College. Mr. Upshaw was Veretto have established an endowed in 1948. He did surface geology in the a druggist and owner and operator scholarship program that assists a White Flat field near Abilene, Texas of Upshaw Drug Store in Levelland. student majoring in finance, business or before sitting on wells and examining Mrs. Upshaw loved forensic arts and accounting. Mr. Veretto was a Levelland well-bore samples. His career began the theatre. Outstanding students business leader involved in banking with Sun Oil Company before he studying pre-pharmacy and theatre and agriculture who believed in hard became an Independent Geologist. arts are recognized by these two work and honesty. Eleven members of He drilled wells all over Texas, New scholarship funds. Mrs. Ainsworth his family have attended SPC. Mexico, Kentucky and West Virginia. served 28 years as a member of the Recipients...... Abraham Bocanegra He was not only well respected by his SPC Foundation Committee and the peers, but was requested to “well sit” Foundation Board of Directors. Johnny and Darlene Vest Memorial because of his expansive knowledge Scholarship and experience in many areas and Iris Upshaw Memorial Scholarship The family and friends of Johnny many producing formations. His Recipient...... Raimar Ortiz and Darlene Vest of Levelland have passion for education and students established an endowed scholarship was boundless. His love for geology Tom Upshaw Memorial program that assists students pursuing was unequaled. Pre-Pharmacy Scholarship a career in culinary arts. Mr. Vest Recipient...... Krista Bridges owned and operated JIV Service Recipient...... Betzabe Lopez which serviced hydraulic pumps for Jim and Robbie Walker Scholarship a number of years in Levelland and Jim and Robbie Walker established Landon Velasquez Memorial Music later worked in the transportation this scholarship endowment to assist Scholarship department for the Levelland school South Plains College students majoring This scholarship honors the memory district. Mrs. Vest worked 37 years in in education. James Walker retired of Landon Velasquez of Lubbock, who the school district’s food service. The as the vice president for Academic was a sophomore at Frenship High Vests were strong supporters of public Affairs at SPC in May of 2015 after School at the time of his death in 2004. education and South Plains College. working for the college for more than Landon had a passion for music and the All three of their children graduated 24 years. His roles included adjunct guitar, and the scholarship recognizes from SPC. instructor, Director of Continuing outstanding SPC students majoring Recipient...... Brandie Juarez and Distance Education and Associate in guitar studies. The scholarship Dean of Technical and Continuing was established by the R.C. Johnson Alvin and Mary Kay Walker Education. Mrs. Walker worked as Jr. Foundation and his mother Mrs. Memorial Scholarship a classroom teacher and later as a Jan Johnson of Lubbock. This scholarship program was librarian prior to her retirement in Recipients...... Mason Montgomery established by the friends and family of 2013. This scholarship benefits a Marc Santa the late Alvin and Mary K. (Franklin) first-generation college student with Walker. Both were graduates of Pep preference for those who are majoring Bill and Jo-Ann Vandergriff Nursing High School and attended South in education. Scholarship Plains College. Mr. Walker worked Recipient...... Kaitlyn Fink Established by Mr. and Mrs. Bill many years for K-Bar Texas Electric Vandergriff of Lubbock in partnership before his death in 1990. Mrs. Walker with a matching donation in the form served as Hockley County Clerk until of a grant from Lubbock’s University her death in 2003. Medical Center, this endowment benefits Recipient...... Agustus Davis students in their second semester

17 2020 Scholarship Recipients

William L. and Nina Rose Walker She studied to become a registered Ray and Donna West Scholarship in Scholarship nurse and worked as a school nurse Nursing This scholarship was established by at Whiteface CISD for 25 years. The Recipients...... Hailey Doran the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. scholarship assists a student who plans Cedrick Flournoy Walker, who were respected leaders to pursue a nursing career. Sydney Goen in their church and community, as Recipient...... Leesa Galvan Tristan Honesto well as being longtime supporters Aracely Juarez of community college education. Welding Technology Program Mr. Walker served as administrative Scholarship Ray and Donna West Physical dean at South Plains College from SPC welding technology students Therapist Assistant Program 1961 until his retirement in 1981. began working back in 2004 to build Scholarship Daughters Sandra Tyler of Levelland a one-of-a kind, trailer-mounted BBQ Recipient...... D.F. Roberts and Diane Hardy of Seminole have grill with the idea of selling it to raise made the scholarship fund possible. money to create an endowed scholarship Ray and Donna West Scholarship in Recipient...... Cierra Lance for future students in the program. Science, Technology, Engineering Using mostly donated materials, and Mathematics O. R. and Frances Watkins students and instructors constructed Recipients...... Caden Arnold Memorial Scholarship the project as time permitted while Angel Bishop The children and friends of O.R. and working around required curriculum. John Covarrubio Frances Watkins have established an When the project was complete it was Breklin Davis endowed scholarship fund that honors sandblasted by Worley Welding Works Aaron De Souza these two SPC pioneers. O.R. Watkins Inc. and painted by the auto collision Jeremy Hernandez was a member of the 1956 Citizens repair program at SPC. Within a few David Landtroop Committee that helped establish SPC. days of being advertised for sale in the Kenneth Manderfeld Frances Watkins taught English at summer of 2011, the 8’ x 16’ trailer Savanah Murphy SPC and was English Department with smoker, grill, double cooktop, and Matthew Perez chairperson for 20 years. storage boxes was purchased by Zach Tobie Peterson Recipient...... Azul Arzate McCutchin of ZM Interiors, allowing Manuel Reyna the endowment to be fully funded. Andrya Rhodes Ray and Georgia Watson Memorial Recipient...... Aaron Venzor Scholarship Ray and Donna West Scholarship Created to honor her grandparents Ray and Donna West Scholarship for U.S. Veterans and with a preference for providing Programs Recipient...... Erica Mater support to the students working as These scholarship programs were lifeguards at the SPC Natatorium, Ann established by Ray and Donna West of Wilburn and Helen Wheeler Capps and her husband Bobby have Midland. Mr. West obtained his bachelor’s Scholarship Programs established the Ray and Georgia Watson degree in petroleum engineering from Wilburn and Helen Wheeler had a Memorial Scholarship. The Watsons the University of Oklahoma and worked long association with South Plains were a founding family in Levelland as an engineer and consultant until his College. Mr. Wheeler was a member and their lineage has maintained a retirement. Mrs. West also graduated of the college’s founding faculty, constant presence in the city with from the University of Oaklahoma teaching Mathematics and serving as many family members having attended where she earned a bachelor’s degree the college’s first band director from SPC and several having established in Education. The Wests established 1958 to 1974. Mrs. Wheeler worked scholarship endowments. Mrs. Ann these scholarships in their spirit of many years in the college library. Two Capps currently serves as president of “giving back” to communities. scholarship programs were established the SPC Foundation Board. by family, friends and former students. Recipients...... Kolby Head Ray and Donna West Scholarship for American Heroes Wilburn and Helen Wheeler Math Jewelene Weber Memorial Recipient...... Paula Springfield Scholarship Scholarship in Nursing Recipient...... Osvaldo Santos This scholarship was established by Ray and Donna West Bailey County Wade Taylor of Whiteface in memory Scholarship Wilburn and Helen Wheeler Music of family friend, Jewelene Weber who Recipient...... Reina Regalado Scholarship died in 2013. Ms. Weber knew she Recipients...... Nikolas Delacruz wanted enter the field of nursing from a Ray and Donna West Edward Torres young age, working in a doctor’s office Pre-Engineering Scholarship as a high school student in Borger. Recipient...... Jaron Hardage

18 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Whitharral Lions Club Scholarship established this scholarship in part to Jesse W. Wood Memorial The Whitharral Lions Club has honor Professor Bryant who retired as Scholarship in Agriculture established an endowed scholarship chairperson of the Physical Education This scholarship was established by program that recognizes an outstanding Department and also to offer financial the late Retha Lincoln in memory of graduate of Whitharral High School. support to future students studying her brother Jesse W. Wood who died Recipient...... Taylor Chavez in the department. Mrs. Wilson also in 1993. Mr. Wood came to West Texas served on the South Plains College when he was 17 years old. He and Wilbur-Ellis Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors. She two of his brothers homesteaded in This scholarship program has passed away in November of 2015. Sundown, Texas. Though his brothers been established by the Wilbur-Ellis Recipients...... Isaiah Abalos returned to Oklahoma, Mr. Wood stayed Company, an international marketer Stefanni Chavarria and raised his family with the help and distributor of agricultural products, Jayden Parsley of his wife, Lorena. He was a farmer animal feeds and agri-chemicals. Amelia Sandoval and carpenter during his work career. Wilbur-Ellis serves the agricultural Recipient...... Clint Demmitt industry in the college’s service area Dr. Weerachai and Dr. Suvipa Wiri and supports local students in higher Nursing Scholarship Lorena Wood Memorial Scholarship education. This scholarship honors two long- Education was especially important Recipient...... Stock Martin time physicians who have practiced in the Jesse and Lorena Wood family medicine in the Levelland community home because the matriarch planted Williams Family Scholarship for more than 30 years. Dr. Weerachai a seed within them early on. Even While serving as a member of the Wiri, a general surgeon, and Dr. Suvipa though she was unable to complete South Plains College Board of Regents Wiri, a pediatrician, have supported her own education, she made sure and also on the SPC Foundation the community in many ways. Mike that all her children graduated from Board of Directors, Ken Williams and Worley and Janna Worley wished to high school. To honor her mother wife Leslie established the Williams recognize that service through this and his grandmother, respectively, Family Scholarship in 2013 to benefit scholarship program for nursing Betty Jo Judah and her son John students majoring in a STEM (Science, students. Weerachai also served on the Judah established this endowment Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) SPC Foundation Board of Directors. for the benefit of students regardless field. Not only is Ken an alumnus of Recipients...... Isela Chavez of their residency status. Preference the college, but the Williams Family Schylar Dutchover can also be given to first-generation was also named a leader in service Ysabel Rodriguez college students. to the College in 2015 by receiving Candice Wheeler Recipient...... Cheyenne Green the Pacesetter Award at the annual Scholarship Gala. Elroy Wisian Memorial Scholarship Woodman of the World Scholarship Recipient...... Wyatt Geistweidt This scholarship was established by In towns where WoodmenLife members the family and friends of Elroy Wisian live and work, chapters are formed to Tony Lynn and Misti Dawn Williams who was a Lubbock entrepreneur and partner with the community to offer Memorial Scholarship businessman at the time of his death. opportunities for volunteering. Across The scholarship fund was established Mr. Wisian also served a number of the nation, WoodmenLife members by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Williams, in years as a Methodist minister. plan and carry out thousands of service honor of their daughter and son who Recipient...... Andrea Lucero projects each year. The Woodmen were students at SPC at the time of Life Chapter 875 in Lubbock chose their deaths. Vickie Wilks Wisian Scholarship to create an endowment at South Recipient...... Jennifer Munoz This scholarship was made possible Plains College in part because the through the generosity of Vickie and excellent experience a member had as E. Wade and Lori Oswalt Wilson the late Elroy Wisian of Lubbock. Mrs. she completed the SPC Cosmetology Physical Education Endowed Wisian, a native of Post, graduated program. Other members also had Scholarship from SPC in 1967 and completed her positive experiences with SPC. While This scholarship program has been undergraduate studies at Texas Tech a preference for award is for a student established by Wade and Lori Oswalt University. She taught 24 years in the who holds a WoodmenLife policy, the Wilson of Lubbock. Mrs. Wilson, Slaton Independent School District scholarship may also be awarded to originally from Abernathy, was a Lady as a speech pathologist and special any student in any program area. Texan basketball player during the education director. This scholarship Recipient...... Bailee Curl 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons. While at assists a first-generation college student. SPC, her life was positively touched by Mrs. Wisian is past president of the PE instructor Judy Bryant. They have SPC Foundation Board of Directors. Recipient...... Jason Reyes

19 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Mike Worley and Janna Worley M.W. Worley Scholarship Xi Theta Pi Scholarship Honorary Scholarship Though known in the region and The Xi Theta Pi Chapter of Beta Mike Worley and Janna Worley are beyond for excellence in welding Sigma Phi, a society for professional graduates of South Plains College and technology, this scholarship endowment women, makes scholarship funds have established five other endowed created through a generous gift from available for young women beginning scholarship programs at SPC. Mike Mike Worley benefits a general studies their college career. Worley owns Worley Welding Works, student. Mr. Worley also donated the Recipient...... Christopher Albus a leading manufacturer of oil field interlocking SPC sculpture that welcomes transport tanks and trailers. Their visitors to the Levelland Campus and Dr. Jesse Yeh Memorial Scholarship scholarship programs assist students in donated a 100+ pound replica of the Family and friends have established welding technology, nursing, and office College seal to welcome visitors to this scholarship program in memory of technology. This scholarship program the offices of SPC Development and Dr. Jesse Yeh, professor of chemistry, is a general college scholarships. Alumni. This endowment is the who died in 2014. Dr. Yeh taught 25 Recipients...... Belanna Baker seventh started by Mr. Worley. years at SPC and served as chairperson Mario Butler Recipients...... Ben Bowman of the Science Department. He was Tristan Davis Jacob Freeman honored by his peers as a recipient Libby Smith Kirsten Gabaldon of the Faculty Excellence Award in Ryan Trompler Emma Schilling 2007. The scholarship recognizes an Alexander Wells outstanding chemistry student as Gary Wynn Memorial Scholarship chosen by faculty in the department. Mike Worley and Jana Worley This scholarship honors the memory Recipient...... Kayla Alexander Welding Scholarship of Gary Wynn who taught anthropology, This scholarship was established by history and sociology at South Plains Millie Eileen Young Honorary Drs. Weerachai and Suvipa Wiri in honor College for 30 years. Professor Wynn, Scholarship of Mike Worley and Janna Worley. The who retired in 1996 from the college, This scholarship honors Millie Eileen Worleys are graduates of South Plains was among the first faculty members Young and was established by Brent College and have established five other to teach college courses at the former and Emily Wheeler of Levelland. The endowed scholarship programs at SPC. Reese Air Force Base in the 1970s. The Wheelers are music faculty in the One of the scholarship endowments scholarship program was established college’s Creative Arts Department they established was in honor of Dr. to recognize his 30 years of service to and are acclaimed jazz guitarists. The Wiri. This scholarship program assists the college. Mr. Wynn died in 2006. scholarship benefits a female student students in welding technology. The scholarship program was endowed who is primary caregiver to a child Recipient...... Chancellor Blount by his wife Gwen Wynn, who taught or children and wishes to attend to 39 years at South Plains College in college. the Social Science Department, and Recipient...... Ashlee Reisdorf through the generosity of friends and family members. Recipients...... Camila Villarreal

20 2020 Distinguished Alumni Honoree The South Plains College of alumni who have made significant 10 years in their chosen profession or Distinguished Alumni Awards contributions in their chosen professions have made significant contributions and communities. The recipients of the in their career if fewer than 10 years. 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award are The President of the College bestows The Distinguished Alumni Awards Deressa Purtell Reid and Terry Hill. this honor on the recipients upon the program recognizes and honors the recommendation of the Distinguished noteworthy achievements of former Nominees for this award must be former Alumni Recommendation Committee. South Plains College students. This fall, students for whom the College was a Through an official resolution, the two alumni have been named to receive significant part of their educational SPC Board of Regents affirms the the award and join the prestigious list career. They must have worked at least honor.

and learned to be a more diligent “Something just changed because student in college. I liked him as a person and his approach to it,” she said. “I was Three months after graduating actually surprised when I did from Brownfield High School, pretty well in his class. Math wasn’t Purtell and her fiancé, Jim Reid, something that I was passionate were married. She still had goals about, but I gained confidence.” of pursuing higher education. After honeymooning in San Antonio, the In addition to finding her confidence couple settled down in Terry County in math, Reid developed an interest where Reid farmed cotton. in writing during her studies at SPC. “Four days after getting married, I While in an English class taught started at South Plains College,” she by Norma Boggs, Reid submitted said. “I’ve always been committed a paper about women and their to goals. I’m very grateful that my impact and vision in scientific father told me at a very young age topics and career paths. The paper to ‘Be something and be different.’ challenged her writing skills and That’s probably why he picked this sparked her interest in research and unusual name, Dereesa.” communication. Reid said she still journals daily. Deressa Purtell Reid Reid said she has always understood “I still today enjoy writing, and SPC Class of 1981 what it meant to apply yourself, all of the attention she gave us,” reach your goals and be in it for Reid said. “I think I still have this For 23 years, Dereesa Purtell the long run – chess, not checkers. grammar book that she had us Reid has forged a career as a health use in class, and it taught me the care administrator. She began her “Going to South Plains I felt that mechanics of really good writing.” academic career in accounting at I was stacking the odds in my favor South Plains College where she took for success,” she said. “I found it After graduating from SPC in 1981, classes that would build a foundation to be a great pathway from high she enrolled at Texas Tech University for higher learning. school.” where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a The West Texas native grew up While attending a mathematics specialization in accounting. She in Brownfield and was very active course taught by Kieth Mixon, then obtained a master’s degree in in her high school. Focusing her Reid said she was told she was not business administration. Reid received time as a member of the school applying herself to her full potential. a Texas license as a Certified Public band and an avid baton twirler, she This reminded her of a time when Accountant, bringing her academic says she enjoyed participating in her high school mathematics career to completion. extracurricular activities. Although teacher delivered the same criticism. she said she did not believe herself This time, however, Mixon’s words Reid began working as a cost to be an outstanding student, she resonated with her and changed accountant for Texas Instruments, appreciated her time in the classroom her outlook on her approach to her Inc., a Lubbock semiconductor coursework. manufacturing plant in 1996. One 21 2020 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

year later, she became a senior Institute in Irvine, Calif., where she her vantage point, her successful clinic administrator and assistant led hospital operations and finance life began in West Texas where the director in clinic administration from 2011 to 2013. She served as sunsets are beyond comparison. at Texas Tech University Health the chief executive officer for three Sciences Center. She merged two years where she helped build the private practices into a new satellite nationally-recognized hospital and clinic. She also managed the entire top-ranked orthopedic institute academic department and built a known as one of the premier value- positive cash reserve. driven organizations.

In 1999, Reid began working for While working in Irvine, Calif., University Medical Center in the area Reid became a co-founding member of Strategic Planning and Business of Notable Systems, Inc., in Denver, Development before moving into the Colo. Notable is comprised of a group Managed Care, PPO Development and of technology and healthcare experts Health Plan Administration where who build cutting edge technology she served as the division director products that free clinicians to in managed care contracting. From spend more time delivering patient- 2001 to 2005, she served as the centered care while health data is vice president for managed care seamlessly captured and recorded. and strategic planning. Additionally, in 2016, Reid joined Terry Hill Reid began working for Covenant Avant-garde Health, Inc., in Cambridge, SPC Class of 1980 Health System in 2005 and remained Mass., as an advisor. She continues there until 2011. She established to work with both agencies. After Terry Hill practically grew up the Orthopedic Service Line with a one-year term as the interim across the street from South Plains Strategic and Operations Management. senior vice president with The College. As a youngster, he would She grew the in-patient volume Innovation Institute in Newport come to the college to play with his by eight percent and implemented Beach, Calif., she joined Shriners friends and swim in the Natatorium. the Joint Replacement Program’s Hospital for Children in Portland, He would often spend time roaming standardized clinical protocols from Ore., in 2018 as an administrator. the halls with his mother who served clinic to post hospital discharge. In This is the position where she is as a dorm supervisor. 2007, she received the HealthGrades presently employed. Award for Excellence in Orthopedics. Although he was familiar with Throughout her career, Reid has SPC, the Levelland native said he was Reid achieved outstanding been recognized for her contributions filled with the same doubts as his performance on numerous levels as to her profession and community. fellow classmates as he weighed his the assistant vice president for the She was the Corporate Honoree choices about what to do following Covenant Neuroscience Institute and by the Arthritis Foundation of graduation. Rehabilitation Services from 2005 Orange County, Calif., in 2016; to 2009. She helped design, build she was a nominee for the Women After his time at Levelland High and staff the Neuroscience Patient in Business Award by the Orange School, Hill began his academic Education and Resource Center, County Business Journal in 2015; career at South Plains College. implemented a tele-neurology stroke and she was the recipient of Becker’s While he wasn’t certain of his field consult service and also helped Healthcare Leadership Award in of study, he was confident that it develop the region’s only epilepsy 2013, among others. was the best choice for him and service and neurology residency enrolled in general study courses. program in collaboration with Reid resides in Vancouver, Wash. the Texas Tech University Health Despite the hectic demands of her “I think we all have people in Sciences Center. job, she said she takes comfort in our careers and in our lives that viewing the scenic sites of Oregon are pivot points who turn us and She accepted the position of chief including Mount St. Helens, Mount put us in the right course,” he said. operating officer for Hoag Orthopedic Adams and Mount Hood. From 22 2020 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

He credits the college’s faculty and and South America. He identified college,” Hill said. “For me growing staff for encouraging him to excel market trends, crafted strategy and up in Texas, education was really in science and challenging him to created business models that set the the doorway that led me to take become a better student. During his bar for industry innovation. my God-given talent and it really time at SPC, he developed a passion opened up the world to me. for learning. Retired Instructor Jim He guided the development and Leggitt, former Science Department execution of a commercialization “South Plains College reaches Chairperson R.E. “Bob” Beck, and strategy at Univar for 17 years, where out and takes everyone at their Richard James, retired professor of he held leadership roles including U.S. own abilities and helps them build mathematics, were pivotal in guiding president of field operations, chief value,” Hill said. “SPC provides him throughout his time at SPC. commercial officer and executive opportunities for people to help vice president of industry relations. themselves and their families. It’s “I just took a general chemistry Under his leadership, field operations a ripple effect.” course under Mr. Beck and I really developed critical hubs across the liked science,” he said. “I didn’t country, streamlining operations and In order for other students to know what that meant growing up enabling more efficient movement experience the same opportunities in West Texas; I thought it meant of products across the company and Hill did while at SPC, he and his a chemical engineer or petroleum increasing service levels. wife Shari established the Hill engineer or a doctor. I just knew Family Scholarship endowment that science was a way for me to In 2015, Hill formed his consulting in 2017. The endowment provides start a career.” firm Apex Distribution Consulting, scholarships for students seeking LLC, to share his expertise about to pursue a career in science-based Hill said he soon developed a life- opportunities in chemical distribution. disciplines. Hill also returned to long passion for learning. He said He produced market trend insights the college to serve as the keynote there were two nuggets of wisdom and strategies to suppliers and speaker at the annual Scholarship that he learned during his time distributors navigating changes Recognition Banquet in 2017. In at SPC – keep an open mind and in the marketplace and facing 2019, the Hills were named to receive learn how to learn. That wisdom diminishing returns. the Pacesetter Award for exemplary greatly influenced the remainder philanthropic support of the South of his academic quests. He is an affiliate member of the Plains College Foundation. National Association of Chemical “Not only were they teaching Distributors and invests in the Hill lives in Redmond, Wash., me chemistry, but what they were future of the industry as a board outside Seattle, where he also spends teaching me more importantly was member of the Chemical Education time serving people affected by how to learn,” he said. “I will tell you Foundation. Hill is a member of the cancer and those in need through that yes the subject is important but American Chemical Society, a board his church ministries. what’s more important is learning member of the National Association how to learn.” of Chemical Distributors and the Alliston Community Christian After completing his associate School as well as a member of the of science degree at SPC in 1980, Houston Chemical Society. Hill went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at Texas Currently, Hill serves as the CEO Tech University. of Maroon Group, a leading specialty chemical distributor. Maroon Group Hill has worked as a distribution supplies specialty additives, resins, executive and advisor and has amassed pigments and packaging to North more than 30 years of experience in American manufacturers in plastics, the chemical distribution and sales composites, graphic arts, rubber industry. As an industry consultant, he and lubricants industries. has developed commercial strategies yielding impressive company growth “I was the first generation in in the United States, Europe, China our family who actually went to 23 Making a difference one mind at a time The South Plains College Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1979. The Foundation, which is fiscally and legally separate from the college, exists for the purpose of developing scholarship programs, supporting academic excellence, enhancing the educational programs of the college and expanding college opportunities for the students of South Plains College. As a not-for-profit corporation, the SPC Foundation receives and manages gifts and bequests in a manner that ensures maximum benefit to the donor as well as to the college. All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Contributions may be made in the form of cash, real or personal property, securities, provisions in a will, gifts of insurance policies or by the establishment of trusts. Gifts may be given to support particular programs and activities or given without restriction as to use. For information on how you can enhance educational opportunities for SPC students, contact the SPC Development Office at 806-716-2020. You may donate to SPC anytime online at www.southplainscollege.edu/ donate.

SPC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ann Capps, President; Mark Roberts, Vice President; Annette Sykora, Secretary; Russell Vest, Treasurer; Chad Alexander, Mike Box, Judy Bryant, Ronnie Cloud, Jim Cole, Steve Deaton, Henry Dominguez, Richard Ellis, Ty Gregory, Doug Hoelscher, Dan Hook, Carole Long, Stevan Melton, Toni Methvin, Dr. Amanda Neal, Bill Powell, Dr. Robin Satterwhite, Michael Stueart, Sarah Thompson, Joe Tubb, Marc Tucker, Ken Williams, Stephen John, Executive Director

SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The SPC Alumni Association allows all former students the opportunity to maintain a relationship with the college and its traditions. Former SPC students, including those in the Continuing and Distance Education departments are eligible to join this no-fee organization. Former students are encouraged to connect and remain involved with the college by registering their information with the Alumni Association, returning to campus for events, following the SPC Texans and Lady Texans, volunteering for various alumni programs and making SPC a part of their annual giving plan. The SPC Alumni Association Board of Directors includes: Marc Tucker, President; Chad Alexander, Vice President; Robyn Reaves, Secretary; Russell Vest, Treasurer; Julie Gerstenberger, Stephen John, Dr. Stan DeMerritt, Dr. Robin Satterwhite, Robbie Stansifer, Katheryn Townsend, Stephanie Smith, Executive Director. For more information, and to register, please visit www.southplainscollege.edu/alumni or contact Stephanie Smith, alumni coordinator, at 806-716-2103 or by email at [email protected].