SWTX honors service, excellence at Dean’s Breakfast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                        5/5/26

UVALDE, TEXAS

Southwest Texas College held its annual Dean’s Breakfast on Friday, May 1, honoring faculty and staff for service, retirements and outstanding contributions across its Uvalde, Del Rio and Eagle Pass, Crystal City, Hondo and Pearsall campuses. PHOTOS

President Hector Gonzales recognized 12 retirees for nine to 27 years of service. Honorees: Kirk Palermo, nine years; Alfredo Hernandez, 10 years; Josephine Mendez, 10 years; Dale Gear, 11 years; Yolanda Yvette Mirelez, 13 years; Cynthia Martinez, 17 years; Teresa H. Zamarrippa, 17 years; Rosa M. Rodriguez, 17 years; Richard Davis Jr., 20 years; Hector Rivera, 22 years; Juanita Reed, 26 years; and Dr. Mark Underwood, 27 years.

Outstanding awards

Outstanding Faculty Member: Albert Ybarra, presented by Frank Luna and Isabel Alvarez.

Faculty Association Teaching Excellence Award: Lorie Compton-Betty, presented by Veronica Williams.

Outstanding Staff — Professional: Amanda Santos, presented by Dr. Randa Schell.

Outstanding Staff — Paraprofessional: Aracely Ruiz, 34 years of service, presented by April Ruhmann.

NISOD Excellence Awards: Dr. Onesimo Martinez II, associate psychology professor, and Lucas Limbrick, diesel technology instructor. Both will receive medals May 24 at the national conference in Austin.

Service pins

More than 40 employees received service pins for five to 45 years.

45 years

Amanda Hadley

30 years

Connie Buchanan

Aracely Ruiz

25 years

Jo Ann Sanchez

Margot Mata

20 years

Victor Lopez

Derek Veazey

Concepcion Silva

Subburaj Kannan

15 years

Vanessa Uriegas

Xaviera Haynes

Gabriela Davis

10 years

Alyssa Gonzales

Frankie Pannell

Armando Mondragon

Janna E. Calk

Jose Zavala

Martin R. Garcia

Marisa Hinojosa

Maria E. Martinez

Rebekah Garza

5 years

Dana Garza

Leopoldo Aviles IV

Daniel Dickson

Michelle Martinez Vera

David Alonso Sanchez

Gerardo Luna

Ricardo Perez

Antonio Flores Jr.

Antonio V. Ruiz Jr.

Christina Maldonado Crowley

Alyssa Gomez

Donald McBlain

Jose Luis Ayala

Laura Bustillos

Lizet Medrano

Leaders emphasized SWTX’s family atmosphere and student commitment during graduation reminders.

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The college’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.