In Memoriam

§ = Latest additions to this cumulative list of notices.

1974

Robert Irving Boyd Sr., M.A. in education, died March 5, 2016, at age 85. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years before starting a 25-year career as a teacher of economics, government, world history, and American history at Holmes High School in San Antonio.

Ann Beasley Butler, M.A. in education, died April 21, 2018, at age 87. She attended Baylor University and earned her bachelor’s degree from Trinity University before attending UTSA. After receiving her master’s degree, she went on to become the program director of child development and training, and later the program director for the aged and disabled for the Texas Department of Human Resources.

Hector Camacho, M.A. in Spanish, died April 20, 2017, at age 86. His ministry with the Church of God spanned more than 60 years, serving as youth director, evangelist, pastor, and territorial superintendent throughout the United States and the Caribbean. He was cofounder and builder of the Pentecostal Bible College in Puerto Rico in addition to serving as a professor at Lee University and Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tenn. He also served as editor in chief of the Evangelical Publishing House for the Church of God, a position in which he produced literature and training resources for Spanish-speaking ministries worldwide.

Harry L. Edwards, M.A. in education, died January 27, 2016, at age 91.

Linda Troxler Evans, M.A. in education, died November 30, 2018, at age 68. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Southwest Texas State University and positively influenced the lives of thousands of students as a teacher at Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz as well as Incarnate Word and Health Careers high schools in San Antonio.

Albert Joseph Haas, M.A. in education, died September 23, 2017, at age 87. He served in both the U.S. Navy and Air Force as an accomplished rotary and fixed-wing aircraft mechanic. He became a history teacher after retiring from the military, teaching for nearly two decades.

Febe A. Herrera, M.A. in education, died August 25, 2014, at age 84.

Carol Ann Law, M.A. in education, died March 13, 2017, at age 69. She taught for two decades at Lanier High School and worked for Texas Public Radio after retiring from teaching. She also earned master gardener and master naturalist certifications, and served as a docent at the McNay Art Museum.

Angela A. Lewis, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died January 12, 2017, at age 91. She was a teacher for more than 30 years. She enjoyed traveling, painting, walking trails, cooking, and practicing tai chi.

Rebecca Ann Mitchell, M.A. in education, died December 27, 2016, at age 67. She was an elementary school teacher for many years, receiving the Yellow Rose of Texas Education Award, and capping her career as principal of Carson Elementary School in San Antonio. She was also a member of P.E.O., Holly Garden Club, Phi Delta Kappa, and University United Methodist Church.

Victor Moreno, M.A. in bicultural bilingual education, died March 25, 2015, at age 90.

Severita Quintana, M.A. in education, died January 22, 2016, at age 79.

Richard Grix Welker, M.B.A. in business, died July 17, 2018, at age 78. He attended Weber College and the University of Utah before earning his M.B.A. at UTSA. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1964. As a young lieutenant, he directed an epidemiological lab that won the USAF Outstanding Unit award. He was also nominated for the award of Outstanding Aerospace Medical Division Officer in 1965 and 1966. He later became a pharmacist and eventually managed several medical groups, including Desert Orthopedics and Premiere Health at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He loved photography, running, water and snow skiing, and taking long walks with his beloved dog, Baloo.

1975

Dennis Burkholder, M.B.A. in business, died December 22, 2015, at age 86. He was an entrepreneur who opened the Patio Flamenco nightclub in the Casino building in 1965 when few establishments existed on the River Walk.

Angela Quesada Fernandez, M.A. in education, died August 21, 2016, at age 80. She was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. in 1961 during the Cuban Revolution and had already started pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Havana. She used her degrees in a lifelong career at the Edgewood Independent School District in San Antonio.

Carolyn McKenzie Gray, M.A. in education, died June 12, 2019, at age 87. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Trinity University before attaining her master’s at UTSA. She would go on to teach kindergarten, first, and second grades at Carvajal and Will Rogers elementary schools. She was a leader in San Antonio ISD committees and teacher organizations. She was also a dedicated member of Colonial Hills United Methodist church, where she enjoyed bible classes and women’s activities.

Jane Sullinger Hurlbut, M.A. in education, died August 16, 2017, at age 79. She was an elementary, middle, and high school teacher and counselor. She taught in Birmingham, Ala., before moving to San Antonio in 1972, where she taught and counseled in the Northside Independent School District.

Jonathan Lee Kaplan, M.A. in environmental science, died December 18, 2016, at age 67. He served in the U.S. Navy as a weapons officer aboard the U.S.S. Ogden before returning to San Antonio to open his own real estate business. He also made contributions to a project at the University of Texas A&M-San Antonio developing a clean-burning automotive drivetrain that would achieve unprecedented mileage.

Leslie Simon Klemcke, M.B.A., died May 31, 2015, at age 71.

Estefana Martinez, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died September 2, 2016, at age 91.

Nancy Edmonds Oehler, M.A. in education, died October 18, 2015, at age 83.

George Xavier Panketh, M.B.A. in business, died December 19, 2017, at age 68. He spent nearly 25 years as an administrator for Alamo Colleges and Our Lady of the Lake University. He retired as the vice chancellor for fiscal affairs at Alamo Colleges.

§ Jeff Johnston Piercy, M.A. in environmental science, died Nov. 15, 2019, at age 95. The Missouri native enlisted in the U.S. Army College Training Academy in Idaho in 1943 and was selected as an aviation cadet in the Army’s Air Corps in 1944. After training in B-24 Liberator bombers, he flew 26 missions including daylight bombing of German forces as a 19-year-old aircraft commander during World War II in England, as well as crucial assignments during the Korean War, the Formosa Crisis, and Vietnam. Having earned his B.B.A. at the University of Colorado in 1961 through the Air Force’s Civilian Institution Program, he pursued a master’s degree at UTSA after retiring from the military. Upon earning his M.A. at UTSA, he became a commercial, residential and investment realtor with Rosow and Kline Realtors, Inc., before starting Piercy Enterprises which specialized in the same areas. He also served on the board of directors for Security Service Federal Credit Union for 17 years and was an election judge for Bexar County’s Central Counting Station for a decade.

Lilia Esperanza Hernandez Smith, M.A. in bicultural-bilingual studies, died January 20, 2018, at age 68. She was a teacher in San Antonio for more than three decades, touching the lives of students at Fox Tech High School, Longfellow Middle School, and San Antonio Preparatory Academy.

Steven Ward Solsbery, M.B.A. in business, died April 15, 2018, at age 67. He attended Alamo Heights High School and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at The University of Texas at Austin before earning his master’s degree at UTSA. He worked for Datapoint and as a real estate investor. He also served on the executive team for Ozelle Pharmaceuticals and was a past Salvation Army board member. He was lay reader at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and was active in the church’s Community of Hope group in addition to being a member of the Town Club.

Sharron Elaine Matthys Vogel, M.A. in education, died January 30, 2017, at age 75. She taught in the Haysville, Kansas, School District and Kirby Elementary School in San Antonio before settling down in Seguin, where she taught until retiring in 2002. She was actively involved at Grace Lutheran Church and enjoyed volunteer work for the Big Red Barn and the Seguin Public Library.

1976

Nelda Ruth Andrewartha, M.A. in education, died April 29, 2018, at age 83. She spent 31 of her 42 years in public education with the Northside ISD, including 10 years as the secondary language arts supervisor, in which she was instrumental in establishing the New Jersey Writing Project in Texas. She was honored as a distinguished teacher during her tenure at John Jay High School, also teaching in Austin, Waco, Kerrville, San Angelo, and El Paso. She taught for seven more years at UTSA and Wayland Baptist University after retirement. In her private life she wrote poems that were cherished by her loved ones and was active in several book clubs.

Maritza Beato, B.A. in psychology, died March 1, 2009, at age 59.

Roger L. Bessey, M.B.A. in business, died April 21, 2016, at age 76.

Irene Dennis, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died September 26, 2016, at age 67.

Robert Oscar Dunk, B.B.A. in management, died May 30, 2017, at age 63. He enjoyed a long career in banking, was a member of the Windcrest Lions Club, and the Finance Council of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. He was also a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ann Marie Eastwood, M.A. in education, died March 9, 2017, at age 84. She was a teacher for the San Antonio and North East independent school districts and remained as a substitute for North East in her later years. She also volunteered for many organizations, including the San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio Public Library, and San Antonio Military Medical Center, and was a member of the Red Hat Society.

James Glenn Edwards, M.A. in education, died June 1, 2014, at age 70.

Ezequiel Garcia Jr., M.B.A. in business, died Februaryruary 21, 2018, at age 75. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a certified public accountant who enjoyed a long professional career. He also served on the board of the UTSA Alumni Association from 1977 to 1981.

Shirley R. Harris, M.A. in education, died March 31, 2018, at age 73. She earned her B.S. in education from Southwest Texas State University in 1967, becoming the first African-American to earn a degree at the institution. She taught in the San Antonio ISD for more than 40 years and had a special love for the Girl Scouts. She also served a variety of positions at Bethel A.M.E. Church in San Antonio from the time she joined in 1962.

Robert Bruce Hill Jr., M.B.A. in business, died December 15, 2017, at age 72. He retired in 2009 after working for 37 years as a civilian logistics contractor for the U.S. Air Force. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed playing golf and doing yard work.

§ Marilyn Terry Lanfear, B.F.A. in art, M.F.A. in art ’78, died Jan. 19, 2020, at age 89. She was a skilled water colorist, oil painter, sculptor, paper-maker, seamstress, designer, and more. Her artwork is part of permanent museum collections in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, El Paso and Bentonville, Arkansas. She attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi before transferring to UT-Austin, where she was a straight-A student and member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She returned to college may years later after raising her children, working to earn her B.F.A. and M.F.A. at UTSA. She later taught drawing, design, and painting at San Antonio College, The University of Oregon, and William and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She also lived and made art in New York City for many years beginning in the mid-1980s. Through her art, she chronicled family stories and taught them important life lessons about art, creativity, religion, and politics.

Phyllis Massengale, B.B.A. in accounting, died October 9, 2015, at age 69. Massengale wrote in her self-penned obituary, “I am not gone to meet my maker or anyone else; I am simply dead. Forever.” Women’s rights were her main concern. She was the 2001 recipient of Planned Parenthood of San Antonio and South Central Texas award for volunteer excellence. She was a member of many liberal-leaning organizations, from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State all the way through the alphabet to the War Resisters League.

Mary June Brewster Mendias, M.A. in education, died December 5, 2014, at age 93. She graduated at the top of her class in 1938 from Choudrant High School in Louisiana, where she was crowned Cotton Queen. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Louisiana Tech University in 1941 and joined the U.S. Office of Censorship in 1942, translating correspondence and seeking out codes and secret messages in letters. She would go on to become a teacher at Madison Elementary in San Antonio for 26 years, first teaching second grade and then becoming the school’s first teacher for language- and learning-disabled students. She won numerous awards for teaching excellence throughout her career.

Patricia Morse-McNeely, M.A. in education, died November 24, 2018, at age 95. A fourth-generation Texan from Galveston, she earned a B.S. in education from UT Austin in 1972 before attending UTSA. She was a writer, family genealogist, counselor, and teacher. She began her 27-year teaching career at the age of 50, teaching in Seguin, San Antonio, and Dallas. She retired in 2000 and moved to Round Rock, where she continued to write short stories, children’s tales, and poems, which were published in newspapers and newsletters. Her book of poems titled The Inconstant Moon resides in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

JoAnn Treviño Muñoz, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died October 8, 2015, at age 63. She spent many years as a teacher and was a member of the Catholic Daughters, the Ladies Auxiliary, the Retired Teachers Association, the Floresville Musical Club, and the Floresville Academic Scholarship Fund.

Charles D. Nunnelly, M.B.A. in business, died May 15, 2016, at age 77.

Kimbro Rex Ogilvie, M.A. in environmental science, died August 7, 2018, at age 67. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture at Texas A&M University before studying environmental design and urban planning at UTSA. He moved from Texas to Roanoke County, Virginia, in 1985. He worked at several Roanoke advertising agencies before cofounding Group One Sales Promotion in 1997. He was a builder of all things, a freehand illustrator, a garage musician, a dedicated recycler, a freshwater fisherman, a model rocket launcher, a backyard meteorologist, and largely known as a creative, hilarious man.

Eduardo S. Sanchez, B.A. in history, died January 7, 2018, at age 72. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served his community as an officer for the San Antonio Police Department as well as a firefighter and arson investigator for the San Antonio Fire Department.

Robert Earl “Doc” Savage, M.A. in education, died March 3, 2018, at age 98. Born and raised in Iowa, he earned his bachelor’s degree at Tarkio College in Missouri, where he worked his way through college by shoveling coal into the boilers that heated the radiators on campus. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, becoming a navigator and bombardier on B-24 bombers flying out of England. He successfully completed 25 missions over occupied Europe. After the war he attained the rank of major in Fairbanks, Alaska, where was working to establish systems to fly across the Arctic. He moved to San Antonio in 1951 to establish academic training programs for the Air Force at Lackland AFB. He retired in 1972. His retirement years included family get-togethers and trips across the country in an RV. He was a member of the VFW, DAV, and American Legion.

§ Larry Ernest Schwab, M.A. in education, died Oct. 18, 2019, at age 73. The New Braunfels native joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a medic in the middle of his studies at Southwest Texas State University. After returning and earning his bachelor’s degree, he taught sixth grade science at New Braunfels Middle School and then led the community education program for the New Braunfels ISD. He would go on to earn his master’s in education at UTSA and serve as an assistant or vice principal at several schools. He ended his career in education as the GED director for Comal ISD. He participated in many leadership roles for several groups, including the Rotary Club of New Braunfels, the Comal County Senior Citizens Board, the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, the Retired Teachers Association, the New Braunfels Foundation Trust, and the Wurstfest Association. He also received the Unsung Hero Award in 1998.

Vance Smith, M.B.A. in business, died September 12, 2011, at age 61. A retired Air Force colonel, he was also an avid hiker, dog lover, and traveler.

Ronald Theodore Toney, B.B.A. in management, died February 8, 2018, at age 71. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from AT&T as a senior manager.

1977

Guadalupe Salinas Balli, B.A. in early childhood education, died August 16, 2018, at age 88. She left an admirable teaching legacy on the South San Antonio ISD community as a bilingual kindergarten educator at Hutchins Elementary School.

Sarah Brinkley Belew, M.A. in education, died January 2, 2019, at age 89. When she was 15 she received a certificate as the highest-ranking high school student in the state of North Carolina and received a full scholarship from Pepsi. She attended Wake Forest University and graduated summa cum laude. She traveled to Europe and worked as a teacher in Wyoming and Nevada before moving to San Antonio. She served as the director of public relations and training for the Bexar County Hospital District and then the Social Security Administration. After earning her master’s at UTSA she became an English teacher for the San Antonio ISD, primarily at Fox Tech High School.

§ Roy Wayne Bingham, B.A. in early childhood education, died Sept. 11, 2016, at age 73.

Genoveva Anita Bonugli, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died December 21, 2016, at age 71. She was a teacher, instructor, and night school supervisor for more than 25 years with the San Antonio Independent School District and Region 20. She was a San Antonio Spurs season-ticket holder who enjoyed painting, sculpting, and pottery as well as the music of Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley.

Peter Buckley Casey, M.B.A. in business, died November 28, 2018, at age 72. He was a certified public accountant for more than 40 years, first in Houston and later in Kerrville, where he moved with his family in 1994. He was an active Catholic, who enjoyed his yearly silent retreat and attempting to make the nuns laugh. He was also a longtime volunteer for the Kerrville Folk Festival and was instrumental in the creation of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Kerrville.

Doris LaVerne Clark, B.A. in English, died January 17, 2017, at age 80. She taught English literature at First Baptist Academy and Skyline High School in Dallas. She retired from Skyline in 1994.

Enrique “Henry” Cortinas, B.B.A. in management, died June 21, 2017, at age 73. He joined the Air Force Reserves with an activation during the Vietnam War. After graduating from UTSA, he was an architect with more than 20 years dedicated to civil service.

Robert Allen Crover, M.A. in education, died March 23, 2019, at age 89.

Michael McQuatters Davis, M.B.A., died January 9, 2015, at age 86.

Sister María Eva Flores, M.A. in bilingual-bicultural studies, died August 13, 2018, at age 78. She professed her first vows as a Sister of Divine Providence in 1965. In her 41 years of service to Our Lady of the Lake University she served as a professor of history, drama, public speaking, voice and diction, and Mexican American studies. She served as faculty adviser to several different recognized student organizations, such as the Association of Black Students, Danza Universal, and the United Hispanics Association. Her outstanding career as a professor, teacher, special collections librarian, and scholar earned her distinguished recognition from the university community as the OLLU Moody Professor in 1992 and 2002. In addition to her master’s degree from UTSA, she earned a master’s degree in library science with a specialty in archives from UT Austin and a Ph.D. in history from Arizona State University.

Leroy Peyser Friedlander, M.A. in education, died May 17, 2017, at age 88. He had a passion for sailing and often built and repaired things. He loved children and dogs, and they always seemed to be naturally drawn to him as well.

Michael Frieze, B.S. in biology, M.S. in biology ’82, died November 23, 2014, at age 59.

Sandra Karen Whitcomb Gardner, M.A. in education, died September 19, 2016, at age 72. She worked as a teacher for 36 years.

Angelina E. Garza, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died September 22, 2015, at age 70. As an avid member of Communities Organized for Public Service, she was instrumental in bringing many community projects to the west side of San Antonio, including the construction of Highway 151 and the Albert Benavides Learning Center.

Arturo G. Gutierrez Jr., B.A. in Spanish, died December 4, 2016, at age 64. He had a successful career as a federal agent. He started in the Border Patrol and then retired as a special investigator for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While working for the federal government, he served as the immigration attaché in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Charles Harms, B.A. in early childhood education, died May 3, 2015, at age 78.

Mary Elizabeth “Meg” Hathaway, M.A. in Spanish, died June 10, 2014, at age 87.

Ivy Janet Hegarty, M.A. in education, died April 28, 2015, at age 87.

Lawsanna Henderson, M.A. in education, died May 30, 2019, at age 78. She was an Illinois native who received her bachelor’s degree from Knox College in 1962. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and was an elementary school teacher in Foster, Rhode Island, where she started a first-grade reading program that was highly praised by the school district. After moving to San Antonio she became a key administrator at the Brighton School, working with students who had Down syndrome. In 1981 she wrote the book Kids Can Type Too, which encouraged children to learn typing skills at a time when computers were becoming more prevalent. She also taught at the San Antonio Jewish Day School and for Somerset ISD in addition to serving as an at-risk counselor for Southwest High School.

Roberto Hernandez, B.B.A. in management, died October 22, 2018, at age 82. He was an El Paso native who served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years and worked for Civil Service Customs for 20 years.

Roberto Hinojosa, B.A. in political science, died February 2, 2017, at age 61. He worked in various administrative positions but especially enjoyed working in the Bexar County Elections Department. He enjoyed country music and was an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys.

Nancy Jaros, M.A. in education, died June 17, 2016, at age 79.

John Emery Justice, M.B.A. in business, died August 18, 2017, at age 70. He earned his bachelor’s degree at West Virginia University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps for 31 years, starting as a private in 1969 and retiring as a colonel in 2000. He was a Freemason for nearly five decades and was honored to serve as master and secretary of Acacia Lodge No. 155 in Thurmont, Maryland. At the time of his death he was working as the vice president for operations for R.W. Garcia Snacks in Las Vegas.

Diane Ellinger Kane, M.A. in education, died March 29, 2019, at age 78. After growing up in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio she received her B.S. in elementary education from UT Austin in 1961. She then taught for the San Antonio and Northeast ISDs, spending the majority of that time at Garner Middle School. After earning her master’s degree at UTSA she became a counselor at Lee High School, where she remained for 21 years. She was a die-hard fashionista, an expert seamstress, and a skilled painter and fabric artist.

Marguerite Elizabeth Lara, M.A. in education, died March 15, 2017, at age 87. She worked as an educator for more than 35 years, earning awards from Wright Career College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Edgewood Federal Credit Union board of directors for her service. She was also an extra in multiple movies, including Primary Colors.

Robert Louis Le Pere, M.A. in education, died November 28, 2018, at age 73. He was born and raised in Belleville, Ill., and attended Southern Illinois University before transferring to St. Mary’s University to earn his bachelor’s degree in political science. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years in the JAG Corps, spending 18 months in Vietnam. He went on to complete the elementary education program at UT Austin and became an elementary teacher in the San Antonio ISD at Crockett, Travis, and Hawthorne schools. During this time he was featured on KENS TV for the Reading Robot he built. After completing his master’s degree at UTSA he transferred to the Northeast ISD and eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a principal. He served as principal at East Terrell Hills and Oak Grove elementary schools.

Carolina Torres Longoria, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died November 6, 2015, at age 86.

Matt J. Menger, M.A. in Spanish, died August 19, 2017, at age 88. The minister professed his first vows as a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1947 and took advanced philosophical and theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome for the next seven years. In 1956 he was assigned to missionary work in Laos, making him the first American priest to be stationed in the country. He built and directed the country’s first orphanage and the first girls training center in the capital city of Vientiane. He was national director of Catholic Relief Services and of Caritas Internationalis. He assisted various groups seeking information on American soldiers missing in action in Southeast Asia. He authored two books on Laos, Valley of the Mekong and Slowly Climbs the Sun. In 1975, he was reassigned to San Antonio, where he served as the director of the Office of Mission Development and Information.

Sharon Varda Kirstein Rex, B.A. in English, died March 21, 2017, at age 66.

Jim Rodriguez, B.A. in sociology, died June 27, 2016, at age 73. He was also a proud graduate of Fox Tech High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Terrell Clyde Rooks, M.S. in environmental science, died January 1, 2017, at age 69. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who would go on to work for Lockheed Martin and the Federal Aviation Administration. He enjoyed traveling, canoeing, jogging, and was an avid sports fan.

Frances Chapman Shackelford, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died May 20, 2017, at age 93.

Mercedes P. Spellmon, M.A. in education, died April 20, 2015, at age 83. She is the wife of the late artist Doc Spellman.

§ Elizabeth McLaurin Timms, M.B.A. in business, died Sept. 1, 2019, at age 87. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 1966 while managing a systems development project for the Houston Water Department. She moved to San Antonio a year later and continued her career as a computer analyst at Southwest Research. After receiving her M.B.A. at UTSA in 1977, she became a certified public accountant and practiced as a sole practitioner. She was active in the San Antonio League of Women Voters, being named its first vice president before becoming president. At different times, she also served as the treasurer or board member for the San Antonio Symphony Women’s Committee, the Opera Guild of San Antonio, the Women's Credit Union, and the Assistance League of San Antonio. She was also a member of the Conservation Society and an active participant in the Presbyterian Church.

Joe D. Urrutia, B.S. in chemistry, died October 25, 2017, at age 64. He was a proud band member and alumni of Memorial High School in San Antonio who especially enjoyed setting up holiday lights and decorations.

Georgia Varelas, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died March 31, 2016, at age 93.

Jane Lambert Welter, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died January 16, 2015, at age 84.

Bonnie Weynand, B.A. in anthropology, died June 7, 2015, at age 60.

Jewel Elizabeth Williams, B.A. in sociology, died June 2, 2016, at age 67.

Guie Git Wong, M.S. in biology, died January 26, 2018, at age 84. She worked for UT Health San Antonio.

1978

Jerry Dean Allen, M.A. in education, died December 2, 2017, at age 73. An educator for over four decades, he began his career with the Northside ISD as a teacher at Mary Hull and Locke Hill elementary schools before becoming the principal at John Glenn, Colonies North, and then Lackland City Elementary School. Through hard work, trust in his teaching team, and a belief in the potential of all children, he transformed Lackland City Elementary into a 90-90-90 campus: 90% or higher minority enrollment, with 90% or higher classified as economically disadvantaged, and 90% of the student body meeting or exceeding standards on annual reading and math tests. To honor the “roots and wings” he gave to students and his practice of hiring teachers who demonstrated caring and love for children above all else, the campus was renamed Jerry D. Allen Elementary School in 2012.

Martha Barrera Arizola, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died March 29, 2007, at age 68. She was a teacher in the Edgewood Independent School District for more than 30 years and was a founder and active member of the Guadalupana Association for Holy Rosary Church.

§ Robert H. Bier, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died May 7, 2017, at age 77.

Rosalie Mae Hernandez Birch, B.B.A. in management, died July 14, 2017, at age 68. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree, receiving her B.A. in education from Texas Women’s University in 1971. She taught English at Brentwood, Cooper, Twain, and Rhodes junior high schools as well as Lanier and Edison high schools before attending UTSA to earn her B.B.A. She went on to become a contract specialist in logistics at Kelly Air Force Base.

Lavonne Blackmon, B.S. in medical technology, died January 19, 2016, at age 60.

Thomas James Collins, M.A. in education, died October 3, 2018, at age 88. He loved photography and traveling, visiting all 50 states and 29 foreign countries. Over his diverse career he served as a radio announcer, English teacher, play director, and speech therapist. He taught for the South San Antonio and North East ISDs and was a member of Central Christian Church in San Antonio.

Larry D. Denny, B.S. in biology, died September 22, 2015, at age 64.

Charles W. Eaddy, M.B.A. in business, died February 23, 2017, at age 65. He began his career at USAA in San Antonio before holding positions at EDS and Deloitte Haskins and Sells that provided him the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He then moved to Austin in 2000 and worked for the Texas Department of Transportation.

Donald John “Donjon” Evans, M.F.A. in art, died February 17, 2019, at age 69. He grew up in Ohio and Arizona but moved to San Antonio after graduating high school. He received a bachelor’s degree at Trinity University, studying painting and drawing. He continued his artistic pursuits at UTSA, where he excelled at sculpture and printmaking. He was active in the San Antonio art scene, serving as an original member of the performance art group Ki Flow Turtle. He was also a member of the influential and pivotal art group known as the Mutt Cubists, who went on to found the San Antonio Museum of Modern Art, paving the way for galleries like the Blue Star Arts Complex. He sang lead vocals for music acts like the #2 Dinners, Ultra, and Batteries Not Included. He was a scholar of surrealism and the Dadaist modern art movement, and he once served as president of the San Antonio Lodge of the Theosophical Society of America.

Raul V. Flores, B.B.A. in accounting, died August 13, 2018, at age 88. He attended UTSA after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and made a home in Universal City.

Felix Garcia Jr., B.B.A. in finance, died June 30, 2019, at age 75. He worked at Kelly AFB for 35 years. He was a devoted Catholic who attended Prince of Peace Catholic Church, served as a member of the Roasary Guild, and attended several bible study classes. He was also a fourth-degree knight in the Knights of Columbus and participated in the Catholic Youth Organization. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing cards and dominoes, and contributing to Habitat for Humanity projects and ALS walks.

Alice Joan Gillette, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died August 25, 2016, at age 85. She was a member of the Assistance League of San Antonio and a docent at the McNay Art Museum.

David James “Jim” Gorman, B.S. in mathematics, died July 15, 2018, at age 64. He was a quiet man with a sweet spirit and a wry sense of humor.

Victoria Griffin, B.M. in music, died June 29, 2017, at age 63. After working for IBM in Houston and running her own catering business in Austin, she found a home as reverend at First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Texas. She was a member of the Ministerial Alliance and served on the Board of HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Enrichment). Her efforts were recognized when she was named by the Texas Rural Leadership Conference as Community Catalyst for her work in Cherokee County.

Harley E. Heffner, B.A. in history, died July 14, 2017, at age 85. Before attending UTSA, he reached the rank of master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Korean War and winning many military rifle and pistol competitions as a marksman. After earning his degree he pursued a career with Humana Hospital, where he retired as the security director. He was also an acclaimed athlete, winning a Golden Gloves amateur boxing championship in 1949.

§ Alicia Herrera, B.A. in early childhood education, M.A. in education ’83, died Dec. 28, 2019, at age 87. She taught kindergarten, first, and second grade for the San Antonio ISD, and retired after 17 years. Her passion for teaching was evident in the students and their parents who returned to share how they had proceeded in life. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, embroidering and crocheting, which allowed her creative side to shine. She was an avid reader, with Steig Larsson and James Patterson being two of her favorite authors. She enjoyed dance clubs in her youth, spending time with family and friends who shared the same interest. She also looked forward to the King William Fair during every Fiesta.

Martin “Mickey” Hewson, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died August 2, 2014, at age 63.

§ Raul Alfredo Hinojosa, B.B.A. in accounting, died Dec. 7, 2018, at age 83. He was a U.S. Army veteran and retiree. He earned various honorary Army medals such as the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He worked in the Army Power Plant Project, which included the Panama Canal, and conducted service in Antarctica.

Sharon Joan Millenacker Homuth, B.A. in sociology, died April 22, 2018, at age 76. After starting her postsecondary education at Loretto Heights College and the University of Colorado she earned her sociology degree at UTSA. She met her husband, Richard Homuth, in 1980, and they explored all seven continents together, sharing a common love for travel, adventure, and flying. She dedicated her career to the airline industry, working for Tejas, Emerald, and Muse airlines before retiring with Continental, and even earning her private pilot’s license. She was also actively involved in St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Pan American Round Table of San Antonio.

Marilyn “Joan” Ingram, B.F.A. in art, died December 8, 2016, at age 87. A native of Portland, Maine, she married military officer Paul Ingram and their family moved 23 times—living in seven different states and four foreign countries—over his 29-year military career. Following retirement, the couple undertook the colossal task of renovating a 1770 home they purchased in Farmington, Connecticutt. She was an accomplished artist and a gourmet cook.

Patricia “Pat” Rose Johnson, B.B.A. in accounting, M.P.A. in accounting ’86, died August 14, 2014, at age 68.

Carlos Kirkpatrick, M.S. in environmental science, died May 30, 2019, at age 88. He graduated from St. Augustin High School in Laredo and served his country as a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned his bachelor’s degree at UT Austin before receiving his master’s at UTSA.

Kay Kutchins, M.A. in environmental science, died December 8, 2018, at age 77. An Illinois native, she earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois, where she was also executive editor of The Daily Illini student newspaper. She transitioned from a career in journalism to the water utility industry when her family moved to San Antonio. She started as a training director for the San Antonio City Water Board. Her great work there led to a chair appointment with the American Water Works Association, where she served on several committees of high importance and trained more than 500 utility managers throughout Texas and the Southwest. She was tapped as an AWWA life member and honorary member, becoming the first woman to earn two major AWWA awards: Outstanding Service to the Water Industry, in 2004, and the AWWA Hall of Fame, in 2014. She was named a member of the San Antonio Water System’s Citizen Advisory Panel on Water Resources from 2009 to 2014, chairing the committee from 2012 to 2015. She was also a board member of Meals on Wheels in San Antonio and a board secretary for the Olmos Ensemble and the Cactus Pear Music Festival.

Raymond A. Marshburn, M.B.A. in business, died December 13, 2015, at age 71

Alejandro “Alex” Martinez, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 2, 2018, at age 66. He attended Floresville High School, continued his education at UTSA, received his CPA in Austin, and worked for many years as a certified public accountant.

Edward Maslyk, B.A. in psychology, M.A. in education ’92, died September 14, 2016, at age 86. He had a successful military career in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy. He received several letters of commendation and medals, including those for Korean Service, Good Conduct, United Nations Service, and National Defense Service.

James Mireles, B.A. in political science, died October 26, 2014, at age 58.

Robert Charles Olszewski, B.B.A. in management, died January 21, 2016, at age 60.

§ Pierrette Riou, B.A. in early childhood education, died Dec. 1, 2019, at age 91. Born in Québec, Canada, she taught in Catholic schools there until moving to San Antonio with her husband in 1957. She would continue to teach in Catholic and public elementary schools in San Antonio for many years until retirement.

Andrew Robert Roca, B.S. in math and computer science, died January 4, 2016, at age 74.

Elvi Esther Sanchez, M.A. in bicultural-bilingual studies, died April 14, 2018, at age 89. Born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, she attended Polytechnic Institute and nursing school in the country before marrying Rafael Sanchez Jr., in 1952. Over the course of their 62-year marriage, they lived in Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and California before settling down in Sebastian, Florida, in 1989. She worked as a registered nurse in hospitals, schools, and universities, and also became a nursing instructor after obtaining a master’s degree from the University of Kansas. In Florida she worked for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association as a health educator for child care workers and parents of preschoolers.

Nordale “Dale” Earl Savage, B.F.A. in art, died September 30, 2017, at age 68. He studied chemistry at St. Mary’s University and served in the Air Force for four years before attending UTSA. He worked for the Social Security Administration in both Galveston and San Antonio from 1979 to 2005, starting as a representative and working his way through the ranks to become an instructor and trainer for the SSI disability branch. He was also a proficient artist, best known for his paintings, sketches, drawings, lithographs, and wall murals. His eclectic accomplishments included building an A-frame house, learning to play the accordion, and fully restoring an antique pump organ.

Kathryn Ann “Kathy” Nester Snider, M.A. in education, died August 4, 2014, at age 62.

1979

Jacqueline Booth Barrows, B.M.E. in music, died November 11, 2016, at age 86. She taught music at Morrill Elementary School in the Harlandale Independent School District and also served as choir director for Western Hills Christian Church and First United Methodist Church.

Louis Alton Broussard, M.A. in education, died March 10, 2017, at age 84. After serving as a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Security Service, he taught French in the San Antonio Independent School District for more than three decades.

Luz M. Calderon, M.A. in bicultural bilingual education, died July 19, 2017, at age 80. She taught first grade bilingual studies for 20 years and high school history and world geography for 18 years. She was an extensive traveler and kept a journal detailing each place she visited.

Nancy Elizabeth Kinkel Corn, M.A. in education, died July 31, 2017, at age 86. She was a native of Sharpsburg, Georgia, and a retired diagnostician for the U.S. Air Force.

JoAnn G. Diaz, B.A. in early childhood education, died August 5, 2018, at age 62. She was a teacher for 35 years with the San Antonio ISD. She was the proud recipient of a KENS 5 EXCEL award in 2005, which recognized her for her excellence in education, and the State Farm Teacher of the Game Award in 2006, for which she won tickets to a Spurs game and her picture was featured on the Jumbotron during halftime. Her special interests were reading, traveling, painting, going to the movies, and road trips to Galveston with her family.

Linda Luna Duffy, B.A. in early childhood education, M.A. in education ’83, died July 5, 2017, at age 60. She worked as a special needs teacher in the Alamo Heights School District for 35 years. For the 1999–2000 school year she was awarded the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching from Trinity University and was named the Texas Regional Teacher of the Year. In 2001 she was chosen as the Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and the State Teacher of the Year for Texas as part of the Scholastic National Teacher of the Year award program.

Constance Sue Turner Edwards, B.B.A. in accounting, M.B.A. ’83, died February 15, 2015, at age 84.

§ Richard Jefferson Fry III, M.A. in education, died Nov. 22, 2019, at age 75. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1972. He would go on to a 36-year career as a school teacher, retiring as head of the social studies department at Marshall High School in the Northside ISD. He loved to surf in his younger years and enjoyed hiking trails in the Rocky Mountains during his later years.

§ William S. Gardner, M.S. in environmental science, died May 9, 2019, at age 88. The Mississippi native served in the U.S. Army for 25 years and fought in the Vietnam War.

Juan A. “Fred” Garza, B.S. in physical education, died January 26, 2016, at age 59.

Linda Lee Beck Gates, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died March 9, 2013, at age 61. She was a teacher and reading coordinator with the Medina Valley Independent School District.

Patricia Sue Armstrong Gray, M.A. in education, died August 2, 2019, at age 85.

Dudley Paul Green, M.A. in education, died December 21, 2015, at age 69.

Frank H. Grossman, B.A. in history, died December 22, 2016, at age 91. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18 and served through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He flew over 100 reconnaissance missions during the Korean War, and he received many honors and medals, including three Legion of Merit Awards.

Katherine Fox Hickey, B.A. in history, died October 15, 2015, at age 84.

Edwinna Kirkpatrick Janert, M.A. in education, died September 27, 2015, at age 75.

§ Claude Winston “Sonny” Lumley, B.A. in history, died Aug. 29, 2019, at age 86. The Georgia native joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and served in Vietnam in addition to tours in Japan, Germany, Italy and various assignments throughout the U.S.. He retired from the Army in 1973 as a Master Sergeant. His decorations were the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He then attended UTSA and became a history teacher and golf coach at Holmes High School in San Antonio. He finished his teaching career at H.M. King High School in Kingsville. He enjoyed his family, golf, hunting, fishing and Dallas Cowboys football.

Patricia Solomon Masterpool, B.B.A. in accounting, died December 9, 2009, at age 55.

Albert Licon Meneses, B.A. in early childhood education, died October 19. 2018, at age 75. He was a U.S. Army Reservist, a U.S. Marine, and a Vietnam War veteran. After earning his degree at UTSA he spent 27 years as an educator in San Antonio and Oakland, Calif.

Rosalinda V. Mireles, B.B.A. in management, died May 19, 2019, at age 64.

Gary Michael Neubauer, M.A. in education, died July 17, 2019, at age 75. Born in Los Angeles and raised in San Antonio, he was a standout athlete at Edison High School who attended South Plains College in Levelland on a basketball scholarship in the early 1960s. He would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University. He spent many years in education and administration. After obtaining an M.A. degree at UTSA he moved to Houston and finished his career in the Alief ISD, retiring as an assistant principal in 2002. He enjoyed golfing with his childhood friends, traveling with his wife, and both playing and listening to all sorts of music. In retirement he took up dog training and was actively involved with Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Hector M. “Sandy” Ortiz Jr., B.B.A. in accounting, died June 13, 2019, at age 63. He had been a certified public accountant.

Roland Pena Revilla, B.A. in early childhood education, died November 4, 2018, at age 65. He served in the U.S. Air Force and would go on to earn a master’s degree in education from Our Lady of the Lake University. He taught for 31 years for schools in the Edgewood, Northside, and San Antonio ISDs. He retired from teaching in 2006 and began working part-time for the international programs department for the Alamo Colleges District. He established lifelong friendships with teachers and students across Central America and even traveled to El Salvador to assist in the selection process of students who would come to the United States to study.

Jimmie Greer Richardson, B.A. in history, died February 20, 2014, at age 69.

§ John P. “Jack” Riegel, B.S. in applied science, died Sept. 8, 2019, at age 64. His work, often in support of the military, took him all around the globe and allowed him to develop lasting friendships in many countries. Jack spent much of his life in San Antonio and had recently returned from a decade in Washington, D.C. to start a new chapter with his wife, Roxy, in the Hill Country. His retirement included developing his home into a mini-escape for his children, their spouses, and grandchildren, as well as consulting.

Jerri Lynn Shaner, B.A. in early childhood education, died March 30, 2015, at age 70. She taught special education for the San Antonio ISD for 24 years and was also a Special Olympics head coach at Austin Elementary School, Cornell Middle School, and Fox Tech High School.

Louis Shih-Yen Shiao, M.A. in bicultural-bilingual studies, died November 15, 2016, at age 88. Raised by a prominent farming family in the province of Hebei, China, he excelled at Chinese literature and composition in grade school and took the initiative to learn Latin, English, French, and Spanish. He enrolled at Fu-Jen Catholic University in Peking in 1947 but made the difficult decision to flee to Hong Kong in 1949 when the Communist Red Army took control of China. He never saw his parents or four siblings again. He would go on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy while studying at New Asia College in Hong Kong and the University of the Philippines before completing his Ph.D. at the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain. While studying for a master’s degree in linguistics in London, he was offered a professorship at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he moved in 1966. He later relocated to accept a teaching role at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He also taught at the University of the Incarnate Word, St. Phillip’s College, and San Antonio College before retiring with his wife, Anne, in Carrollton.

John F. Splichal, B.A. in political science, died May 14, 2014, at age 60.

Elizabeth Jean Dow Stanley, B.S. in chemistry, died July 30, 2019, at age 62. After graduating from UTSA she embarked on a 20-year career as a food science technologist for Pfizer Inc. She then co-owned and operated RexReport, a real estate report of monthly foreclosures, for 18 years. She loved animals, Agatha Christie mystery novels, Mexican food, spending time with family, and studying her Bible.

Fred “Fritz” Wernli, B.S. in applied science, died March 16, 2018, at age 71. He grew up in Odessa, where he played baseball and graduated from Odessa High School before attending Texas Christian University. After considering a teaching career he earned an applied science degree at UTSA and discovered his true calling as a fourth-generation oil and gas geologist. He was blessed with two dream jobs—the first with Musselman Oil and the second with Tidal Petroleum. He enjoyed serving with the Olmos Kiwanis Club, the Petroleum Club, and Balcones Energy as well as with Alamo Heights Christian Church and First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio.

William Van Wilkinson, M.A. in education, died May 15, 2006, at age 65.

1980

Mary Nell Bressel, B.B.A. in accounting, died November 9, 2014, at age 55.

Henrietta Novella Piper Campbell, B.A. in sociology, died January 16, 2015, at age 81.

Ricardo Castillo, B.S. in biology, died October 4, 2018, at age 71. He graduated from Fox Tech High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He developed a passion for photography during his time in the Air Force. After earning his degree from UTSA he worked for many years as a biomedical research assistant at both the UT Health Science Center and the Texas Diabetes Institute. He was also a longtime volunteer for schools in the Northside ISD.

Orlando Cisneros, B.A. in psychology, died February 5, 2016, at age 81.

Loren K. Cordes, M.B.A. in management, died August 17, 2019, at age 65. A North Dakota native, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Texas Lutheran College before pursuing his M.B.A. at UTSA. He went on to work for the Hexcel Corp. and then spent 19 years at Simpson Race Products, where he was most recently the company’s chief financial officer. He enjoyed life on Lake McQueeney, serving his community through Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church and Sports Boosters and going on vacations with his family and loved ones.

§ Adolph R. Cordova, B.B.A. in accounting, died Nov. 20, 2019, at age 88. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and won the Purple Heart before attending UTSA. He would go on to work in information technology at Kelly AFB. Spending time with his family, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and indulging his sweet tooth were among his favorite activities.

Patrick Joseph Dossey, M.B.A. in business, died February 27, 2018, at age 76. He was born and raised in San Antonio and was a proud Texan.

Patricia Lewis Fahey, B.A. in humanities, M.A. in English ’81, died February 5, 2016, at age 57.

George J. Garcia, B.A. in sociology, died January 12, 2018, at age 80. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Air Force he earned his sociology degree and settled down with his family in Kenedy. He was appointed chief probation officer of the 81st and 218th Judicial District with offices in Karnes, Wilson, Atascosa, La Salle, and Frio counties and was later promoted to director of community supervision and corrections. In addition to supporting law enforcement and veteran causes he enjoyed reading novels and watching old Westerns.

Margaret Carol Honeck-Gold, B.M.E. in music, died December 8, 2016, at age 81. She was president of the San Antonio Music Teachers Association and a devoted member of the St. Pius X Parish.

Larry Kirkpatrick, M.P.A. in accounting, died October 9, 2015, at age 72. He had a love for Texas history, especially the Spanish colonial period, and genealogy. He was an active member of Los Bexarenos Genealogical and Historical Society, Los Granaderos de Galvez, and the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library (Texana).

Virgil Bernard Kyrish, B.A. in anthropology, died June 6, 2016, at age 62.

§ Catherine M. LaSota, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 11, 2019, at age 59.

David Griffith Liebmann, B.S. in geology, died February 21, 2018, at age 61. He was a highly regarded geophysicist for Chevron and its predecessor companies for more than 35 years. Over the course of his career he lived and traveled all over the world, from Houston to Russia to North Africa and finally settling down in Midland. He was active in promoting interest in geophysics and geology as a leader of the Permian Basin Geophysical Society. He also took great pride in his San Antonio heritage and was a member of the German Club and the Order of the Alamo.

Winnie Merle McCartney, M.A. in education, died January 11, 2015, at age 92.

§ Rodney W. McClellan, B.S. in biology, died Nov. 10, 2019, at age 72. A lifelong San Antonio resident, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Highlands High School in 1964 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant six years later. He then worked as a computer systems engineer for the San Antonio Light newspaper for more than two decades. While working for the Light, he earned his bachelor’s degree at UTSA and an M.B.A. at the University of the Incarnate Word. He worked for several health insurance companies as their telecom engineer after the San Antonio Light closed in 1993. In his free time, he and his son raised registered Angus cows on his ranch in southeast Bexar County.

Evelyn Marlow Mortola, B.B.A. in management, M.A. in environmental studies ’82, died October 5, 2017, at age 87. She enjoyed several careers before retiring as an employee for the City of San Antonio. After retirement she spent many years as an active member of the League of Women Voters and Northwest Democrats as well as a volunteer for the Child Advocates of San Antonio.

Richard Peña, M.A. in education, died September 24, 2015, at age 67.

Richard Bullock Price, B.B.A. in accounting, died February 4, 2019, at age 64. He was born in New Orleans and raised in San Antonio. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from UTSA he would go on to earn his M.A. in urban affairs from UT Arlington. Over the course of his career he worked as a budget analyst for the UT Health Science Center in Dallas and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, as an auditor for the U.S. Army Audit Agency, as assistant to the city manager for the City of Irving, as senior manager at Arthur Andersen, and as the director of research and information services for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. He founded Government Resource Associates LLC and IT Performance Inc. in addition to working as a consultant for Solbourne Computer Inc. He was associated with many industry affiliations, including speaking engagements for Government Finance Officers Association of Texas, Urban Management Assistants of North Texas, and Urban and Regional Information Systems Association. He spent his semiretirement years as a stock market trader and author. He was a life member of the UTSA Alumni Association. As a season ticket holder, he attended UTSA football games while keeping statistics for his Twitter followers. He enjoyed tailgating before football games and attending UTSA baseball and basketball games.

Clinton Phillip Reed III, B.B.A. in accounting, died September 18, 2014, at age 69.

Robert J. Richmond, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died April 3, 2017, at age 73. After two years of service in the U.S. Army, he taught at various high schools and middle schools in the San Antonio area in addition to teaching English and speech at UTSA, St. Mary’s University, and University of the Incarnate Word. In 1989 he became an English instructor at Palo Alto College, where he would continue to teach until 2012. He was also the educational columnist for the San Antonio Light from 1983 to 1993. In 1990 and 1991 he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in commentary.

Delmer Ross, B.B.A. in accounting, died August 28, 2016, at age 81. He was married for 58 years, had a 45-year professional career, and gave more than 30 years of community service.

Dianne Marjory Ross, B.A. in criminal justice, died June 27, 2018, at age 69. She was passionate about civil rights and providing free legal aid to those with low incomes. Her career spanned three decades as she worked for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Texas Rural Legal Aid. She traveled South Texas, redrawing district lines, taking litigation against local government, and representing hundreds of people in disability and worker’s compensation claims.

Millard Martin Shaw, B.B.A. in accounting, died April 22, 2017, at age 80. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, joining in 1957. He started pilot training in 1959 and went on to achieve Command Pilot status. He completed B-47 combat crew training in October 1959 and B-52 combat crew training in 1966. He later served as a pilot during the Vietnam War, flying more than 100 successful combat missions in Southeast Asia. During his career, he was awarded the Air Medal for distinguished service five times.

Cheryl Mead Starr, B.B.A. in accounting, died February 23, 2018, at age 59. She was a proud employee of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Southwest in Corpus Christi for 28 years and later with ISS Facility Services. She was also an active member of Grace Bible Church in La Vernia. She loved traveling on car trips or cruises and especially camping at national and state parks. She also enjoyed attending productions at the Majestic Theater, working on jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, and going to movies and garage sales.

Sharon Kutz Wells, B.S. in medical technology, died December 2, 2013, at age 70. Upon completing her degree she worked for Methodist Hospital as a clinical lab scientist. At one time she was promoted to the job of chief of staff of chemistry. When she took the required test to become a registered medical lab technician she scored the fifth-highest grade ever recorded in the United States. She was also a magnificent cook and loved to read.

Juan A. Zaragosa, B.B.A. in management, died August 20, 2018, at age 70. He began his career at the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation in 1966 as an inspector assigned to the department’s Bexar County residency. He worked on the construction of U.S. Highway 90 West and U.S. 281. He was promoted to district headquarters in 1973 and continued his advancement to the senior position of district right of way supervisor for the San Antonio district. He retired from TxDOT in 2003 but continued to work with the Bexar County Appraisal District and HRM Consultants in addition to serving on the executive committee for the International Right of Way Association. He was skilled in many crafts, including resin casting and photography. His favorite pastimes included betting on horses, playing tennis, fishing, and watching sports with his son.

1981

Ronald Leigh Beck, B.S. in health and physical education, died April 21, 2018, at age 67. He worked for many years as a coach and educator before owning and operating a medical billing service for 12 years with his wife, Betty. He then became a compassionate caregiver for his parents, parents-in-law, and siblings-in-law until their deaths. Upon retirement, he enjoyed volunteering for Laurel Heights United Methodist Church and Laurel Heights Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He donated his brain to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center for the sake of research after his death.

Jodi Lynn Bell, B.A. in early childhood education, died July 14, 2018, at age 59. She and her husband, David, built a family and ministry, and Destiny Church continues to touch countless lives.

Jesse A. Cabrera, B.B.A. in management, died March 21, 2016, at age 69.

Maria Luisa Castañeda, B.A. in early childhood education, died January 25, 2019, at age 88.

§ Amalia Cardenas Castellanos, B.A. in early childhood education, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies ’88, died Sept. 21, 2019, at age 79. She was born in Beeville, Texas, and earned an associate’s degree from San Antonio College before obtaining her bachelor’s degree at UTSA. She went on to a 29-year career as a bilingual teacher for the Southwest ISD.

Vickie Lynn Thomas Donegan, M.A. in education, died January 21, 2015, at age 64.

Maurie Sue Freddie, B.A. in early childhood education, died February 28, 2018, at age 73.

Victor Gaenzel, B.B.A. in accounting, died April 10, 2011, at age 65.

James Michael Glennon, B.B.A. in accounting, died October 16, 2014, at age 87.

Janet Damreau Meyers Goodpasture, B.B.A. in accounting, died October 27, 2017, at age 59. She married Joe Goodpasture on February 14, 1987, in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and lived and worked most of her adult life in the San Antonio area.

Donald Joseph Hague, B.A. in English, M.A. in education ’84, died February 5, 2015, at age 86.

Joseph Granville Heflin, M.A. in bicultural-bilingual studies, died June 13, 2018, at age 72. After serving as a teaching assistant at UCLA he dedicated his life to justice and community aid, as reflected in his employment history: counselor for the Neighborhood Youth Corps in Memphis; executive director at the Quaker Center International in Paris; probation officer for Inner London Probation and After-Care in London; research analyst with Community Planners Inc., in Laredo; ESL teacher for the Refugee Language School in San Antonio; and staff member for the Rural Southern Voice for Peace in Celo Community, North Carolina

Angelina Fraggiosa Hoyt, M.A. in education, died September 30, 2017, at age 86. She grew up in Alhambra, California, representing her city on a float in the 1947 Rose Parade, the first to ever be televised. She graduated from Los Angeles State College with a bachelor’s degree in education, teaching at many schools across the country as well as in Masawa, Japan, and Taipei, Taiwan, before settling down in Helotes. She was a beloved special education and kindergarten teacher for the Northside ISD for many years before retirement.

Bivian Lee Kane, B.A. in psychology, died May 12, 2015, at age 70.

Doris Alice Pedersen, M.A. in education, died May 22, 2017, at age 89. Born in Queens, New York, she attended a fine arts high school in Manhattan before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in special education from Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). She and her husband, Robert, lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania until moving to San Antonio in 1977. She dedicated her life to teaching emotionally disturbed children, working for the Northside ISD until she was 65 years old and then spending 14 years as a substitute teacher. She also practiced and taught concept therapy in her free time.

§ Terry Alton Ricks, M.S. in biology, died Oct. 29, 2019, at age 64. He obtained a bachelor’s degree at Texas Lutheran University before earning his master’s degree at UTSA. He worked for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. His first assignment was as a lab technician working at various health clinics in the city. He advanced his career with the health department, became a Registered Professional Sanitarian, and worked in this position until his retirement in 2015. He joined the Cub Scouts as a third-grader and stayed active in the Boy Scouts of America for the next 55 years, earning many honors including the Silver Beaver Award. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, photography, and weaponry.

Gilbert Salazar, B.S. in biology, died August 26, 2016, at age 57. A doctor who worked in family medicine for 28 years, he also enjoyed listening to heavy metal music, playing pool, and reading.

Mary Emma Solis, M.A. in bicultural bilingual studies, died October 20, 2015, at age 82.

§ Carolynn Little Stampley, M.A. in education, died Sept. 17, 2019, at age 69. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973 before obtaining a master’s degree at UTSA. She pursued a long and rewarding career in education, devoting her time and effort to children with special learning needs. In addition to her passion for working with children, she loved exploring, design, cooking, and most recently Ikebana flower arranging.

Dale Phillips, B.A. in early childhood education, died January 1, 2002, at age 56.

Cynthia Ann Keller Wallace, B.A. in early childhood education, M.A. in education ’86, died November 7, 2016, at age 56.

§ Betty L. Williams, B.A. in Spanish, M.A. in Spanish ’83, died Oct. 3, 2019, at age 91. Of her many achievements, she started the LLAVE program, which translated well-known children’s stories from English to Spanish. She retired from Randolph AFB having received three employee of the year awards. As a testament to her intrepid spirit, one of the many activities she undertook after retirement was learning to fly. She was a much-loved member of St. John Neumann’s Roman Catholic Church, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Mokanna, and other voluntary and community-based organizations. She was a Bexar County election judge, a former docent with the San Antonio Zoo, and was heavily involved with the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Imelda Torres Zuniga, B.B.A. in management, died October 14, 2018, at age 64. She worked for the Alamo Colleges District until retirement.

1982

Olga Arrese, B.A. in psychology, died April 17, 2017, at age 63. Born in Chile to Basque immigrants and raised in the United States, she was dedicated to helping people in dire circumstances. After graduating from UTSA she became a marriage, family, and child counselor. She lived in Redlands, Calif., for the last 16 years of her life. She often painted and wrote creative pieces inspired by the poverty of her childhood, her mother’s untimely death, and the horrors her father escaped in the Spanish Civil War.

Gloria Cantu Arriaga, B.B.A. in management, died July 31, 2018, at age 67. She began her career at the Alamo Area Council of Governments in 1971 as a secretary but was promoted to executive secretary in the early 1980s after earning her B.B.A.

§ Don Richard Burkharth, M.A. in education, died Dec. 19, 2019, at age 69. Born in Wichita, Kan., he was a dedicated educator, an art enthusiast, a lover of contemporary and classical literature, an ardent sports spectator, a participant in tennis, golf and basketball teams, a lifelong supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs, a world traveler, and an impassioned Beatles fan. He began his teaching career in San Antonio in 1975 after earning his bachelor’s degree at UT-Austin. He was employed first with the Edgewood ISD and then for more than 25 years with the Harlendale ISD.

Robert Kent Carr, B.B.A. in management, died March 9, 2018, at age 60. He worked in several Christian ministries before owning and operating a bookkeeping and tax service. He was a marketing consultant at the time of his death. In addition to having a natural talent for drawing he enjoyed fixing objects and working with his hands.

Teresa “Terry” Katherine Thompson Carter, M.A. in education, died April 18, 2016, at age 71.

Kay Cockrell-Dills, B.S. in applied science, died March 5, 2016, at age 69.

Susan Diane Connors, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 4, 2019, at age 58. She would go on to obtain her M.B.A. and become a certified public accountant. In 1994 she became an officer in the U.S. Navy and lived and worked in California and Puerto Rico. After leaving the Navy she worked for the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Patrol, receiving multiple accommodations for her exceptional service. She was passionate about helping animals, personally rescuing all of her pets, either as strays or injured along the highway. She valued them all as part of her family. She also enjoyed planning her travel adventures, which included trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Montana.

Kirk Wayne Dockery, B.A. in political science, died October 27, 2017, at age 57. After graduating from UTSA he earned a law degree from the Texas Tech School of Law in 1985 and practiced law for many years at the Donaho & Dockery law firm in Floresville. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas, the San Antonio Bar Association, and the Sons of the Republic of Texas, among other organizations.

Kathleen Marie Furukawa, B.A. in sociology, died April 26, 2015, at age 69.

§ Billye Ruth Harris, M.A. in education, died Dec. 26, 2018.

Mark Stephen Hierholzer, B.M. in music, died September 10, 2018, at age 58.

Sandra “Sandy” Stewart Holzmann, B.B.A. in management, died December 6, 2017, at age 72. After earning her B.B.A. at UTSA she moved to Dallas and enjoyed a successful career as a project manager in the financial and telecommunications industries. She and her husband, Richard, returned to San Antonio when they retired in 2006 and became passionate members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in nearby Selma. She loved sailing, vacations in the Caribbean, and the fellowship that arose from the church’s senior group and her husband’s participation in the San Antonio Liederkranz German Singing Club.

Michael Jensen, B.B.A. in accounting, died February 22, 2019, at age 58. He worked for several different companies in San Antonio, most recently as a business analyst for iHeart Media. In 1996 he received the National Volunteer of the Year Award for leadership excellence and volunteerism for public television. He was a big-time Texas Longhorns fan, attending most home football games and many basketball and baseball games as well. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, and going on cruises to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

David Thomas Lawhon, B.S. in applied science, died August 25, 2015, at age 60.

William Robert Lewis, M.M. in music, died January 11, 2018, at age 66. He was a tenor soloist who frequently performed at churches and other events. He sang 12 years for the San Antonio Liederkranz men’s choir and taught music classes at the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio College, St. Philip’s College, and Northwest Vista College.

Dennis Clair McCoy, B.B.A. in management, died April 8, 2017, at age 81. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years an intelligence analyst. A highly decorated senior master sergeant, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He worked for an additional 20 years in civil service after earning his degree at UTSA. He served as post commander of the San Antonio VFW No. 9174 and as president of his HOA, Green Glen Acres.

Doris Alice Pedersen, M.A. in education, died May 22, 2017, at age 89. She dedicated her life to teaching emotionally disturbed children, both in Pennsylvania and Texas. She retired from the North Side Independent School district in San Antonio at the age of 65 but continued substitute teaching until the age of 79.

Mark David Russell, B.S. in math, computer science and systems design, died April 22, 2016, at age 59.

Patricia L. Saunders, M.A. in education, at age 65.

Billy “Bill” Joe Sayers, M.A. in history, died November 26, 2015, at age 86. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and received a Purple Heart.

Kathryn Seipp, B.B.A. in accounting, died September 29, 2016, at age 56. She was a lifelong resident of San Antonio and enjoyed arts and crafts as well as bowling and fishing. She was a member of the choir at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

§ Linda Kay Sulser, M.A. in education, died Oct. 1, 2019, at age 65. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at Texas Lutheran University before attending UTSA. She loved children and dedicated her life to teaching, inspiring generations of students through her creativity, insight, intellect, dedication, and compassion. She taught for most of her 30-year career at Windcrest Elementary, spending the last seven years teaching special education. Her gifts in the arts included music, painting, and writing. She sang beautifully, attended Texas Lutheran on a music scholarship, published a children's book, and painted several gorgeous works throughout her life. Her creative gifts carried over into her love for holidays and celebrations.

Oscar H. White, B.B.A. in accounting, died April 16, 2019, at age 72. After graduating from high school at the age of 16 he joined the Merchant Marines and then enlisted in the U.S. Army for a tour in Vietnam. He moved to San Antonio in 1969 and would go on to earn his B.B.A. at UTSA and a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. He was a certified public accountant for 36 years for Tesoro and an auditor for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for 11 years.

Patricia Thornton White, B.A. in history, died July 6, 2018, at age 64. She graduated from Jefferson High School in San Antonio in 1971, attended San Antonio College, earned her bachelor’s degree at UTSA and a master’s degree at Trinity University. She dedicated her career to school administration and serving on the city council for her community of Garden Ridge.

1983

John M. Arévalo, M.A. in history, died July 16, 2017, at age 67. He taught history at Harlandale High School for nearly 41 years. He was the vice chairman of the advisory council for the Hispanic Student Success Program for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, was the recipient of the Golden Rule Award, and was interviewed on Good Morning America. He was the proud father of Diana Arévalo, who would also graduate from UTSA before becoming a Texas state representative.

Annetta Lou Inman Atkins, B.B.A. in accounting, died November 7, 2014, at age 81. She was born in Oklahoma and spent most of her youth in the Texas Panhandle before moving to San Antonio. She served in numerous volunteer positions, most notably as an officer of the Scenic Oaks Property Owners Association and the Villa de San Antonio Residents’ Council.

Buryl Dean “Bid” Conger, B.A. in history, died July 3, 2015, at age 85. He was an avid photographer. While working in Japan, at the urging of a friend, Conger entered a photography contest and as a result, the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art displayed two of his works. As project photographer on the Rio Azul archaeological excavations in Guatemala, two of Conger’s photographs also appeared in the April 1986 edition of National Geographic.

Joanne S. Connelly, M.B.A., died on August 26, 2014, at age 67.

Albert Michael Contreras, B.A. in political science, died February 10, 2017, at age 66. He was a proud UTSA alumnus who successfully encouraged his two children and one grandchild to follow in his footsteps and attend his alma mater.

Edward Cruz Jr., B.A. in criminal justice, died January 11, 2019, at age 61.

John Joseph Garcia, B.S. in biology, died May 27, 2018, at age 70. He started his illustrious service career as a radioman for the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He would then transfer to the Air Force Reserve and become a flight medic. Among his most notable assignments were serving as brigade surgeon in the 7th Infantry Division during the invasion of Panama as well as battalion surgeon in the 1st Cavalry Division during the liberation of Kuwait. He ended his military career as the Texas State Surgeon General for the U.S. Army, winning two Bronze Star medals among dozens of awards. In addition to practicing family medicine, he would go on to hold many leadership roles: medical director for Harbour Hospice of Bexar County, chief medical officer for veterans affairs at both South Bexar County and Frank Tejeda outpatient clinics, and chief medical officer for veterans’ compensation and pension at both the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and the Taylor J. Burk Health Clinic at Camp Bullis.

Joseph Lionel Hernandez, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 30, 2019, at age 59. He was a successful small business owner, establishing and directing Green Pros Landscape & Irrigation. His passion for recreational and sport fishing inspired him and six others to launch the SurfCats Fishing Classic, a tournament held annually for 25 years at South Padre Island.

Robert E. James, B.A. in criminal justice, died July 31, 2008, at age 71.

Thomas W. Jones, B.B.A. in management, B.B.A. in accounting ’84, died January 15, 2017, at age 74. He served as a member of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in the Vietnam War during 1965 and 1966. He retired from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant in 1980. He retired from the Internal Revenue Service and as president of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 52 in 2005.

§ Glenn Lee Knoblauch, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 21, 2019, at age 71. He was born in Ohio and raised in Michigan before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1969 as a computer/security specialist. Following six years of military service, he worked in San Antonio for Tesoro Petroleum, Central Processing and finally for Bexar County Information Services, where he retired. He was proud to be a lifetime blood and platelet donor to the San Antonio Blood Bank and a longtime member of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Raffle Committee. He would spend hours reading and would go fishing at every opportunity. He enjoyed listening to music and playing Sudoku and word search puzzles.

Linda Patricia Gregory Koehler, B.A. in early childhood education, died May 15, 2014, at age 66.

Patric McNulla, M.B.A. in business administration, died October 18, 2016, at age 78. A retired U.S. Air Force captain and veteran of 23 years, he was also a doting father and grandfather. In retirement, he enjoyed bluegrass music, his dogs, and traveling.

James R. Miller, B.A. in sociology, died October 30, 2014, at age 74.

Herbert A. Mueller, M.A. in environmental studies, died September 4, 2017, at age 72. He reached the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. National Guard before earning a bachelor’s degree at Southwest Texas University and becoming a planner for San Antonio Water System, where he retired in 2011. He was very active at Christ Lutheran Church and led their Habitat for Humanity program. He was also codirector of the Children’s Garden and served on the board of the Botanical Center.

Kathryn Ruth Nicholson-Vickers, M.A. in education, died July 19, 2018, at age 72. She was a high school teacher and counselor for the Northside ISD until she retired in 2010. She loved raising her grandkids and was a member of Oak Hills Church.

James Patrick Orr, B.B.A. in management, died January 21, 2019, at age 58. He attended Catholic schools from first through 12th grades before attending UTSA. He was an administrator at Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church in San Antonio for more than 30 years and cofounded the Atonement Academy in 1994.

Crawford “Jay” Reeder, B.A. in economics, died August 21, 2015, at age 60.

Rebeca Gloria Resendiz, M.A. in education, died March 8, 2019, at age 67. She was a first generation college student who earned a B.S. in math education from UT Austin in 1974 before attending UTSA. She enjoyed a 30-year career in public education as a math teacher and guidance counselor. She also taught at the junior college level for three years.

Jennifer Ray Rosanbalm, M.B.A. in business, died December 12, 2016, at age 61. She worked at USAA for 23 years before making a drastic career change. She became a teacher at Dilley High School, where she was affectionately known by students and staff as Mrs. Rosie.

Daniel Saenz III, B.B.A. in management, died January 17, 2015, at age 69.

Elizabeth Sfalos, B.A. in sociology, died July 26, 2019, at age 67. She was the owner of Bobby J’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers in Helotes.

Betty Jean Corbin Statler, B.A. in English, died on July 19, 2014, at age 78.

Nettie Francis Alex Trawick, B.A. in political science, died January 9, 2016, at age 56.

Dorinda Dee “Rindee” Tyson, B.B.A. in management, died January 31, 2016, at age 69. Rindee was a descendant of Antonio Menchaca, whose family was among the first settlers in San Antonio.

1984

Lisa Carol Real Ahlert, B.B.A. in management, died August 8, 2015, at age 52.

Mary Damsgaard, M.B.A. in business, died February 22, 2016, at age 64. Damsgaard dedicated her career to United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, including several vice president positions.

Jean Norton Dickman, M.S. in environmental science, died January 18, 2018, at age 84. After earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Duke University in 1955 she married Henry Dickman and became a devoted Air Force wife for the next 26 years. When Henry died in 1981 she began taking classes at UTSA and devoted her life to learning, volunteerism, and travel. In addition to serving as president of both the San Antonio Shell Club and the Friends of Friedrich Wilderness Park she was actively involved in Toastmasters International, the Girl Scouts, the Cub Scouts, and the San Antonio Symphony League. She also earned certifications as a professional San Antonio tour guide and a chartered tax professional.

Nancy Louise Donovan, B.B.A. in accounting, died January 5, 2018, at age 56. She worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for 21 years. She enjoyed Thanksgiving with loved ones, volunteering, playing tennis, boot camp workouts, Las Vegas trips, New York Rangers hockey, and Notre Dame football.

Ann Marie Kleis Hoeksema, B.F.A. in art, died March 9, 2018, at age 80. She was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Michigan. As a military wife who moved frequently, she taught middle school science in several places over the course of two decades. Her family made San Antonio its permanent residence in 1975. She would become a member of the Bible Study Fellowship and an active volunteer for the San Antonio Pregnancy Care Center.

James L. Hudson, M.P.A. in public administration, died November 13, 2015, at age 85.

Maxie Halden Inman, B.S. in mathematics, died September 30, 2018, at age 81. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years before earning his bachelor’s degree at UTSA. He then embarked on a 14-year career as a computer test engineer before moving back to his native state of South Carolina. He enjoyed woodworking and saltwater fishing.

Warren Kelley Jr., B.B.A. in accounting, died December 23, 2009, at age 49.

James H. Leach, B.B.A. in accounting, died December 12, 2018, at age 81. He was born in Massachusetts but spent his formative years in Dallas. He served in the U.S. Air Force both domestically and overseas through war and peace times. After retirement he earned his B.B.A. at UTSA. In his later years he volunteered as a tutor at Adams Hill Elementary School, where he made a positive impact on many young lives.

§ William W. Lewis, B.B.A. in accounting, died Dec. 27, 2017, at age 78.

Lynn Ann Lindemann, M.B.A. in business, died July 6, 2018, at age 72. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Eastern Illinois University 16 years before receiving her master’s at UTSA. She served as an event coordinator for the Convention Center and as the director of the Epilepsy Foundation in San Antonio before she began a career in health education at University Hospital, where she retired as a human resources leader. She was an active and dedicated member of the American Society for Training and Development and often mentored friends and coworkers in her field.

Patricia McDonald, M.A. in history, died September 29, 2016, at age 79. She had a passion for Texas history and taught that subject for 36 years at Northeast Independent School District.

Roland Mena, B.S. in biology, died November 7, 2017 at age 56. He retired from Judson High School in Converse after 25 years of service as a special education teacher.

Richard J. Nagelhout, M.A. in education, died April 3, 2015, at age 71.

John Michael Pickett, M.A. in environmental studies, died August 19, 2017, at age 77. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wichita State University in 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War and retiring as a captain. In 1970 he began a 25-year career with the San Antonio Fire Department and became head of the Fire Science program. After retirement he started a company that helped first responders identify and handle explosives in addition to writing and publishing a book titled Explosive Identification Guide in 1999.

Anthony J. Pons Jr., B.B.A. in management, died August 30, 2018, at age 61. He spent his career in civil service at Kelly and Lackland Air Force bases.

John Redmon, B.B.A. in management, died October 27, 2016, at age 73. He served in the Army as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. He retired from civil service work after 32 years and the Army after 38 years.

Elodia Barrera Sandoval, M.A. in education, died January 10, 2018, at age 75. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who retired as a school counselor to spend time with her grandchildren and travel with many of her lifelong pals. She loved gardening, crafting, and playing cards.

Elizabeth Anne Shively, B.S. in physical therapy, died April 21, 2019, at age 64. The Pennsylvania native began her career as a teacher before transitioning to physical therapy. After graduating from UTSA she would earn a master’s degree in physical therapy from UT Health San Antonio and a massage therapy license before enjoying a career as a dedicated in-patient rehabilitation clinician. She and her wife, Carlynn, traveled in a camper van from San Antonio to Alaska to Newfoundland with their golden retrievers, stopping frequently to hike along the way.

Armando G. Uribe, B.B.A. in accounting, died October 20, 2015, at age 67.

Michael Kim Warden, B.B.A. in accounting, died July 30, 2018, at age 65. He was a native of Brooklyn, New York. and a five-year Air Force veteran who went on to a successful career as a network administrator and accountant.

1985

Jamie Elizabeth Armstrong, B.A. in early childhood education, died April 11, 2019, at age 59. She enjoyed a successful career as an event coordinator and created her own company called San Antonio Events. She took great pride in her festive career, highlighting the San Antonio experience for visitors from around the world.

Arthur G. Augustine, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 1, 2015, at age 58.

Monica Paez Bratz, B.B.A. in finance, died June 7, 2017, at age 53. Her sons, Adam and Erik Bratz, also attended UTSA.

Deborah Kay Crouch Campsey, B.M.E. in music, M.M. in music ’92, died July 13, 2018, at age 55. She touched countless lives as a music teacher in Devine for 18 years.

Jacqueline Mary Cormie, B.A. in early childhood education, died April 28, 2018, at age 77. She was born and raised in Manchester, England, and survived frequent bombing in the area during World War II. She received her initial training as a teacher in Dudley, England, starting her teaching career at Urmston Junior School on the outskirts of Manchester. She married Donald Cormie in 1963 and they settled in San Antonio, where she was hired at a parochial school. She spent the next two decades raising two children and participating in many civic and charitable activities, including civil rights marches. She went on to earn her teaching degree at UTSA and taught elementary-aged children in San Antonio for many years. She was well-known as a lifelong supporter of the Manchester United Football Club and founder of the British Sporting Club, which hosted many traditional British events and warmly welcomed new immigrants to San Antonio. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1987 and battled health challenges for the last three decades of her life.

James Lee Espinosa, B.S. in math, died March 31, 2015, at age 52.

Madolyn Douglas Fallis, M.M. in music, died January 20, 2019, at age 85. Born in Oklahoma City, she began playing the piano and organ at age 5 and was playing alongside singing pastor R.T. Williams on his radio and TV programs by the time she was a teenager. She earned a bachelor’s in music from Bethany Penial College (now Southern Nazarene University). After moving to San Antonio in 1966 she contributed her talents to the worship programs of Christ Episcopal Church, University Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and University Presbyterian Church, among others. She performed at thousands of weddings, funerals, and church services, playing at nearly every church in the San Antonio area. Her classical music credits included performances with the San Antonio Boys Choir, the San Antonio Symphony, the San Antonio Mastersingers, and several chamber music ensembles. In her later years she would accept a leadership role with the American Guild of Organists.

§ Buster Grant Fisher, B.A. in history, M.A. in educational leadership ’97, died Dec. 1, 2019, at age 61. He was a lifelong educator, teaching in the Dallas, Judson, and Harlandale school districts. His favorite post was principal of Homer Schultz Elementary School in Harlandale, the position from which he retired in 2011. He was a protector and comforter by nature who was devoted to educating children and advocating for foster care and adoption.

Judith Maria Schultz Fisher, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 12, 2018, at age 66. She was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma at UTSA. Her lifelong love for learning led her to St. Mary’s University, where she earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She became a licensed professional counselor for many years before returning to the accounting field.

Paul Joseph Franklin, B.S. in chemistry, died April 21, 2008, at age 47.

Erika Rose Haffner, B.A. in psychology, died on August 9, 2014, at age 54.

Maria Del Refugio Jimenez, B.B.A. in accounting, died July 3, 2018, at age 83. She and her husband, Pablo, owned and operated three small neighborhood grocery stores—two in Pearsall and one in San Antonio—as well as a successful accounting and bookkeeping business. Her clients included several local churches, local and international businesses, private individuals, family, friends, and neighbors. She once served as president of the St. Leonard’s Ladies Auxiliary and was a founding member of the Original “Lucky 12” Neighborhood Bunco Club. She loved making quilts and hosting family dinners.

Mary Kathryn Kunkel, M.A. in education, died April 6, 2019, at age 77. She graduated from Incarnate Word High School in 1959 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State College (now Texas State University) in 1962. She was a beloved teacher and published poet. She loved horses, cats, books, and having fun.

Larry S. Lamoureaux, B.S. in electrical engineering, M.B.A. in business '91, M.S. in electrical engineering '02, died March 4, 2016, at age 62.

Rosalinda Molina, M.A. in education, died April 10, 2016, at age 65.

Mary Madeline Ozuna, B.A. in early childhood education, died November 22, 2018, at age 66. She would go on to earn a master’s degree from University of the Incarnate Word. Over her career she taught special education for several schools in San Antonio and spent many summers teaching children of migrant workers in Minnesota. She was a descendent of the original Canary Island settlers of San Antonio and proudly represented the descendants in Fiesta parades and events. A longtime resident of the King William neighborhood, she enjoyed leading tours at the Miss Margaret Gething House Museum. She was active in local politics, serving as an election judge, a precinct chair, and in various volunteer capacities with the Democratic Party.

§ Rachel A. Peña, M.A. in education, died Nov. 29, 2019, at age 81. She was a member of the Red Hat Society for more than 15 years, was loved by many friends, respected by the community, and made a deep impact on many people's lives.

Mary Isabelle Simon, B.B.A. in accounting, died July 8, 2018, at age 55. She enjoyed planning countless vacations for her family and being there for her children’s activities—and capturing every moment on film.

Anthony Michael Smith, B.S. in occupational therapy, died June 4, 2019, at age 77. He enjoyed a 25-year career as an occupational therapist. His interests and tastes were eclectic and surprising.

Barry Lynn Smith, B.S. in applied science, died August 22, 2019, at age 65. He earned his degree after an early career as a professional musician in the band the Krayolas. He joined the San Antonio rock band in 1977, making records and touring while singing vocals on tracks like “Roadrunner,” “Three Girls Flying in From Mexico City,” “Gator Gator,” and “Johnny ATO.” Although he worked hard—whether it was on assignments for Bruington Engineering, landscaping the yard, or refurbishing guitar amps—he remained a dreamer and a restless soul until the end. He camped out in Big Bend and the Great Smoky Mountains, motorcycled through the Painted Desert, and honed his stage musicals about Captain Beefheart and Africa.

Frances Jean Queen Touby, M.A. in education and former Institute of Texan Cultures docent, died May 22, 2015, at age 88.

Mary I. Travers, M.A. in English, died June 24, 2015, at age 86. She was born in Bayside, N.Y. and moved to San Antonio in 1951 with her husband, Douglas N. Travers. She was the niece of the 1920s sports cartoonist Thomas Aloysius "Tad" Dorgan.

Julie Lynn Willard-Mikell, B.B.A. in management, died March 4, 2008, at age 43.

Rochelle Bargsley Whitmore, B.B.A. in accounting, died April 2, 2017, at age 87. As a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Sigma Iota Epsilon while at UTSA, she remained active in several organizations after college. She belonged to the Castle Hills Garden Club, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the American Revolution, San Antonio Conservation Society, and the LOLITS Luncheon Club.

Nina Marjorie Krueger Zimmermann, M.A. in education, died November 3, 2014, at age 85.

1986

Carmella Louise Allard, B.A. in early childhood education, died December 6 2017, at age 88.

Billie Mae Rogge Bilhartz, B.A. in English, died August 20, 2017, at age 90. She was an accomplished vocalist who started out singing at weddings and funerals. She would eventually go on to perform as a soloist at the Navy Chapel in Washington, D.C., and sing with the Heidelberg Choir in Germany for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. While living in London she sang with the Royal Choral Society at the Royal Albert Hall. She was also passionate about heritage and was actively involved in several historical societies and foundations.

§ Hannelore Cole, B.A. in German, died Nov. 26, 2019, at age 73.

Curtis D. Ford, B.S. in electrical engineering, died January 25, 2015, at age 58.

Roy Braswell, B.F.A. in art with a concentration in architecture, died June 18, 2018, at age 57. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, his family settled in San Antonio in 1969 and he graduated from Robert G. Cole High School in 1979. After earning his degree at UTSA he would open Braswell Architecture in 1991 with his wife, Susan. He was a Registered Texas Architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects who won countless awards, accolades, and honors over three decades in the industry. He spent countless hours perfecting hand-drawn renderings, which he often mentioned was a dying art, and refused to label his unique style, although it is quite discernible to those familiar with his work. Donations can be made to the Roy Braswell Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports the UTSA College of Architecture, Construction and Planning.

Ann Elizabeth Newsom Rucker Diaz, M.A. in education, died May 28, 2019, at age 83. A native of Wichita Falls, she earned a B.S. in education from the Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha (now known as the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma). She would become a devoted teacher in several communities, from Chickasha and Amarillo to Boerne and San Antonio. In 1997 she founded Learning Beyond the Basics, a nonprofit education consulting corporation where she developed curriculum to meet the needs of gifted and at-risk students. She enjoyed nature, gardening, and playing board games.

Janie Mendoza Flores, B.S. in biology, M.S. in biology '88, died April 17, 2019, at age 74.

Stephen Rene Hernandez, B.B.A. in management, died January 21, 2017, at age 56.

David H. Honermann, B.A. in political science, died December 28, 2015, at age 77. In 1961 as a young airman he was diagnosed with throat cancer and the doctors didn’t give him very good odds. Honermann beat those odds and the U.S. Air Force selected him to attend Yale to study Chinese linguistics. He went on to serve 20 years with tours in Vietnam and Korea, among other places.

Arturo Jimenez, B.S. in biology, died June 23, 2017, at age 54. He was an educator for 22 years at George Washington Middle School in Laredo, where he was recognized with multiple Golden Apple awards. He was also a beloved summer camp instructor at Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center, where he taught campers the value of wildlife and the environment.

Karen Marie May, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 27, 2018, at age 77. She was an active lifetime member of the Auxiliary of St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home and was also a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Antonio. She loved cheering on the Spurs, dining out with friends, long talks on the phone, and spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Marian Audrey Dougherty Owczarzak, M.A. in bicultural-bilingual studies, died January 17, 2018, at age 68. She was an educator and elementary school counselor for the San Antonio ISD for 34 years. She continued to work as a counselor after retirement at schools in the San Antonio and Northside ISDs as well as at UTSA, San Antonio College, and Northwest Vista College.

Martha Jane Reinert, B.B.A. in management, died August 14, 2019, at age 57. Shortly after graduating from UTSA she accepted a position with the federal Social Security Administration offices in San Francisco. She then transferred to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, starting as a specialist in ATF’s Western Region Technical Services branch. She moved to Portland, Ore., in 1990, where she became an ATF investigator, traveling often through Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California. She excelled at the job and was named Western Region Employee of the Year in 1992. She transferred to the agency’s Seattle office in 2000 before returning to Portland in 2007, where she worked from home for the Tax and Trade Bureau. She was passionate about animals, regularly volunteering as a property inspector for the Oregon Humane Society, and donating much of her time, money, and goods to charities like Alley Cat Allies and the Pixie Project.

Jeanie Rabke Wyatt, M.B.A. in business, died April 16, 2019, at age 65. She was a member of the UTSA Development Board and a former member of the College of Business Advisory Board. She founded South Texas Money Management Ltd. in 2000 after leaving an executive position at Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc. She remained CEO and chief investment officer until 2019. Under her leadership the company grew to manage $3.7 billion in assets with six offices across Texas in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, and Brenham–College Station. Wyatt and South Texas Money Management have been recognized by such national media as Forbes, Financial Times, Financial Advisor, Investment News, Bloomberg Wealth Manager, Financial Planning, and Pensions and Investments. She was often interviewed for her expertise and opinions by Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal and did live broadcasts for Fox Business News, CNBC, and Bloomberg Radio. She was honored by the Texas Business Hall of Fame and the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. She was past chairman of the CFA Institute Public Awareness Committee and served on the board of governors of CFA Institute, an international organization of more than 100,000 investment professionals. She also was appointed to the Employees Retirement System of Texas board in 2016, and served on the State Pension Review Board. She held board positions for several other organizations: American Red Cross, UT Health Science Center, Southwest School of Art, Southwest Research Institute, Texas Cultural Trust, Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center, and the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

1987

Giles Babb, M.S. in natural resources, died July 30, 2015, at age 55.

Martha G. Muñoz Esparza, B.A. in English, died June 15, 2018, at age 71. She taught English at William Howard Taft High School for several years after earning her degree. She was a member of the Edgewood District Veterans and the CPA Auxiliary as well as a staunch supporter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. She loved to cook, travel, and voraciously read.

Nan Delia Haywood, B.A. in criminal justice, died September 16, 2017, at age 54. She was driven by a passion for the law long past of her days at UTSA. She would go on to earn a master’s degree in education at Our Lady of the Lake University before becoming a longtime juvenile probation officer for Bexar County.

Jeffrey Paul Hulgan, B.B.A. in accounting, died February 23, 2018, at age 54. He was a longtime fan of Star Trek, loved vacationing on the Texas coast, and was an avid museum visitor. He regularly volunteered for Meals on Wheels to honor the memory of his grandfather.

Mary Reid Mason, B.A. in psychology, died February 26, 2011, at age 48.

William Mastoris Jr., B.B.A. in business administration, died February 10, 2019, at age 91. He was born in Pennsylvania and entered the U.S. Army in 1945, traveling the world until retiring in San Antonio in 1983. He was a 1950 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and he earned a master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University in 1970. While serving in the Army, he earned the right to wear the Combat Infantry Badge, Senior Parachute Badge, and the Ranger Tad. His decorations included the Silver Star Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal with V Device.

William Curtis McNeese, B.A. in English, died March 22, 2019, at age 86. He studied at St. Mary’s University and Phillip’s College decades before he graduated from UTSA. He studied German in Rothenburg, Germany, and Spanish at the Institute of the Americas in Mexico City. During that time he accompanied his grandmother on trips to Europe, sailing on the Queen Mary and touring the continent by car. He also enjoyed traveling with his family to California, New Mexico, and Nevada. He worked with his father at a family restaurant in Austin and taught English in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and San Antonio. He also worked as a caregiver and an insurance agent for many years at Prudential and McNeese & Associates. He was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels and as a driver for elderly patients needing assistance to get to doctor appointments.

Gayle Lorraine Powell, B.A. in English, died March 23, 2019, at age 81.

§ Kevin Wayne Reffett, B.A. in psychology, died Oct. 10, 2019, at age 62. A native of Danville, Ill., Danville he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1975 and served as part of the military police force. After his service ended in 1979, he continued his education at UTSA. He worked various jobs throughout the years and owned his own vending machine business in Texas. He enjoyed traveling and lived in Florida, Alaska, and Texas before returning home to Illinois. He enjoyed both playing and watching sports, playing pool, and socializing at the Black Bear in Danville with his “other family.”

Norman H. Riebe, B.B.A. in management, died September 25, 2015, at age 50.

Donna V. Ruiz, B.A. in criminal justice, died April 1, 2008, at age 45.

Alice Kay Urbanowicz, B.A. in sociology, died March 15, 2016, at age 76.

Timothy Daniel Watson, B.S. in math and computer science, died June 2, 2016, at age 52.

Theresa Maureen Werick, B.A. in psychology, died September 7, 2018, at age 68. After graduating from UTSA she would go on to earn her Ph.D. in biobehavioral genetics with a concentration in schizophrenia research from the University of Connecticut in 1995. She worked for several pharmaceutical companies, conducting clinical research trials to further the understanding and treatment of various illnesses.

William Raymond Whiteman, B.A. in geography, died March 10, 2018, at age 53. After graduating from the pilot training class of 88-05 at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio he became a decorated pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Northern Watch. Following his military service, he worked as a captain for Southwest Airlines. He loved to grill, fish, golf, cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, and spend time with his children.

1988

Marilyn Denise Bellows, M.A. in education, died July 17, 2017, at age 62.

§ Darrell Mead “Chip” Caffery Jr., B.B.A. in management, died Sept. 4, 2019, at age 66. He attended the University of Arkansas and joined the U.S. Army as a medic before being honorably discharged with an injury. After completing his degree at UTSA, he took a job at the Red River Army Depot and pursued a postgraduate education at the School of Engineering and Logistics. He then moved to Alabama to work for Redstone Arsenal as a logistics specialist on various aviation projects. He enjoyed fishing, Arkansas Razorback football, playing the guitar around the campfire, going on motorcycle rides, and spending leisure time in the Ozark Mountains.

Carlos René Canseco, B.B.A. in finance, died February 21, 2016, at age 57.

Lee Ann Bugg Christians, B.B.A. in management, died April 20, 2019, at age 58. She enjoyed tennis, reading novels, and gatherings with family and friends at Lady Bugg Farm.

Ray T. Garcia, B.F.A. in art, died August 21, 2016, at age 62.

Martha M. Gonzalez, B.A. in Spanish, died September 30, 2018, at age 56. She touched many students as a teacher, vice principal, and principal.

Stacia Lee Gray, B.A. in English, died October 26, 2016, at age 62.

Robert Grazulis, B.A. in political science, died October 24, 2018, at age 77. He was a native of Camden, New Jersey, and a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He served overseas in Turkey (twice), Scotland, Pakistan, Thailand, Germany, and Greece as well as at bases in Florida, North Dakota, and Texas. After retirement from the Air Force he went on to run his own financial services company.

Sherman Paul Guenther, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 2, 2016, at age 62.

Mary Shoquist Hiller, B.B.A. in accounting, died October 9, 2016, at age 72. She loved and enjoyed her grandsons more than words can say, and enjoyed extensive travel, gardening, supporting peace and justice issues, and spending time with family and friends.

Joyce Hoffmeyer, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 11, 2019, at age 76. She worked for USAA for 26 years as a systems analyst and attended night school at San Antonio College and UTSA before earning her bachelor’s degree. Shortly after her husband, Ellery, died in 1997 she moved to Houston, where she continued her work for Aetna and became a tax season professional for H&R Block.

Rosendo Martinez Jr., B.B.A. in accounting, died March 24, 2015, at age 60.

Victoria Osborne, M.A. in Spanish, died July 24, 2015, at age 70.

Amy Lynn Poerner, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died August 8, 2014, at age 74. She was a teacher at Devine Elementary School for 20 years.

Gloria Pollock, B.A. in political science, died August 1, 2016, at age 88. She had nine children, completing her college education and beginning her first teaching job at age 60. She taught third grade in a San Antonio charter school until age 85. She also tutored after school to help students who needed extra help. She loved gardening, cooking, traveling, and reading.

Jeffrey Lee Pyle, B.S. in biology, died October 13, 2015, at age 50.

Clarence “Shan” Schanding Jr., B.S. in mathematics, died September 9, 2014, at age 69.

Haydee E. Treviño, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 16, 2018, at age 53. She became a certified public accountant, working for San Antonio Shoes for 25 years. She was admired for her strong work ethic and humility.

Paul Loring Westerfield, B.S. in geology, died June 17, 2008, at age 55.

Marilyn Gail Taylor Whitmore, M.M. in music, died August 23, 2017, at age 65. She spent her life learning, sharing, composing and teaching music. She was the organist for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, a music instructor at Hector Garcia Middle School and a private music teacher. Classically trained, she especially loved American folk, bluegrass, and sacred music. She was a one-woman band who could play the piano, guitar, violin, cello, French horn, flute, and mandolin.

Sue Whitworth, B.A. in early childhood education, died October 10, 2016, at age 74.

1989

Delfino Morales Amador, B.S. in mathematics, died April 19, 2018, at age 62.

Raymond Darrell Barnes, B.A. in history, died February 10, 2015, at age 72.

Nelwyn Eileen Ward Borgens, B.A. in early childhood education, died March 27, 2018, at age 70.

Diana Gonzalez Churak, B.B.A. in management, died January 6, 2017, at age 60.

Peter Leland Dunbar, B.A. in history, died April 4, 2019, at age 77. He was a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, and a retired chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Wilson Dion Dunn Sr., B.B.A. in management, died July 10, 2018, at age 55. After playing college football for West Texas A&M and Texas A&I (now Texas A&M-Kingsville) he earned his bachelor’s degree at UTSA in 1989. He would go on to obtain master’s degrees in human resources management and technology commercialization at Houston Baptist University and The University of Texas at Austin, respectively. His career in the insurance industry spanned more than 30 years, working for USAA, Nationwide, Apex Property Group, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and Summit Consulting.

Joseph Loyd Ebbecke, B.S., died May 24, 2014, at age 60.

Susie R. Greene, B.A. in early childhood education, died July 19, 2014, at age 80.

Bonnie Jean Farris Jackson, B.A. in English, died August 8, 2014, at age 80.

Wayne Thomas Jansen, B.B.A. in management, died March 16, 2015, at age 50.

John “Mike” Koiner, B.A. in criminal justice, died January 15, 2016, at age 49. As a clinical director at Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, Koiner worked with hundreds of troubled and abused youth to provide a stabilized living environment.

Susan Diane Landreth, B.S. in civil engineering, died July 27, 2018, at age 58. After graduating from UTSA, she obtained a master’s degree in structural engineering at UT Arlington in 1993. She was the vice president of Vickrey & Associates for 14 years. Over her 30-year career she served as a mentor and trailblazer for many women in engineering. She contributed to all kinds of projects in San Antonio, including public works, land development, transportation, water, waste, gas utilities, and drainage. Among her most notable achievements were managing the extensions of UTSA Boulevard and Hardy Oak Boulevard. She was an active member of several engineering societies and also served on the Texas Public Works response team during Hurricane Ike. She loved her many rescue dogs, playing games with her family and clay-target shooting.

Guadalupe “Lupita” Loftis, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died December 24, 2006, at age 57.

David H. Medina, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 28, 2014, at age 51.

Albert Henry Merill III, B.B.A. in management, died May 27, 2019, at age 61. He was retired from the North East ISD. He enjoyed backyard barbecues, family reunions at Port Aransas, and weekend trips to his brother’s ranch.

Michael Don Middleton, B.F.A. in art and design, died September 29, 2015, at age 62

Warren Dale Miller, B.A. in anthropology, M.A. in history '92, died September 30, 2009, at age 49.

Norbert N. Ramon, B.B.A. in accounting with a concentration in information systems, died June 15, 2018, at age 56. He was a proud San Antonio native who served as a traffic enforcement officer for the Houston Police Department for 25 years.

Edward Allan Small, B.S. in mathematics, computer and design systems, died September 9, 2014, at age 70.

Marcela G. Sobrevilla, M.A. in education, died July 6, 2018, at age 95. She was born in Lampazo, Mexico, and emigrated to San Antonio with her husband, Gustavo, in 1959. She obtained a bachelor’s degree at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1980 and her master’s degree from UTSA in 1989. She taught kindergarten and second grade until she retired at age 70.

Carolyn Sue Starkey, B.A. in psychology, died March 19, 2018, at age 79. She earned degrees from both UTSA and the University of the Incarnate Word before working for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, where she helped veterans suffering from PTSD. She loved cooking, baking, hot air ballooning, spending time with friends, and making “jolly goblins” with her kids and grandkids for Halloween.

Bradley Dean Wild, B.A. in psychology, died December 29, 2017, at age 68. A native of Kilgore, he worked as a counselor at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, where he helped patients suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.

Sherwood Resing Wu, B.B.A. in accounting, died September 8, 2016, at age 59. She had a passion for travel and among her adventures, she visited the Galapagos Islands, Greece, and Egypt.

1990

Walter Neal Ague, M.P.A. in public administration, died January 7, 2019, at age 79. He was born in Buffalo, New York, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Austin College in Sherman in 1961. Over the course of a 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force he worked his way from enlisted airman to lieutenant colonel. He was stationed at numerous locations in the U.S. as well as Thailand, South Korea, and Belgium. His final assignment was inspector general at Lackland AFB. Upon retirement he earned his M.P.A. at UTSA. He went on to serve in a wide range of positions focused on local government and planning. He brought his intelligence and organizational skills to the assistance of the San Antonio city council as well as mayors Ed Garza and Ivy Taylor. As coordinator for the San Antonio Parks Foundation, he helped to establish the volunteer group Friends of the Parks. He was commended for his work on the city library board, joint city/county citizens bond oversight commission, and workforce development, and he focused much of his energy on the Comprehensive City Plan for San Antonio. He also contributed toward future growth through the Alamo Workforce Development Board, the Alamo Community College District, the Urban Systemic Initiative, the School-to-Work Program, the Tech-Prep Initiative, and the Alamo Area Council of Governments.

Alice Allen, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died October 24, 2014, at age 66.

Heloise Salisbury Donaldson Baker, B.B.A. in finance, died August 3, 2014, at age 56.

Marian Nixon Braubach, B.M. in music, M.M. in music ’96, died June 8, 2002, at age 83. Born in Durango, Colorado, she attended the University of Denver on a music scholarship, but left school early when her father died during the Great Depression. After moving to San Antonio and starting a family she became a dedicated volunteer to many causes, serving as president of the PTA and the San Antonio Area Council of Girl Scouts. After serving as chair of the Women’s Division of the United Way in 1973 she was recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in the San Antonio Express. She cofounded the Eurotex Corp., a commercial real estate company primarily serving European clients, and even served as its president. After retirement she fulfilled her lifelong dream of pursuing a postsecondary education in music by earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music at UTSA. She was named the UTSA Department of Music’s Alumna of the Year in 1999 for her work in San Antonio’s music community. She was a longtime president of the Tuesday Musical Club as well as an active member of the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.

Roger Briggs, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 5, 2014, at age 51.

Susan Louise Cates, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died September 29, 2014, at age 63.

Bettye Jean Claypool, B.A. in psychology, died March 21, 2019, at age 87. She earned an associate’s degree at San Antonio College before studying psychology with a focus on childhood development at UTSA. She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Harvey Gene Cobb, B.S. in biology, died February 10, 2018, at age 86.

§ William F. Crytzer Jr., B.A. in political science, died Nov. 19, 2019, at age 77.

Patricia Ann Dean-Ruiz, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 10, 2017, at age 48. She was a partner for Tanner & Dean-Ruiz Accounting.

Barbara Snyder DeCuir, M.A. in English, died August 14, 2018, at age 76. She earned a B.A. cum laude in education from Louisiana Polytechnic University in 1963. She taught English in Texas public schools for 25 years, 18 of them at John Marshall High School in San Antonio. She also served as adjunct faculty in the Alamo Community College District for five years.

Paul Scott Dell’Ario, B.S. in biology, died May 6, 2016, at age 59. After working in his family’s Italian restaurant and with his father in the lumber business, he found his calling at Promise Hospital of Dallas, where he became the regional director of health information. He was an avid sports fan who cheered on the San Antonio Spurs, Texas Rangers, and TCU football and was a history buff who enjoyed watching the History Channel.

Jo Ann Ehrlich Dickinson, B.B.A. in accounting, died October 9, 2016. She enjoyed traveling, photography, dancing, playing poker, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Cowboys. She was a kidney donor and advocate for organ donation.

Mary Lou Guadarrama, M.A. in education, died April 25, 2006, at age 50.

William “Cal” Calvin Groom II, M.B.A. in business, died May 2, 2019, at age 63. He attended Lee High School in San Antonio and earned his bachelor’s degree at UT Austin. While living in San Antonio he served as chief operational officer for South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers and also worked for The University of Texas Health Science Center. He then moved to Hilo, Hawaii, where he became the executive director of Hawaii Radiologic Associates. He was an avid outdoorsman and hiker.

Thomas Benyon Lovelace, B.S. in mechanical engineering, died March 12, 2015, at age 64.

Elizabeth Brown Luderus, B.A. in criminal justice, M.A. in education ’94, died September 18, 2017, at age 86. She was a civil servant at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio before becoming a legal secretary at the law firm of Stewart Alexander while simultaneously earning her criminal justice degree at UTSA. Driven by a passion to help people who felt forgotten, she would go on to earn a master’s degree and become a licensed professional and chemical dependency counselor.

Sarah Pierce, M.F.A. in art, died March 1, 2019, at age 77. She was born in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, one month before the attack on Pearl Harbor. She and her mother evacuated to Illinois while her father served as a captain and pilot in the Army Air Corps. As the child of an army officer, she moved with her family numerous times during her childhood with stops in Alabama, the Philippines, Virginia, and Ohio. She attended Mills College in Oakland, California, earning a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1963 and developing a passion for photography. Following graduation she worked as a curator at the Dayton Art Institute. She then moved to San Antonio in 1971, where she worked at the McNay Art Institute. After earning her M.F.A. at UTSA she became an accomplished photographer and printmaker.

Linda Jean Proft, B.S. in computer science, died March 17, 2017, at age 51. She started her career at Datapoint and then went on to work at USAA for the next 22 years. She loved reading, exploring nature, and adopted many animals throughout her life.

Paula J. Ramsay, B.B.A. in accounting, died January 13, 2015, at age 46. She was born at Fort Polk, La., to an Army family. Ramsay was a dyslexia therapist and had completed her certification through the Scottish Rite for teaching students affected by dyslexia.

Daniel Eugene Rice, B.S. in electrical engineering, died January 13, 2019, at age 53. He lived in many different places during his childhood, including Italy, Germany, and several U.S. states. He loved traveling. After attending UTSA he would go on to work for NASA, Hewlett-Packard, and as an independent contractor.

Robin Winter Schulze, B.S. in mathematics, B.S. in biology '92, died February 18, 2016, at age 51. He was devoted to education and was completing a doctoral degree at UTSA while serving as a lecturer in the computer science department.

Judith Spruce, B.A. in early childhood elementary education, died August 4, 2016, at age 75. She was married for 54 years and was an integral part of husband William’s foreign service career. They were posted in Mexico City, Singapore, Burma, Geneva, London, and Washington, D.C. She loved classical music, gourmet cooking, tennis, and travel.

MaryAnn Stafford, B.A. in sociology, M.A. ’93 in education, died April 15, 2016, at age 51. She was an employee with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing division for more than 16 years and served the Houston and Austin areas as an inspector, supervisor, and case analyst.

Glenn Ellis Wise, M.A. in education, died March 4, 2019, at age 85. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1955 with a B.S. in education and as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program, in which he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Most of his U.S. Air Force career included training, instructing, and education programs. He retired from HQ Air Training Command at Randolph AFB as a lieutenant colonel in 1986, and then taught computer science at Judson High School in Converse for more than a decade.

1991

§ Marta Solis Benavides, B.A. in Spanish, died June 19, 2012, at age 90. She graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1947 and was employed by Alamo Loan & Jewelry Company for several years. She enjoyed participation in church activities, art and crafts, substitute teaching, Sunday school teaching, sewing, making dolls, yard work, and taking care of her dogs and cats. She was also a published poet. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ricardo Benavides, who was a professor at UTSA.

Mike Blackwood, M.B.A. in business, died January 5, 2003, at age 41. He received his bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University before earning his M.B.A. at UTSA. He was a commercial real estate broker with the Grubb and Ellis Co. and was a member of both CCIM and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Elizabeth Stewart Broussard, B.A. in English, died February. 12, 2018, at age 80. A native of Baton Rouge, La., she lived in Boerne in the 1970s and 1980s. She served on the Berges Fest board of directors and managed the Miss Berges Fest Pageant. She was a member of the Boerne Benefit Theater and was known for hosting fabulous Halloween parties. She also opened her own aerobics exercise studio and taught classes for several years. She attended UTSA as a grandmother and would go on to teach English in San Antonio high schools for eight years before retirement. She then became a proud “pet partner” with the Delta Society of San Antonio. Accompanied by her trained service dog, a beloved Brittany spaniel named Molly, she visited hospitals and facilities for people with special needs.

Doris Vickery Cox, B.A. in English, M.A. in English ’98, died May 6, 2015, at age 51.

Melanie Dorothy Rush Davis, B.F.A. in art, M.F.A. in art ’04, died November 12, 2018, at age 63. As a military daughter, the Indianapolis native moved to Turkey and California before landing in the Philippines, where she graduated from high school. She moved to San Antonio to attend college at UTSA and pursue her love of photography. She was a professor of photography at St. Mary’s University, University of the Incarnate Word, Trinity University, and Northwest Vista as well as an instructor at the Southwest School of Art & Craft and St. Mary’s Hall. Her art was displayed throughout the world, but her impact was largest in San Antonio. In the art community she was well-known for her unique pinhole photography, earning her local-legend status as The Pinhole Queen. She constructed life-size camera obscuras and frequently presented her work at the Blue Star Arts Complex and the annual Luminaria event.

Edward “Eddie” Felan Jr., B.A. in psychology, died November 2, 2015, at age 50.

Brenda Fey, B.B.A. in accounting, died March 30, 2019, at age 57. She worked for USAA, the FDIC, and the Susser Corp. throughout her career. She loved travel and adventure, taking trips to Germany, Spain, France, Greece, and Croatia. She also enjoyed skiing, photography, history, architecture, and renovating her family’s 19th century home.

Phyllis Elizabeth French, B.A. in early childhood education, died August 19, 2018, at age 63. She attended San Diego State University in the early 1970s before completing her degree at UTSA. She was a teacher in the Northside ISD for more than 20 years and was named Teacher of the Year at Steubing Elementary during the 2004–2005 school year.

Maria Salinas Huerta, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 30, 2019, at age 50. After graduating with honors from UTSA she received her M.B.A. with honors at the University of Houston. She would go on to become the owner of Ventanas Wine Café in Katy. She always believed in fighting the good fight and doing what is right.

Heidi Jones Mitchell, B.A. in psychology, died October 24, 2015, at age 76. She was a talented artist who taught china painting and exhibited at art shows.

Lisa Wilson Moss, B.A. in English, died October 1, 2015, at age 46.

Yu-Pa Chen Ng, M.B.A. in business, M.S. in computer science ’00, died September 22, 2017, at age 53. Born in Taiwan, she earned an associate’s degree in accounting and statistics at the National Taipei College of Business before receiving the Southwestern Bell scholarship and a transfer scholarship to the University of the Incarnate Word, which would bring her to San Antonio. She met her husband, John Ng, while pursuing her M.B.A. at UTSA. After earning her second master’s degree in computer science she worked for Dell and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System before realizing her dream of teaching—at both the San Antonio Chinese Culture Institute (as a language teacher) and at San Antonio College (as a computer science instructor). Her fondness for Star Trek and The Matrix evolved into a passion for programming and artificial intelligence; she was a Red Hat Certified Engineer, a Cisco Certified Network Associate, and a proud member of the American Association for Artificial Intelligence.

Gabriela M. Perez, B.A. in English, died September 19, 2014, at age 54.

Thomas Carl Recknagel, B.B.A. in accounting, died February 4, 2018, at age 60.

Andrew James Rice, B.A. in Spanish, died November 29, 2018, at age 68. He taught English as a second language for more than two decades and was beloved by his many students. His passions included gardening, working outdoors, riding his motorcycles, and spending time with his pets.

John T. Smith, B.F.A. in art, died November 10, 2016, at age 59.

§ Lawrence George Tierney, B.B.A. in accounting, died Nov. 24, 2019, at age 62. He grew up in Helotes and attended John Marshall High School in San Antonio before earning his B.B.A. at UTSA. He would go on to open and operate several businesses.

Mary Elizabeth Weaver, B.M. in music, died January 29, 2019, at age 69. Music was her lifelong passion. She would go on to earn her M.M. degree in organ performance, which sparked a career as a music director and church organist that spanned more than 30 years. She loved animals, most notably dogs and horses. She was also an instructor at Triple H Equitherapy in Pipe Creek for more than two decades.

James Gregory Williams, B.B.A. in management, died July 14, 2016, at age 64. During his life, he wore many hats—army sergeant, recreational sailor, tinker (auto repair), tailor (clothing sales), and everything related to construction. He was a collector of tools, guns, compasses, and antique straight razors.

1992

Valentin Aguilar III, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died August 10, 2016, at age 50.

Cheryl Caldwell, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, M.A. in education ’94, died January 18, 2016, at age 73. She worked as a stenographer in the Panama Canal Zone, and while her first husband was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, she volunteered to care for Vietnamese orphans who had fled across the South China Sea after the fall of Saigon.

Steven Michael Guajardo, B.S. in civil engineering, died February 19, 2015, at age 50.

§ Floyd W. Hatch, M.S. in environmental science, died April 9, 2017, at age 75. The Nebraska native studied at Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston and was working in carpentry when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1965. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 before moving to several countries and states as part of his service, including Germany, Oklahoma and California. He then moved to San Antonio and retired from the Air Force in 1989. Eight years after obtaining a master’s degree from UTSA, he became manager for Natural/Cultural Resources at Buckley AFB in Denver, where he retired in 2010. He then started a new venture of buying, remodeling and renting out houses. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, such as skiing, hunting, fishing and beekeeping. He started several volksmarch events in Germany and continued over the next 20 years, walking in three foreign countries and in at least eight states. He also climbed seven mountains that were 14,000 feet or more above sea level.

Ruth Paula Spoon Harris Jennings, B.A. in history, died April 20, 2016, at age 68.

Sandra Fitzpatrick March, B.B.A. in marketing, died May 31, 2017, at age 67. She worked in civil service for most of her life, excelling to the post of Army auditor.

Margaret Cynthia Monsibais, M.A. in education, died March 20, 2018, at age 72. She believed strongly in the value of education, earning an undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University before receiving master’s degrees from St. Mary’s University and UTSA. She enjoyed a career for several years as an English and Spanish teacher and school counselor at Rogers and Edgar Allen Poe middle schools. In addition to teaching in San Antonio public schools, she also taught ESL night classes for immigrants and youths at the juvenile detention center.

Karen J. Ogden, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 15, 2014, at age 71. After many years as a stay-at-home mom, she earned her bachelor’s degree at UTSA and became a computer programmer, most recently working for Compuware of Appleton in Wisconsin. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and golfing—even winning the ladies’ club championship at Ridgeway Golf Course in Neenah, Wisconsin, in the 1970s.

Jorge O. Pena, B.S. in civil engineering, died May 12, 2018, at age 62. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1975 and served his country for four years. His many interests included tending his family ranch, caring for animals, devotedly owning dogs, listening to music, and supporting his brother’s musical pursuits.

Jeffrey Matthew Persyn, B.B.A. in accounting, died July 31, 2013, at age 53.

Ed Lee Reid III, M.A. in education, died November 30, 2011, at age 66.

Susan E. Roberson, B.B.A. in accounting, died December 21, 2014, at age 51.

Bruce D. Roberts, B.B.A. in management, died July 28, 2014, at age 48.

John Euward Worch, B.B.A. in finance, M.Ed. in educational leadership ’99, died May 17, 2018, at age 53. An Ohio native, he served his country for 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and Texas Air National Guard. He first came to San Antonio in the late 1980s when he was stationed at Lackland AFB and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at UTSA in 1992. He then obtained a teaching certificate, starting as a substitute teacher at Taft High School, then teaching second grade at Vestal Elementary School from 1996 to 2002. He would go on to be the vice principal at Kingsborough Middle School from 2002 to 2006 before returning to Vestal as the school’s principal until 2012. While teaching he also pursued a master’s degree at UTSA and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Madison University.

1993

Kimberly Gildart Blodgett, B.A. in criminal justice, died March 1, 2013, at age 45.

Kimberleigh “Kimber” Monsen Briggs, B.A. in anthropology, died August 18, 2018, at age 57. She moved from the Chicago area to San Antonio in the early 1980s. Her true passions were animals and volunteering. In the late 1990s she combined these passions and became both a docent and service volunteer at the San Antonio Zoo, where she taught Herbie the black rhino to paint and recognize shapes and colors. She also volunteered regularly at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, where she rescued and nursed squirrels, opossums, deer, and all other manner of wildlife. After becoming a master naturalist and master gardener she spent countless hours volunteering at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne monitoring their bird boxes and at the San Antonio Botanical Garden tending to the Sacred Garden. She was the longtime newsletter editor for the Bexar County Master Gardeners.

Kenneth Dickerson, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 22, 2014, at age 53.

Donald Dykes, B.A. in political science, died July 19, 2016, at age 46.

Frank Edward Garcia, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 6, 2015, at age 48.

Sharon Starr Foss, B.S. in mathematics, died October 18, 2018, at age 71. She taught for several years at Southwest and Holmes high schools before joining Pearson Education in San Antonio. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed cake decorating, painting, crocheting, quilting, and caring for her pets.

Portia Kaye Powell, B.A. in anthropology, died April 10, 2017, at age 75. She treasured learning her entire life, so much so that she researched her genealogy back to the late 1600s.

Michele Rymal, M.B.A. in business, died September 19, 2016, at age 54. She had a love of cooking, and the highlight of her day was preparing a fantastic meal.

Margaret Salazar, M.A. in Spanish, died April 11, 2016, at age 61.

Carlos Gonzales Sanchez, B.A. in sociology, died October 24, 2016, at age 66. He was the ninth of 10 children. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss and in Germany. He later was licensed by the state of Texas as a certified counselor and social worker.

§ Helen Strait, B.A. in history, M.A. in English ’96, died on Dec. 11, 2019, at age 69. She was a native of Pryor, Okla., and taught English courses at Southwest Texas Junior College in Eagle Pass, Texas, for 14 years after earning her master’s degree at UTSA.

Richard Stuart Teitz, M.P.A. in public administration, died June 19, 2017, at age 74. He spent more than 30 years in museum administration, including as director of the Worcester Art Museum, the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College, and the Denver Art Museum. He later settled in San Antonio, where he was the first professional director of the Alamo, and later the director of institutional advancement at St. Philips College. Following retirement, he realized a long-delayed dream of joining the Peace Corps, where he volunteered in Panama. He ran 173 marathons in his lifetime, including in Boston, New York, and Capetown, South Africa. He also completed a sailing trip across the Atlantic to the Azores of Portugal in 2011 with his sister, Louise, and friends.

Jo Lynn Timmermann, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 16, 2010, at age 52.

Juanita “Janie” Treviño, M.P.A. in accounting, died March 4, 2018, at age 51. She loved to shop—for anything—and drive fast. She enjoyed mochi balls, sushi, and caramel macchiatos.

Bub Warren Vickers, M.F.A. in art, died May 1, 2017, at age 69. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1971. He was inducted into the Western Artists of America in 2012 and was the owner of Cowboy Bronze in Fredericksburg.

1994

§ Maria “Maggie” Garibay, B.B.A. in accounting, died Dec. 25, 2019, at age 60. After earning her B.B.A., she spent most of her career as a bank manager at USAA. She was a devoted mother with a passion for life, who loved to play the piano, travel, and remained active in her local church.

Henry Herbert Gonzales III, B.B.A. in information systems, died April 26, 2015, at the age 62.

Norma Aida Guerra, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died October 14, 2014, at age 48.

Lawrence “Chris” Hagberg, B.B.A. in accounting, died April 15, 2015, at age 72.

Chris E. Loyd, B.A. in political science, died July 12, 2014, at age 54.

Robert “Steven” Lozano, B.A. in American studies, died April 21, 2017, at age 54.

Julius V. Weilbacher, B.A. in criminal justice, died July 9, 2014, at age 44.

1995

Jeffery Weyman Adamek, M.S. in computer science, died January 29, 2008, at age 43. He was a computer software engineer for Rash Tax Co. in Dallas.

Robert Hyatt Albright, M.M. in music, died March 19, 2017, at age 54. He served as a choir director in the North East Independent School District at Bradley Middle School, Lee High School, and Churchill High School. He also served as a director of fine arts for the Southwest and San Antonio independent school districts, in addition to holding roles as the choir director at Northwood Presbyterian Church and at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Arturo Benitez, B.S. in mathematics, died August 22, 2015, at age 44.

Tellecia Marie Brown, B.A. in criminal justice, died June 11, 2016, at age 45. She was a teacher for the San Antonio Independent School District for 10 years.

Kenneth Lloyd Buckland, B.B.A. in management, died May 21, 2007, at age 36.

Sandra Jean Castilleja, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died July 29, 2016, at age 45.

Manuel C. Cerda III, B.B.A. in personnel/human resource management, died May 18, 2014, at age 49.

Richard Brian Forsythe, B.B.A. in accounting, died July 24, 2014, at age 51.

Ottillia Mathias Hodgkinson, B.F.A. in art, died February 23, 2018, at age 89. She was a resident of San Antonio for 42 years, best known for the photographs and pottery she created. She enjoyed gardening, classical music, tennis, and her dogs, Bobby and Buckles.

Bradley Williams Jones, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died January 2, 2019, at age 48. He would go on to earn a master’s degree in education from Houston Baptist University. He was active in the host ministry at Oak Hills Church. He was also a computer whiz who loved his adoring poodle.

Patrick Clark Miller, B.A. in history, died May 25, 2019, at age 62. He was a 1974 Edison High School graduate who missed his sophomore year as he underwent surgery for scoliosis. At the time he taught himself to play chess competitively and defied doctors’ predictions by playing tournament tennis his senior year. He later worked for H-E-B for 10 years and was a computer technician at a banking call center. He was the father of Army Pfc. Anthony Miller, who was the first San Antonio native killed in the Iraq War in 2003. He found comfort visiting with other parents of fallen U.S. troops and in 2008 became the leader of the local Gold Star Families support group. He loved Star Trek, Fredericksburg peaches, beach trips, and his cats.

Rose M. Vasquez, B.A. in political science, died August 17, 2015, at age 44.

1996

Michael Chilcutt, B.A. in criminal justice, M.P.A. ’08 in public administration, died July 20, 2016, at age 43. He worked a variety of roles in law enforcement and eventually became chief of police for VIA Metropolitan Transit. He was an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Texas Police Association, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, among others.

§ Jason Michael Deaton, M.S. in environmental science, died Nov. 8, 2019, at age 48. He obtained a B.S. in biology from Henderson State University in Arkansas before earning his master’s degree at UTSA. he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1999, later attending Air University where he earned his M.M.A.S. degree in 2013. He served as an air battle manager, and then as a combat systems officer and air battle manager instructor. He repeatedly deployed throughout the Middle East in support of campaigns including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Kingpin, and was awarded six medals for his service.

Rosalind De La Rosa, B.B.A. in accounting, died August 16, 2019, at age 46. She worked in the lending and real estate industries for many years after graduating from UTSA. Reading, playing board games, and watching movies were her favorite pastimes.

Damon Sean Erpelding, B.B.A. in accounting, died December 25, 2018, at age 45. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and started banking with his father in high school. After graduating from UTSA he would go on to earn a certification in anti–money laundering and start a career with Charles Schwab as the managing director for financial crimes risk management and training. He was a founding member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Camaro Club, and he opened his home to many strays in need.

Russell J. Goebel, M.B.A. in business, died June 3, 2019, at age 49. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, and earned his B.A. in business from the University of Northern Iowa in 1992. He often credited his Iowa work ethic and the M.B.A. he earned at UTSA for his successful career in sales and financial management. He loved watching all kinds of sports but was a San Antonio Spurs fan first and foremost. He was considered by many a connoisseur of pizza, although just about any pizza was good to him.

Diana M. Gonzales, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died March 18, 2019, at age 50. She was a high school honor student who received an associate’s degree at Palo Alto College before attending UTSA.

Brian Mitchell King, B.B.A. in accounting, died August 6, 2017, at age 46.

Cynthia Colleen Lopez, B.A. in English, died December 19, 2015, at age 55.

Antonio S. Martinez, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died March 4, 2017, at age 54. He was an elementary school teacher in Houston. He enjoyed writing screenplays, drinking coffee, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

§ Dennis Patrick McMahon, M.S. in mathematics, died Nov. 23, 2019, at age 73. He was 6’ 8” and had a brain to match his size. He showed signs of superior intelligence from an early age, skipping a grade in elementary school and enrolling at the California Institute of Technology at age 16. During his college years and two years of service in the U.S. Army, he developed into a fine pool player and golfer, pursuits he followed throughout life with considerable success. After earning his master’s degree at UTSA, he taught statistics at St. Philip’s College for more than two decades.

§ James M. Moffett Jr., B.A. in psychology, died Aug. 28, 2019, at age 46. He was born in Naples, Italy, where his father was serving the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Churchill High School in 1991, earned his degree from UTSA, and became a partner with his father in Jim's Piano Service, where he enjoyed tuning, repairing and playing pianos.

Mariana Sculos Ornelas, M.A. in Spanish, died March 6, 2017, at age 67. She worked closely with Willie Velasquez as part of the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project. She was a board member of the Esperanza Center, as a neighborhood advocate, and as a member of the San Antonio Zoning Commission, where she saved neighborhoods, streets, and trees for District 1. She was a professor of humanities at Palo Alto College for 20 years, where she was central to the development of the Mexican American studies program. She was also an accomplished pianist and harpist.

Helen Martha Davis Pratt, B.A. in geography, died November 9, 2018, at age 75. She worked as a legal secretary and word processor for 25 years before earning her degree at UTSA. She then relocated to Alamogordo, New Mexico, where she worked for the local district attorney’s office until retirement. She moved back to San Antonio during her later years and was blessed to reconnect with many of her Texas friends. She enjoyed reading, quilting, and researching her ancestors as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Timothy Lee Roberson, B.B.A. in accounting, died February 5, 2019, at age 51. A northern Illinois native, he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before attending UTSA. He worked as a district manager for Jack in the Box for 13 years before starting his own restaurant chain, Fox’s Pizza Den, with his wife. He loved the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, San Antonio Spurs, Texas Longhorns, and his sweet tea.

Jack Ernest Scott III, B.B.A in management science, died February 9, 2016, at age 59.

Sharon Shasteen, B.B.A. in information systems, died August 24, 2015, at age 54.

Dana Smith-Anderson, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died May 8, 2014, at age 45.

Amy Marie Triplett, B.A. in English, died September 29, 2018, at age 45. She studied art and the humanities at Texas Tech and the University of North Texas before earning her English degree at UTSA. She completed her teaching certification at UT Dallas and found her true calling as a seventh-grade English teacher at Howry Middle School in Lake Worth. She loved Snoopy, The Golden Girls, the San Antonio Spurs, and crime dramas.

Melanie Lynn Winsett, B.A. in psychology, died October 27, 2014, at age 43.

Todd “Woody” Woodcock, B.B.A. in marketing, died June 26, 2016, at age 43. After graduating from East Central High School, he attended UTSA and ultimately joined the San Antonio Fire Department, where he worked for 17 years, becoming a lieutenant. He had been diagnosed with leukemia in 2014.

1997

David Grant Burleson, M.S. in management of technology, died August 18, 2018, at age 72. He also earned a B.S. in biochemistry from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Duke University. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, retiring as a colonel. He was a dedicated Christian who served in a variety of leadership positions at churches, most recently as the administrative pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in New Braunfels.

Patrick Shannon Carmack, M.S. in mathematics, died January 13, 2018, at age 47. He would go on to earn a Ph.D. in statistics from Southern Methodist University in 2004 and become a member of the mathematics faculty at the University of Central Arkansas. He was an inspiration to many students throughout his 24 years as an educator, and he used his knowledge in biostatistics to develop spatial modeling techniques to better interpret data from MRI scans of Gulf War veterans. He was a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and Gene Roddenberry, and he appreciated cigars, good music, really good scotch, and even better friends.

Melissa Zambrano Galvan, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died February 25, 2018, at age 46. After graduating from UTSA she moved to Houston to pursue her dream of becoming a middle school English teacher. She won a Teacher of the Year award during her first year teaching at Galena Park ISD in Houston. In 2000 she relocated to the Dallas area and taught at Wilson Middle School in Plano for the next 13 years. She returned to San Antonio and continued her passion for teaching at Olmos Elementary and Tejeda Middle School. She enjoyed running, hiking, kickboxing, and reading.

Debra Goode, B.B.A. in management science, died December 7, 2015, at age 63. She had a love for music that began at an early age. Goode became an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano and singing in the choir at Bandera United Methodist Church.

Marc Thomas Helkey, B.S. in kinesiology, died February 8, 2019, at age 45. He graduated in 1992 from Taft High School, where he was the goalie for the soccer team and the Raider mascot. After earning his degree from UTSA in 1997 he returned to Northside ISD to become an adaptive P.E. teacher. He was later assigned to Stevens High School, where he was a special education teacher, and a soccer and football coach. Coaching was his greatest passion and he was named Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year by the San Antonio Express-News in 2009.

Ralph L. Howell, M.F.A. in art, died March 30, 2019, at age 68. He graduated from UT Austin with a B.S. in chemistry in 1968 and then taught in the Austin ISD for many years. He moved to San Antonio in 1985 to pursue his M.F.A. at UTSA and indulge in his deep interest in photography. He taught photography and digital media at St. Mary’s Hall for 31 years. He was recognized as a Master Teacher at St. Mary’s Hall in 2002 and received the Jamie Armstrong Bennett Award in 2017. As an artist, he specialized in pinhole photography. His work was exhibited in New York City, San Francisco, and San Antonio. He received summer grants to study in Italy, England, and Rockport, Maine. His pinhole work was featured on the PBS production EGG the Art Show and on Texas Country Reporter.

Melissa Kim Key, B.B.A in accounting, died August 16, 2014, at age 44.

Mary Jane Murphy, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died July 31, 2014, at age 61.

Joseph T. Stein, B.A. in Spanish, died December 14, 2011, at age 70.

Jennifer Vela, B.A. in psychology, died August 5, 2016, at age 47. She loved all animals, especially cats, and enjoyed hiking with her family at Lost Maples State Park.

1998

Anita Delgado, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died August 26, 2018, at age 77.

Kimberly Kay Kvernes, M.A. in anthropology, died July 25, 2018, at age 47. She earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UT Arlington in 1996 before attending UTSA. She would go on to complete her Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. She had many loves and interests in her life, including travel, Catholicism, antiques, pottery, the Dallas Cowboys, and her horse and cats. She enjoyed learning about a wide variety of topics, from papal encyclicals and Native American artifacts to painting techniques and DIY projects.

Matthew Robert Gill, B.B.A. in information systems, died December 13, 2014, at age 45.

Bernard Dietrich Obermeier, B.S. in mechanical engineering, died February 6, 2019, at age 54. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Heather Evelyn Smith O’Gorman, B.S. in civil engineering, died May 7, 2019, at age 47. She was a loving wife and successful engineer who was a proud football mom, cheer mom and wrestling mom for her children.

Stephen Speights, B.B.A. in marketing, died July 1, 2019, at age 73. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served in Vietnam. He was proud of his country and enjoyed connecting with other veterans. He also enjoyed long road trip—he traveled to all 50 states—as well as fishing, visiting friends and family, and cruising to casinos on land and sea.

Kenneth Van Damme, M.A. in education, died October 23, 2018, at age 53. He earned his bachelor’s degree at St. Mary’s University before attending UTSA. He spent more than a decade as a farmer before becoming an elementary teacher abroad for schools in Kazakhstan and Kuwait for five years. He then returned to his hometown of Hondo, where he affected the lives of many students. After both of his children graduated from Hondo High School he continued his international teaching career in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Johnnie Allen Young, B.S. in kinesiology, died January 22, 2015, at age 63.

1999

Antonio Lorenzo Alvarez, B.S. in mechanical engineering, died August 28, 2014, at age 61.

Alfredo Pablo Arias, B.A. in Spanish, died July 22, 2018, at age 56. Born in Camagüey, Cuba, he emigrated to San Antonio in 1980 after living for a few months in Spain. He worked as an operating room technician at Baptist Medical Center and was doing part-time work for an electronics store in 1989 when he suffered an injury on the job that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He never let his disability hold him back, traveling to Mexico, California, Las Vegas, St. Louis, and Key West. He especially loved going to baseball games and often went out to support the San Antonio Missions and Houston Astros.

Rena Gail McGhee Boggs, M.P.A. in public administration, died March 27, 2016, at age 57. She loved and became skilled at cross-stitching, scrapbooking, and greeting card making.

Michael Cavanaugh, M.B.A. in business, died November 6, 2013, at age 53.

Erik Gallegos, B.S. in biology, died April 17, 2015, at age 39.

David Edward Gomes, B.S. in biology, died January 19, 2019, at age 55. He began his career as an optometry technician but later decided to pursue a career in construction and remodeling. He started his own business, named First Aid Repair & Remodeling, going on to incorporate the business with government contracts and becoming a property building manager. He also managed various building projects in San Antonio and other cities. He was passionate about trucks, cars, and motorcycles.

Steven Storm Hallford, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died November 26, 2018, at age 69. He worked as a disc jockey and in the oil industry before becoming a computer applications teacher for the San Antonio and Edgewood ISDs. He was an avid collector of clocks, comic books, and various technological gadgets.

Kevin Paul Haiduk, B.B.A. in management, died May 5, 2019, at age 47. He attended Churchill High School in San Antonio, and after earning his B.B.A. at UTSA, he would go on to receive a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. He worked for Frost Bank, IBM, and Cognizant Technologies as a principal architect.

Tamra Hoggatt, B.A. in psychology, MA in counseling '10 died April 21, 2016, at age 48.

Helen Lorraine Madigan, B.A. in psychology, died December 19, 2014, at age 59.

§ Jo Anne Noble, M.B.A. in business, M.A. in education ’15, died April 19, 2017, at age 64. She had a diverse career starting in agricultural inspection for the State of Texas before moving into technical consulting for AT&T. Most recently, she was developing instructional technology for use in the field of medical care. Her greatest two joys in life were her church and her herding dogs. She was very active in the Sunday school and Bible study programs at First United Methodist Church in Boerne. She was also a founding member and past president of the Texas Hill Country Stockdog Association in addition to serving as a board member for the Texas Sheepdog Association, the oldest herding society in the U.S. She organized the annual herding trails at the San Antonio Highland Games, and in recent years, she and her dogs led sheep through the Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive in downtown San Antonio.

Cecilia “Kitty” Resendez, B.A. in English, died April 16, 2019, at age 83. Born in Pittsburgh, she was a lifelong learner and an avid reader.

§ Leopold Rosas, M.A. in education, died Dec. 15, 2019, at age 75. He attended W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi and received a football scholarship to SMU before settling down in San Antonio. He was a successful businessman who founded RCC, Inc. which lead to him winning the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He enjoyed annual deep-sea fishing trips and summer vacations with family and friends in Rockport, Texas. He was also active in the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement, serving as a Boys’ Youth leader, and frequent visitor to the Shrine in Lamar, Texas. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan who watched his favorite team every Sunday.

Manuel Ruiz III, M.A. in psychology, died May 6, 2018, at age 67. He was a retired school teacher who dedicated his life to serving the San Antonio community. He was involved in many organizations, such as the Alamo Business Club, the Volunteer Conservation Society, and the Rainbow Garden Club. He spent 13 years as a docent for the San Antonio Zoo, nine of them as head docent, writing newsletters and planning field trips for his fellow docents.

Clint Wayne Shussler, B.A. in economics, died June 25, 2018, at age 50. He enjoyed the outdoors, sports, making people laugh, and caring for his three children.

2000

Harold Wayne Anderson, M.A. in history, died July 5, 2014, at age 67.

Cecilia Elaine Brookins, B.B.A. in management, died November 25, 2018, at age 54. She earned an associate’s degree at Blinn College in Brenham before attending UTSA. She was a manager at USAA for more than 30 years. She loved her coworkers and appreciated the job security USAA provided. She enjoyed travel, ocean cruises, and get-togethers with family and friends.

Claude Antonio Cisneros, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died January 24, 2018, at age 69. He was a San Antonio native and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Julie Sloane Corbett, B.A. in criminal justice, died February 20, 2015, at age 71.

Laura Black Fornos, B.A. in anthropology, M.A. in anthropology ’03, died February 23, 2019, at age 59. She worked for University Health System for more than two decades, publishing articles about HIV care, cancer prevention, and depression in Mexican American populations. She enjoyed playing guitar, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and cats.

Kelly Ann Pearce Huber, B.B.A. in management, died December 29, 2016, at age 40. She worked for Aetna for more than 23 years, most notably as the senior director of national producer programs, in which she led a team responsible for managing and supporting all incentive and compensation programs in Aetna business lines. She was active in the Girl Scouts and her neighborhood swimming program.

Angela Lucille Immer, B.B.A. in marketing, died July 16, 2016, at age 49. She often volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and helped homeless animals.

Cordelia Muñoz, B.A. in psychology, M.A. in counseling ’04, died June 3, 2017, at age 39. She was the regional program specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission.

Christine “Christy” Schmidt, B.S. in mathematics, M.S. ’03, died October 1, 2014, at age 36.

James Dean Steger, B.A. in sociology with a minor in women and gender studies, M.S. ’02 in sociology, died November 3, 2016, at age 39.

Siobhan Majella Swanson, B.S. in biology, died May 25, 2016, at age 56.

2001

Susan Elizabeth Mayfield, M.A. in counseling, died April 11, 2015, at age 57.

Huengland H. “Mac” McIntyre, B.B.A. in information systems, died February 26, 2007, at age 37.

Leticia G. Vasquez, B.B.A. in management, died December 9, 2009, at age 44.

2002

Robert James Amitrani, B.S. in kinesiology, died July 31, 2015, at age 42.

John P. Buentello, M.A. in English, died February 18, 2018, at age 57. He achieved many childhood dreams and personal accomplishments as a writer, poet, elementary school educator, and university educator.

Sylvia Ann Hernandez, B.A. in political science, died December 28, 2016, at age 52.

Lawrence Ewell Leissner, M.F.A. in art, died July 23, 2019, at age 68. Born and raised in Texas, he studied at the University of Arizona for two years before obtaining a B.F.A. in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. Following graduation, Leissner spent many years in the Bay Area before returning to Texas in 2000 to pursue a master’s degree at UTSA. After earning his M.F.A., he became manager of the UTSA art department darkroom and an adjunct instructor until his retirement in 2013. In his remaining years he pursued traditional means of creating art, painting, and drawing. His imaginative works are on display at REM in San Antonio.

Crystal D. Martinez, B.B.A. in management, died March 20, 2016, at age 37. She would go on to earn her master’s degree in counseling and become a certified counselor for Connections. She had a tender love for animals and regularly volunteered for the Animal Defense League. She loved singing karaoke, dancing and watching shows like American Idol, The Voice, and So You Think You Can Dance as well as family trips to the San Antonio Zoo and Sea World.

Nathan “Nate” Murray, B.A. in history, died August 17, 2015, at age 45. One of four San Antonio police officers wounded in an early-morning shootout in 2003, Murray survived his injuries and a stroke and later retired to a country life with a couple of faithful dogs. Interim Police Chief Anthony Treviño lauded him, saying, “Nate was a true fighter and hero until the very end. A hero remembered never dies.”

Leticia “Lety” Nuncio, B.A. in psychology, died November 16, 2018, at age 53. She was born and raised in Laredo, where she worked in hotel and restaurant management until she moved to San Antonio to attend UTSA. After earning her bachelor’s degree she became a licensed chemical dependency counselor and enjoyed a rewarding career helping people with dependency issues.

Christopher DeJohn Thomas, B.B.A. in finance, died July 3, 2017, at age 38. He was a manager at an H-E-B store and an active guitar player for the youth ministry at Shearer Hills Baptist Church.

2003

Joseph Victor Arguijo, B.B.A. in management, died July 14, 2015, at age 47.

David Michael Cross, B.A. in criminal justice, died October 28, 2017, at age 46. He worked for USAA and was a U.S. Navy Reservist.

Deborah Mulkey Ebbecke, B.B.A. in accounting, died January 24, 2015, at age 49.

Nicole Dawn Foster Galvan, B.A. in criminal justice, died March 22, 2018, at age 38. She was a standout player for the UTSA women’s basketball team. She led the team in blocked shots from 2000 to 2002, adding 437 career points and 218 career rebounds, and earning an honorable mention for the 2002 All-Southland Conference team. After graduating from UTSA she worked in the car business for more than 10 years as a finance manager before becoming an underwriter for Chase and Ally banks. She was a proud season ticketholder of the Dallas Cowboys as well as a fan of the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Red Sox.

Hayde Garza-McCabe, B.S. in biology, died July 19, 2017, at age 35. She went on to earn a D.D.S. from the school of dentistry at UT Health San Antonio. She was a passionate pediatric dentist who provided care to children in San Antonio and two Alaskan communities.

Anne Louise Grieder Green, B.B.A. in general business, died July 25, 2017, at age 39. She was an insurance broker for USAA as well as a fitness and nutrition enthusiast who spent much of her free time at Big Sky Gym in Simsbury.

Naji Kayruz, M.B.A. in business, died February 4, 2019, at age 58. He was a prominent surgeon in San Antonio who practiced for 35 years. He saved many lives and touched countless others. He would often operate on his patients without pay, doing so out of the kindness of his own heart. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and represented his native country as a judo competitor in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. He received his medical degree from St. Joseph University in Beirut, but left for the United States after experiencing many horrors during the Lebanese civil war. He completed his surgical training in Pennsylvania and Ohio before moving to Texas. He was a well-known amateur athlete in San Antonio. He ran before work, biked afterward, and sometimes practiced judo in the evenings. He frequently competed in half marathons, usually placing first or second in his age division. He developed a passion for cycling in his later years, racing in local and national competitions and even traveling to France to ride several stages of the Tour de France.

Alfredo Tristan Moncada, B.S. in kinesiology, M.A. in adult and higher education ’07, died August 12, 2017, at age 49.

Guillermo Moreno, B.A. in history, died June 23, 2018, at age 70. He was a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf wars, earning at least 15 awards (medals, ribbons, and commendations) during his military career. He enjoyed coaching his children and grandchildren at sports as they grew up and enjoyed making lifelong friendships with other Marines and their families.

Donald R. Pipkin, B.A. in philosophy, died September 1, 2011, at age 61.

Sonja Sanchez, B.S. in health, died March 7, 2015, at age 51.

Jennifer Leigh Sholund, M.A. in counseling, died June 25, 2018, at age 42. She graduated from MacArthur High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M before earning her master’s at UTSA. She was kind-hearted, rescuing countless animals over the years in addition to caring deeply for the elderly, children, and people less fortunate.

Robert H. Taber, B.A. in history, died July 25, 2014, at age 49.

Lorraine M. Treviño, B.S. in architecture, died December 20, 2015, at age 44.

2004

Roy Jose Carlson, B.S. in architecture, died October 21, 2010, at age 31. He graduated from Mission High School in 1997 and returned to the McAllen area to work for ERO Architects after graduating from UTSA. He was a passionate cyclist who was enjoying a morning bike ride when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Alan Bernard Davis, B.B.A. in finance, died July 20, 2019, at age 66. He served in the U.S. Air Force, enjoying a 20-year military career, most notably as a cryptography instructor at Lackland AFB. After earning his B.B.A. at UTSA he worked for several years at Intel. His passions included photography, playing the trumpet, collecting guns, investing in real estate, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.

Joseph Alfonso Guajardo, B.A. in history, died November 19, 2017, at age 39. His life’s love was his daughter, Emma Noelle (Noey), who inherited her father’s love of reading as well as his inquisitive mind. He was a proud, devoted father who often said that Noey made him a better person and was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Natalie Jonice Miller, B.B.A. in accounting, died June 20, 2018, at age 52. She graduated from Southwest High School in St. Louis in 1983 and was the valedictorian of her senior class. She entered the U.S. Air Force two years later as a health services management specialist. Over the next two decades she would move up the military ranks to become a senior noncommissioned officer while also attending classes to earn her B.B.A. at UTSA. She retired from the military in 2005.

Ruben Gonzalez Tey, M.S. in kinesiology and health, died March 24, 2018, at age 56. He was an educator in San Antonio for 14 years. He was also an employee for the City of San Antonio Aviation Department.

Jack Clifford Edwards, B.B.A. in information systems, died February 20, 2011, at age 44.

Richard Herrera, B.B.A. in marketing, died January 29, 2015, at age 54.

Dorothy Ann Kyle, M.A. in adult and higher education, died March 16, 2017, at age 62. Her favorite hobbies included fishing, painting, sewing, crochet, softball, board games, ceramics, diving, boating, and planting flowers.

Shea Alan Lux, B.B.A. in general business, died November 22, 2014, at age 35.

Lorrie Gail Ozbey, B.A. in anthropology, died July 25, 2014, at age 46.

Richard Lee Schneider Jr., B.A. in psychology, died May 7, 2017, at age 41. He entered the U.S. Army in 1996 as a combat medic. He went on to be a highly decorated combat officer and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2004 as a medical service officer. He reached the rank of captain before going to Iraq. For his military service Schneider was awarded Master Parachutist, the Bronze Star, and a Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Iraq as part of a joint U.S.-Iraqi combat team.

Patti Marie Smith, B.B.A. in marketing, died July 23, 2015, at age 38.

2005

§ Regina Duenez Herrera, B.A. in English, died Dec. 6, 2019, at age 36. She had a successful career as a licensed financial advisor after graduating from UTSA. She enjoyed participating in her son's school events and was passionate about giving to the homeless by delivering food and beverages to those in need. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading books and enjoyed keeping up with political news.

Mark Anthony Martinez, B.B.A. in information systems, died May 13, 2014, at age 39.

James M. Nyondo, B.B.A. in management, died July 17, 2015, at age 47. He was a lawyer, development worker, and trained theologian who ran for president of his native Malawi as an independent candidate in 2009 and as a representative of the National Salvation Front (NASAF) in 2014.

§ Allison Elaine O’Connell, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died Dec. 27, 2019, at age 37. An Oklahoma native, she graduated from Churchill High School in San Antonio in 2001. After earning her bachelor’s degree at UTSA, she taught kindergarten for one year at Cameron Elementary, and she was in the midst of her 13th year of teaching pre-kindergarten at J.T. Brackenridge Elementary School. Children were her passion and she enjoyed working with them every day. She was a much-requested and trusted babysitter since age 12. She participated in the Camp Gladiator fitness program for the past four years and loved her CG family. She also loved her dogs.

Silvia M. Peña, B.B.A. in management, died July 31, 2014, at age 65.

2006

Debra Elaine Hannon, M.A. in education, died November 26, 2009, at age 50. She taught in the San Antonio ISD for nearly 30 years, most recently as the campus instructional coordinator at the Esparza Achievement Center.

Shawna Elaine Koehler, B.S. in biology, died August 26, 2015, at age 32.

Michael P. Nishimuta, M.S. in management of technology, died May 6, 2015, at age 63. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1973 and stayed connected through Alamo Chapter 234 of the Texas Air Force Association. He started as the website editor before becoming vice president for communications, special events coordinator, and then an executive vice president. He was also a member of the Japan-America Society of San Antonio and was very active at the yearly Asian Festival held at the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Jerri Ann Rhodes, B.A. in history, died October 21, 2014, at age 63. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she lived in Louisiana, Missouri, and Florida before settling down in San Antonio. She and her husband, John, felt a calling to create an inner-city Christian school, so they founded Family Faith Academy in 1997. In 2008 she and her family opened Restore Education, an educational nonprofit dedicated to reaching at-risk youth in San Antonio. She enjoyed volunteering, hiking, attending local concerts, and traveling with her kids, Kelli, Kerri, and Peter, who all earned degrees at UTSA.

Courtney “Shay” Ray Syfert, B.A. in communication, died January 18, 2018, at age 34. She and her husband, Dustin Ray, started Grace Avenue Church from their living room. She served multiple roles for the church, from leading the worship team and prayer team to coordinating events and pastoral care. She and Dustin also pursued careers in real estate with the United Country Ray Land Co. in Boerne.

Elizabeth Sanchez, M.A. in education, died October 5, 2016, at age 56. She was retired from the San Antonio Independent School District after 28 years.

Jonathan “Aquaman” P. Vela, B.A. in political science, died August 8, 2014, at age 38.

Kayla Weed, B.A. in philosophy, died February 23, 2016, at age 33.

2007

Jose “Joe” G. Calderon, B.B.A. in information systems, died October 29, 2015, at age 47.

Samantha Elizabeth Dean, B.A. in criminal justice, B.A. in psychology, died February 4, 2015, at age 29.

David Lamar Worth, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died March 27, 2015, at age 60.

2008

Jennifer Ann Burke, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died December 26, 2016, at age 35. She had a lifelong passion for teaching and enjoyed spending time with children.

Peter Duque De Estrada IV, B.A. in criminal justice, died September 14, 2015, at age 35.

James Amadeo DeLeon, B.B.A. in accounting, died May 10, 2018, at age 46. He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed food from all over the world. He was also an avid sports fan who loved UTSA athletics and the San Antonio Spurs in addition to watching his nieces and nephews plays soccer and tennis.

Jennifer Marie Garcia, B.S. in interior design, died December 28, 2018, at age 39.

Maria D. Lockwood, B.A. in criminal justice, M.S. in biology ’12, Ph.D. in biology ’17, died September 17, 2017, at age 49. Dying from an accidental drowning, she was honored with a posthumous degree from UTSA. She was a student in the cell and molecular biology doctoral program. She was also a member of the UTSA Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement training program. She was nearing completion of her doctorate project, working with her research mentor, Garry Sunter, chair of the Department of Biology.

Rocio Lockwood, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died November 3, 2015, at age 54.

Christopher W. McColskey, B.S. in biology, died in November 2017 at age 32.

Stanley Victor Thomas, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died March 30, 2018, at age 57. A native of Monroe, Louisiana, he joined the U.S. Army in 1986 and served in the Special Forces until he retired in 2004. He then graduated from UTSA with honors before developing a close relationship with St. Stephens Baptist Church in San Antonio.

Eduardo Valenzuela, B.A. in Spanish, M.Ed. in education ’10, died October 8, 2018, at age 65.

Dusty Jacqueline Young, B.S. in health, died September 1, 2018, at age 37. After earning her degree at UTSA she would go on to become the health equity director for the American Heart Association in Austin, where she received numerous awards, including one from the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

2009

Joseph A. Brown, M.A. in history, died April 14, 2017, at age 83. After serving as a priest for eight years, he was a manager of personnel for United Nuclear Corp. and Commonwealth Oil, before retiring as manager of compensation and benefits for Cullen Frost Bankers in 2001. He was also an adjunct professor of history, philosophy, and religious studies for the University of the Incarnate Word from 1998 to 2016.

Heidi Lyn Goodwin, B.A. in anthropology, died May 29, 2019, at age 50. She served four years of active duty in the U.S. Army and dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. She loved Mickey Mouse, painting, drawing, and watching hummingbirds in her backyard.

Mario Ulysses Lopez, B.S. in mathematics, died January 31, 2015, at age 28.

Claude Herman Monroe, B.B.A. in general business, died August 10, 2017, at age 51. He worked at the Southwest Research Institute for nearly 15 years as the supervisor for the IT support group. He was also a master mason and a volunteer for several charitable organizations.

§ Timothy Erik Pedersen, B.A. in economics, died July 29, 2019, at age 31.

Cesar Rainier Rivera, M.A. in education counseling, died April 26, 2014, at age 32.

§ Ismael Gabriel Rosas, B.A. in anthropology, M.Ed. in educational leadership ’13, died Sept. 8, 2019, at age 50. At the time of his passing, he was employed by Texas A&M-San Antonio as an academic advisor. He was previously employed by UTSA for more than 10 years, working in both the Office of Student Financial Aid and for UTSA Advising. At both universities, he demonstrated on a daily basis his enthusiasm and commitment to helping students to succeed in their educational endeavors.

Leo Edward Stevenson, B.A. in history, died June 23, 2016, at age 86. He served several years in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot in command of the B-36 bomber and later worked as a civil servant for 31 years. At age 72 he decided to go back to college and was determined to graduate before 80, which he did, at age 79.

2010

Joshua Damian Hanna, B.S. in mechanical engineering, died April 18, 2019, at age 32. He was also pursuing his M.S. in advanced manufacturing and enterprise engineering at UTSA. After earning his bachelor’s degree at UTSA he went to work for Pratt & Whitney in San Antonio as a mechanical engineer. He then moved on to Mitsubishi Power Systems, where his primary assignment was serving as a maintenance engineer for power plant gas turbines. He was born and raised in San Antonio, but also lived several years in Houston and Orlando while employed with Mitsubishi. He enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to visit parts of Europe, India, Latin America, Canada, and the U.S. He also enjoyed reading, listening to a wide variety of music, and playing and watching sports.

Deborah Sue Johnson, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, died April 27, 2019, at age 51. She became a licensed chemical dependency counselor while working at the Center for Health Care Services. She loved windmills, snowmen, Halloween, hiking and swimming—whether it was in pools, rivers, or along the Texas coast. She was especially fond of Garner State Park, where she and her husband got engaged.

Peter Rivers, B.B.A. in accounting, died November 13, 2017, at age 52. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in San Antonio in 1982 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he worked as an optician. After being honorably discharged he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida and his B.B.A. in accounting degree before pursuing a master’s in financial management and information systems from the University of Maryland University College. For the last five-plus years he worked as an accounting supervisor for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Ronald L. Seaman, M.S. in statistics, died February 6, 2016, at age 68. For the past five years he led the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Central Texas Chapter and he was a member since 1968. As the IEEE Central Texas Chapter student liaison, Seaman influenced more than 5,000 young and future engineers in the area's K-12 schools and major universities. He was a devoted and accomplished individual who loved the pursuit of scientific discovery.

§ Blake Martin Warren, B.B.A. in economics, died Oct. 14, 2019, at age 34. The Washington native moved to San Antonio with his family in 1996. After graduating from UTSA in 2010, he worked for Rackspace in Galveston and then San Antonio as an account manager. He enjoyed race cars, hunting and fishing, and going to UTSA football games.

2011

Tiffany Denise Files, B.A. in psychology, died October 13, 2018, at age 35. She was employed by the Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities in Corpus Christi as a continuity of care case manager. She was very proud of the work she did and was pleased to see her cases lead to more productive lives. With her family she traveled to several historical areas of the United States, including Gettysburg, Little Bighorn, Puget Sound, and the Grand Canyon.

Esmeralda Guajardo, B.S. in criminal justice, died May 12, 2017, at age 29. She was a medical assistant who was attending nursing school. She was also a strong advocate for animals and an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs and Rampage.

§ Andreen McDonald, B.B.A. in finance, was found dead on July 11, 2019, at age 29. She was born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, where she attended Norwich Primary School and Titchfield High School and excelled academically. She received an associate’s degree in business studies from Excelsior Community College before migrating to the U.S. and completing her B.B.A. at UTSA. Building on her passion for ownership and using the lessons she learned in life and school, after graduation at the age of 22, she started her own business, Starlight Homes Assisted Living, in San Antonio. She was widely known as a young woman with boundless optimism, joy, vivacity and humor who cared deeply about others.

§ Marla Michele Ochoa, B.S. in biology, died Jan. 3, 2020, at age 32. She passed the Texas certification to become a public school teacher in 2015. She taught at-risk kids and firmly believed that “teaching is touching lives.” She touched many young lives.

Paras R. Patel, B.A. in history, died July 18, 2017, at age 30.

Desiree Welborn, B.A. in psychology, died July 15, 2019, at age 31. After graduation she worked in Westminster, Colorado, as a facilitator for Shiloh House, an organization that offers nurturing, therapeutic, and educational services to at-risk youth.

2012

Amanda Michelle Canales, B.A. in communication, died July 2, 2019, at age 35. She attended Hidden Forest Elementary School, Eisenhower Middle School, Churchill High School, and Texas Tech Accelerated High School before arriving at UTSA. In addition to a career in social media and marketing she was a certified Army Caregiver working with the V.A. and dementia care patients.

Kendall Wellsman DeWall, B.A. in communication, died March 19, 2019, at age 29. She attended St. George Episcopal School, Eisenhower Middle School, and Churchill High School. She was on the Hunters Creek Hurricanes swim team for many years. As a young girl, she loved horses, taking riding lessons whenever her parents would drive her to the stables. She played basketball at St. George and Eisenhower and was in the color guard of the Churchill band, marching in the Rose Bowl Parade, among other events. After earning her bachelor’s degree she completed many graduate science and math courses at UTSA while shadowing doctors in the anesthesiology department of the UT Health Science Center. She then became a scribe for the WellMed Medical Group before working for her final employer, Glazer’s Wholesale Distributors, as a sales representative.

David Forrest Haddock, B.A. in political science, died May 6, 2017, at age 28. A San Antonio native with a special interest in probate law, he went on to graduate from law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2016.

Steven Koenig, M.A. in history, died November 30, 2015, at age 69. Koenig had a successful career in aviation sales that allowed him to take off on a three-year adventure in England working for Rolls-Royce Engines. After retirement, he spent time volunteering with the San Antonio Food Bank, as a member of the Dominion Rotary Club, and also served on the Alamo Colleges Foundation Board. His calling for philanthropic causes kept him busy, and Koenig always said he was too busy to play golf.

Destiny Nichols, B.A. in communication, died October 19, 2016, at age 30.

Linda Joyce Rasmussen, B.A. in women’s studies, died May 13, 2017, at age 70. She worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio before becoming the owner of a real estate services company.

Dustin H. Strickland, B.S. in mathematics, died January 10, 2018, at age 31.

2013

Ryan Christopher Alanis, B.B.A. in management, died June 5, 2018, at age 28. He grew up in Houston and graduated from Langham Creek High School before attending UTSA. After earning his B.B.A. he returned to Houston to serve as the operations manager for Advanced Environmental Air Technology, his family’s heating and air conditioning company.

BobbiJean Fickle, M.A. in teaching English as a second language, died July 24, 2018, at age 59. She earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics at Long Beach State University and was a teacher in the Westminster School District in Orange County, California, before moving to Texas. She taught for the Conroe ISD and most recently at the John Wood School attached to the Juvenile Detention Center in San Marcos. She was a member of the International Cat Association and was a breeder of Bengal cats. She also enjoyed painting and crafting.

Keith “Keefurs” Durham Harrison, B.A. in sociology, died December 14, 2018, at age 31. He attended high school at St. Mary’s Hall, where he was goalie on the lacrosse team, before enrolling at UTSA. He was a very giving person who volunteered at SAMMinistries and Goodwill Industries. He was also an avid music lover and food enthusiast.

David Allan Tedesco, M.B.A., died October 3, 2014, at age 58.

2014

Michael Jerome Allen, M.A. in school psychology, died October 19, 2016, at age 35. He was a licensed specialist in school psychology for the San Antonio ISD.

Sean Ernest Caldwell, B.A. in history, died January 11, 2018, at age 45. He was dedicated to his career at Oracle, but his true passion was spending time with his children—whether it was at amusement parks, the lake, the coast, or the Rocky Mountains.

Edmund Ray Deonon Comsti, B.F.A. in art, died April 15, 2018, at age 28. He was born in the Philippines, but his family moved to San Antonio when he was a toddler. He took great pleasure in photography and videography from a young age, and he would go on to build a profession as a photographer, YouTuber, and web comic creator. He dabbled in many forms of art, including sketching and painting, and he also played the violin and the guitar.

Jack Harrison Freeman, B.B.A. in marketing, died May 14, 2017, at age 29. He was a member of the UTSA men’s golf team. Three months after his younger brother, Hunt Freeman, died as the result of a heroin overdose, he succumbed to the very same drug. His parents urge others to openly discuss drugs, alcohol, and choices with their loved ones in an effort to lessen the intolerable pain that addiction wreaks.

Joseph Noel Haro, B.B.A. in real estate finance and development, died December 11, 2018, at age 33. He attended Scobee Elementary School, Stinson Middle School, and O’Connor High School in San Antonio. He began his real estate career at Marcus & Millichap in 2012. He started as an intern before becoming a team analyst, teaching many of the new agents and employees the basic fundamentals of analysis and valuation. He loved animals, beach trips, building projects, Disney movies, and football, among his many interests.

Randall “Randy” Hunter House Jr., B.A. in economics, died November 20, 2018, at age 32.

2015

Miguel Agustín Alvarez, Ph.D. in culture, literacy and language, died November 26, 2015, at age 41. He dedicated his life to educational equality. His dissertation, “The Role of Language in Students’ Reading Trajectory: Exploring a Summer Reading Enrichment Program,” was an example of action research designed to improve the quality of education for language minority students, especially in the area of literacy. He was buried with full military honors.

Nathan Lewis Efron, B.A. in criminal justice, died July 25, 2018, at age 37. After graduating from Alamo Heights High School he proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USCGC Hammer. He became a successful sales representative for Adrenaline Fundraising after earning his degree at UTSA. He was a huge San Antonio Spurs and Texas Longhorns fan, and he idolized Superman well into adulthood.

Joseph Jaramillo, B.S. civil engineering, died November 27, 2016, at age 34. After several years in the Navy, he attended UTSA, studying hard and taking no time off between semesters. He was proud to have followed in his dad’s footsteps in getting an engineering degree. After graduating, he accepted a job at Texas Department of Transportation in Houston and worked on redesigning freeways and drainage systems.

2016

JoAnna Marie Chapa, M.S.W. in social work, died July 9, 2018, at age 28. She graduated from Premont High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in Kingsville before earning her master’s in social work at UTSA. She was devoted to helping children. She was employed with Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend in Corpus Christi, and was its coordinator at Driscoll Middle School.

Linda Mae Biediger Mann, M.Ed. in educational leadership, died November 23, 2017, at age 56. She was born in Germany and graduated from John Jay High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at The University of Texas at Austin. She taught dance and tumbling for several decades, starting when she was 14 years old, at Ruth Ellis Dance Studio and continuing for 20 years with Hermann Sons. In 2007 she received an alternative certification for teaching and began teaching at Somerset ISD, teaching sixth grade math at Savannah Heights Intermediate School. She was known as Miss Linda by her dance and tumbling students and as Miss Mann by her math students.

Jerry D. Reynolds Jr., B.A. in political science, died January 26, 2018, at age 31. He was an accomplished graduate of Richard King High School in Corpus Christi who participated in the National Hispanic Institute’s Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session. He enjoyed reading books, playing music, and soccer, among other sports.

Kathleen Jade Rouppet, B.A. in communication, died June 9, 2019, at age 27. She graduated from Stagg High School in Stockton, California, where she was a three-sport athlete before attending UTSA. She was president of UTSA Women’s Club Soccer. After earning her bachelor’s degree she moved to San Jose, where she worked for the Robert Half Co. She enjoyed working out, music, art, festivals, sporting events, and traveling.

Bobby Brannon Tidwell, B.A. in geology, died May 10, 2016, at age 36. An Air Force veteran, he had deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during his nine years of service. He spent countless hours with his daughter building forts, drawing pictures, coloring, watching movies, reading stories, going on walks, and sharing silly moments.

2017

Kyle Jakob Bush, B.F.A. in art, died October 15, 2017, at age 26.

Paul Rene Hernandez, B.S. in mechanical engineering, died November 6, 2017, at age 37. His mother brought him to the United States from Mexico before his first birthday. He loved giving and explaining advanced mathematics to his friends and family. Earning an engineering degree was one of his lifelong goals. He was also a big fan of his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers.

§ Gilbert Jose Jimenez, B.A. in multidisciplinary studies, died Nov. 28, 2019, at age 32. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and graduated from Tom C. Clark High School in San Antonio in 2006. He was an avid movie watcher and a football buff who cheered on the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. He loved history and aspired to become a history teacher and middle school athletics coach. He spent his free time exercising at the gym, volunteering with kids, and playing golf. Some of his favorite memories were of family vacations on the beach.

Kemeth Cole Mayfield, B.S. in physics, died July 18, 2019, at age 27. After graduating from UTSA he worked as a field service engineer repairing large electron microscopes, a job that allowed him to travel across America and to other countries, like Denmark and the Netherlands. He was a scientist, mathematician, and philosopher who enjoyed craft beer, coffee, and the smoothest of jazz. He was also a man of faith who was baptized by his father on a mission trip to Mexico.

Dominiq Amir Castillo Porterfield, who was pursuing a degree at UTSA, died September 3, 2016, at age 19. He was a Virginia native working toward a degree in business management. He enjoyed many outdoor sports and was a member of the UTSA Velox Club Ultimate Frisbee.

David James Tse, who attended UTSA, died July 18, 2017, at age 23. He was the founder, owner, and CEO of Vesuvian Interactive, a video game design and virtual reality company. He was working on a zombie apocalypse survival video game for VR headsets before he died. His father, James Tse Sr., and his mother, Melissa Hurtubise Tucker, are both UTSA alumni.

§ Andrew James Waterreus, B.S. in mechanical engineering, M.S. in mechanical engineering ’19, died Dec. 15, 2019, at age 28. He grew up in Bulverde and graduated from Smithson Valley High School in 2010. He had a passion for education and greatly enjoyed tutoring others.

2018

Zachary Slough, M.F.A. in art, died November 21, 2018, at age 39. He was born in Indiana and earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Southeastern Louisiana University, where he excelled at sculpture and woodworking. He would go on to earn his master’s at UTSA, where he also shared his passion for art as an instructor. He taught students about 3D foundations, molding, and sculpture while cultivating their creativity. Upon the completion of his master’s degree he was awarded a scholarship at the SRISA School of Art in Florence, Italy, where he lived for six months and studied various art forms.

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Faculty and Friends

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