History of Friends
The Friends of Fine Arts and Communication group has grown and changed over the past 40 years. In 1979, then Dean of the School of Creative Arts, Dr. Ralph Harrel and San Marcos resident Maude Ogle worked together to establish a local group of fine arts patrons who were committed in supporting the university's performing arts programs. Dr. Harrel served as the Dean from 1971 – 1985 and was instrumental in pursuing the vision of the original idea. Maude and her husband Bob Ogle, a retired faculty member from the University of Chicago, had recently moved to San Marcos from the Chicago area where she worked as a piano teacher. Maude loved the arts and worked hand in hand with Dean Harrel in establishing the link with then SWT and local community. The original group was at first called the "Dean's List," they each agreed to pay a basic fee of $15.00 to go towards an endowment placed in the Dean's discretionary fund. This fund was to be used for scholarships within the School of Fine Arts, for the benefit of worthy students. In 1980 the group officially became known as the "Friends" organization. This charter included 102 founding members. Their goal was to promote the arts both locally and at the university, and to build an endowment fund for university students. In 1985, Dr. T. Richard Cheatham was appointed as the Dean of the School of Fine Arts & Communication. The group "Friends" again took a new name, becoming the "SWT Friends of Fine Arts" and by 1987 Dean Cheatham established the first board of directors and by-laws. In 1989, "Communication" was added to the Friends title. In 1993, Dean Cheatham and the Friends group organized elections establishing the first state of independently elected officers. Bob Sappington was elected the first president of the newly reconstituted Friends group. Since then, both Bob Sappington and Dr. Peter Coulson have each served two terms as president. When the university officially changed its name to Texas State University, the "Friends" group officially dropped SWT from its name and became known simply as the Friends of Fine Arts & Communication. Today the Friends group has grown to just over 200 members with an endowment valued at over $350,000 and continues to provide scholarships for our students and faculty within the College of Fine Arts & Communication.
Friends of Fine Arts and Communication wish to thank the following founders:
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Founding Friends
Balsora Anderson Kay Banning James and Hazel Barton Millie Bechtol J Fredric Bell James and Barbaranne Benjamin Caroline Benjamine Roger and Barbara Bennett Ron and Alberta Birk George and Shirley Boemerman Alice M Bourque Chris Brasher Jim and Gerry Braden Lenore K Breiger Irma L Bruce Ada P Burke Yvonne Carroll Mr and Mrs W. C. Carson Dr. and Mrs. Richard Cheatham Rex W Cole Frances and Edith Coleman Mr and Mrs P. R. Connally Katherine Costley Dana Craft Mary Cude Mr and Mrs W. H. Daniels Maurice J Erickson Sheila Fling William L Fly Mrs. Elinor Clarie Frank Mr and Mrs John E Garstka George and Bobbie Gilbert Diana Ginsburg Ann Glaves Dr and Mrs Joel Goldman Dr and Mrs Robert Gratz Nancy Grayson Carole Greer Susan R Griffith Dr and Mrs John Guemple Virginia P Hardin Mrs Sue W Harmon Doris Harrel Douglas and Henriette Harris Hays County Abstract Co. Dr. and Mrs Arlis Hiebert Ralph and Francys Houston Lee Hudman Dr. Charles Hundley Mary G Hunter Herbert E Johnson Betty Kissler Jean B Laman James and Tonda Langabeer Paul A Leche Dr and Mrs Ken Long Rebecca C Lowman Ruth Manske Mrs Edythe H Margerison Mrs George N Martindale Don and Kathy Matlock Dr and Mrs Michael H McBride Celia Morgan James Bert Neely Rollo and Sylivia Newsom Dr. Erik Nielsen Ann G Noey Bob and Brita Northcutt Dr and Mrs Robert B Ogle Mrs Reed B Parr Mickie Pate Charles E Paul LaViece Pauling Steven and Sandra Peters Darrell and Barbara Piersol Mr and Mrs R. J. Pollard Mr and Mrs Walter Preston Mr and Mrs Roberto Provencio Laura L Ramsay Paula Renfro Dr. Martha Reyonlds Cliff J and Denise Ronan Brain Row Charlotte Scott Carrie Sheperd Dr. Gwen Smith Lee Sowell Ernest L and J Louise Stephens Dr and Mrs Alfred Sullivan Mr. Delight Tassin Dr Robert D and Elizabeth Turpin Charles and Allene von Henner Max and Hiroko Warshauer Dr and Mrs Jack Weatherford Mr and Mrs Wilfred D Webb Brig. Gen. (Retired) and Mrs Joseph E Wesp Roy and Ruth Willbern M Lee Williams Marvin L Wine Robbie Wiley Zunker