"Sully" Statue Unveiling -- Sul Ross State University, Alpine TX - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

The statue of former Governor in Texas Confederate General Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross stands at the intersection of 5 walkways behind Lawrence Hall on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine. Lawrence Hall is the first building you see if you come into the main entrance off of US 90. Veer right in front of Lawrence Hall and park in the parking lot to your left. The statue is nearby.

Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross is a legendary Texan, although he was born in Iowa. He was a Texas Ranger, Confederate General, a Comanche fighter, Governor of Texas, and president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.

Twenty years after his death the state legislature chartered a new State Normal School (a Teacher's college) at Alpine, which they named after Sul Ross.

As far as Mama Blaster knows, Sul Ross is the only University President in Texas to have statues in his honor on two separate University campuses: A bronze statue of Sul Ross stands in front of the Academic Building at the Texas A&M campus, where he is part of a beloved campus tradition (https://www.tamu.edu/traditions/aggie-culture/pennies-on-sully/) that has migrated with this waymarked statue, on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine.

The news article reads as follows:

"LATEST NEWS FROM SUL ROSS NOVEMBER 11, 2014

"SULLY" STATUE UNVEILING
LAWRENCE SULLIVAN ROSS STATUE UNVEILING NOV. 15 DURING HOMECOMING

A bronze sculpture of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, by noted sculptor Paul Tadlock, New Braunfels, will be dedicated Saturday, Nov. 15, 5 p.m., during Homecoming festivities at Sul Ross State University.

The statue, made possible by a nearly $100,000 gift from Sul Ross graduate Charlie Nichols, Fort Worth, and his wife, Arline (pictured in 2004 photo) will be located on the walkway near Ferguson Hall, where ceremonies will take place. Tadlock’s creation depicts the former Texas governor and President of Texas A&M as he appeared in his later years as a statesman and educator.

Dedication ceremonies will include remarks by Sul Ross President Dr. Bill Kibler, introduction and gift presentation to Tadlock and introduction and gift presentation to Charlie Nichols, who will also make brief remarks. The dedication will also mark the inauguration of a new Sul Ross tradition – first adopted by Texas A&M – of leaving a penny at the foot of the statue.

Ross ( or ”Sully”) was known for tutoring A&M students who needed help, especially during finals. When students tried to pay him for his time, he would say “Just give me a penny for your thoughts.” Thus began the A&M student tradition of leaving a penny at Sully’s feet for good luck before exams began.

The sculpture of the university’s namesake stands slightly over six feet tall. Separate donations provided funding for the base – made of Texas pink granite – and three plaques. Tadlock earlier created a bronze statue of a Lobo wolf, used as a fund-raiser by the Sul Ross Alumni Association.

At the time of his donation to fund the sculpture, Nichols said, “My motivation is simple. Sul Ross is a good place. It’s a good place for a number of reasons. It’s friendly; the people of Alpine are friendly; and I received a couple of kindnesses while I was a student that helped me with my education.

“I received an affordable education that supported me in what I did in life, and over the years I have realized the value of that education and the value of Sul Ross for me,” he said. “This is my way of saying ‘thank you, Sul Ross, for what you did for me.’”

Nichols received his B.S. in History from Sul Ross in 1959; and an M.A.(1964) and Ed.D. (1969) from the University of North Texas. He worked for 35 years in education as a high school teacher, coach, superintendent and professor. He retired from Texas Wesleyan University in 1995, having served as professor of education and chair of secondary education. Additionally, he founded Southwest Investments, a diversified investment company, that he actively managed for more than 40 years. He and Arline married in 1960. Arline Nichols had a long career in marketing for Braniff Airlines, and the couple enjoyed frequent travel.

Nichols also served on the Alumni Association board at Sul Ross from 1998-2001. During that period, the association moved from being an independent (501c3) organization to part of the university. In 1999, Charlie received the first Lobo award from SRSU Exes for significant support to the endowed scholarship fund. In February 2015, he will be honored as a Distinguished Alumnus.
Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross (1838-1898) was a Texas Ranger, soldier, statesman and university president. He served two terms as governor of Texas (1888-91) and was a champion of public education. Following his governorship, he became president of the troubled Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). Under his direction, enrollment increased, many new buildings were constructed and the institution’s reputation was restored.

Sul Ross State University was created by an act of the 35th Legislature in 1917 as a state normal college to train teachers. Construction was delayed due to America’s entry into World War I, and the college opened for classes in the summer of 1920, under the name of Sul Ross State Normal College. Subsequent name changes were Sul Ross State Teachers College (1923); Sul Ross State College (1949); and Sul Ross State University (1969).
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Type of publication: Magazine When was the article reported?: 11/11/2014 Publication: News from Sul Ross Sate University Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Arts/Culture

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