Bobcats Through the Decades

"I spent my freshman year at the University of Houston; my dad paid because he thought one year of college was all that a girl needed. A friend transferred to SWT and loved it. 

“After working for a year, I wanted to attend SWT, so I enrolled in my sophomore year. I didn’t know if I’d go to college the next year, so I took subjects I was interested in. In my junior year, I ended up with a double major in English and government and earned a BA during my senior year in 1947. I was involved in the Student Council, Pi Kappa Delta, the College Players, and the Gaillardian Unit of the Red Cross. I was also a twirler from 1945 to 1947. SWT was the right choice—I had a wonderful experience. I just loved the small classes, good course choices, excellent professors, and friendly students.”

— Carla (Beilharz) Parsons, class of 1947

"I attended Trinity University in San Antonio, but I decided to transfer to Texas State, and I’m so glad I did because I made lifelong friends.

"I knew I wanted to be a teacher, so I chose to major in education. I remember walking to church every Sunday in heels and not having cars at school. Times were different back then. We had to follow certain rules like being in by 10:30 at night if we went out on a date. I remember when they opened a new dorm, and we were so excited to move in. I’m grateful for the time I spent at TXST because it was a good, decent school and I never felt unsafe.”

— Lila Lee Clifford Pollard, class of 1959

"I started at Southwest Texas in 1963 during the LBJ era. I was a member of the band and the choir, and I was section leader of the drums for five years. I was also able to work with the Secret Service agents to help LBJ go from building to building when he visited. I had keys to the different buildings, and most of our staff in the music department didn’t know of this. I was also able to witness the signing of the Higher Education Act and played in the presidential escort band in Washington, D.C. 

"These were some of the greatest memories of my college career, and I will never forget them.”

— George John Koudelka, class of 1968

“I lived on campus and had my horse with me for a short time. I didn’t have a car, so my horse kept me busy and in shape. One of the most memorable moments of my freshman year was the end of the Vietnam War when the names of all the POWs were released in the paper. The front desk at our dorm had pages and pages of names spread out on the counter. Seeing that was both exciting, because the war was ending, but also very somber.

“I met wonderful people and made lifelong friends at Texas State. My horizons were forever expanded, and I have no regrets at my choice of schools.”

— Marla Pattillo Ruvalcaba, class of 1976

“I was the first in my family to attend college, and I made the most of my experience. I joined many clubs and organizations, including the Kappa Jewels, Wisconsin Sleepers, fencing club, scuba club, Angel Flight, and ultimately I became a Bobkitten, a cheerleader, and Boko the Bobcat mascot. I gained confidence through the excellent mentoring from my professors in both my environmental management major and my aquatic biology minor. 

"My greatest takeaway from my time at the university was positive individuality — the confidence and belief that I could make a positive difference with what I learned in my courses.”

— Grace Montgomery Faulkner, class of 1981

"I chose TXST because of the quality of the agricultural program. It was a great experience because the classes were smaller, so I had individual attention if I needed it. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between the ag students and the professors, who treated us like their own kids.

“One of the most challenging assignments I had was to collect 100 plant specimens during the winter. It was difficult because there weren’t many plants alive in January, but I got my family involved, and we persevered. I enjoyed the university’s proximity to the Square, where I could go to hang out when I needed a break from class. My greatest takeaway from Texas State was learning that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to, and that I could be independent and successful.” 

— Erica Soechting, class of 1997

“As soon as I stepped foot on the TXST campus and saw the river, the football stadium, the railroad tracks, and went to the football game, I knew I had to be there. I was in love with the campus and the culture. I immersed myself by joining organizations like the African Students Organization and Gospel Expression singing group. My experiences at Texas State also translated into my professional life. I had to show professionalism in the advertising campaigns we did for Texas State admissions and Snapple during my senior year.

"What I appreciate the most about my time at Texas State is the family camaraderie aspect of campus. Everyone was so inclusive and welcoming. It felt like a small town where everyone knew everyone.”

— Wynard De’Kavon Crawford, class of 2016

“I applied to all the major schools in Texas and when I toured Texas State, I knew immediately that it was the right place for me. 

“I majored in economics and minored in business administration. During my time at TXST, I faced the challenge of the pandemic, but I stayed at my San Marcos apartment and was able to adjust to online classes. I was also able to take scuba diving as an elective and ended up working all the way up to the level of divemaster. I started at the old Olympic pool before it was demolished and did certification dives at Spring Lake, Lake Travis, and the Comal River. I made lifelong friendships with my roommates and the people I met at the San Marcos Dive Shop.”

— Toby M. Brinlee, class of 2022