ETSU Stories

I am approaching my three-year anniversary at Texas A&M University-Commerce. I have been blessed to become a large part of the 'Pride' as a community director (in the Residential Living & Learning dept.) and an adjunct professor of history. The connections I have made with staff and faculty will be remembered for a long time, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the philosophical conversations I have had with students in the classroom and residents in the on-campus dormitories (we usually chat about American history, life goals, managing one's finances and time, and self-accountability). Additionally, I have undertaken the task to write a 132-year photographic history of the university (Professor Mayo established East Texas Normal College in 1889). This colossal project, which has been endorsed by TAMUC president, has spawned into a variety of mini projects, including conference presentations, blog posts, lecture materials in class, and a couple of articles in Texas history magazines (also, the East Texan). I have immersed myself in the history of this fantastic institution, and am very proud to continue to write the Lion story. I am going to share a few parts of the Lion story in this blog post.

Professor William L. Mayo established his college in 1889 in Cooper. This was the original building, which housed classrooms, faculty offices, and an apartment for Mayo. The college was relocated to Commerce after a devastating fire destroyed this T-shaped structure in 1894.

Peggy Leeman Ramirez was born in the early 1930s and grew up on a farm. Despite her family's rural roots, Peggy never wanted to milk the cows for the rest of her life, choosing instead to pursue a quality education. She enrolled at East Texas State Teacher's College in February 1952. She received no financial aid nor scholarships (women were not given the same opportunities as men in the 1950s), so she worked the night shifts at a PBX switchboard to pay for her tuition. Through hard work and perseverance, Peggy graduated in 1954 and became an award-winning teacher at Robert T. Hill Middle School in Dallas. She did not tire in her learning and returned to ETSTC to pursue a master's degree; Peggy balanced her job and schoolwork over a three-year period. She noted that obtaining her master's degree was, "One of the best things I ever did." Peggy would work at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas for a large chunk of her later career prior to retirement. She has since reflected on her education, lauding the institution for its top-ranking faculty and degree programs: "If I wouldn't have had the education that East Texas State gave me, I wouldn't have had the fabulous career in teaching, and knowing the wonderful students I have encountered..." Peggy Leeman Ramirez was named a TAMUC Distinguished Alum in 2017.

Whitley Hall, East Texas' tallest building, was built in 1969. This photograph was taken in the 1980s. It currently houses male and female students. I oversaw operations at Whitley Hall btwn 2018 and 2020.

John Spiegel spent most of his teenager years walking the East Texas State University campus with his brother and former ET student, Wayne Spiegel. He admired the beautiful campus, thinking "life would be terrific" at ETSU. John enrolled, took a sincere interest in photojournalism, and studied under two distinguished journalism professors, Drs. Jack Bell and Otis Spencer. He later recalled his challenging typewriting class with Dr. Robert Ward; the strict professor once scolded John's unsatisfactory class performance, noting "Son, if you don't know how to type, you will never make it in this class..." John was also active in the university's Air Force ROTC program (which had been established by President James G. Gee and Congressman Sam Rayburn after World War II). He lived in the married housing with his wife during his time at Commerce (the married housing apartments were located in the grassy lot next to the current Brookshire's). John graduated with his bachelor's degree in 1971, followed by his master's degree in 1973. He served in the United States Army for 31 years prior to retirement. He was recognized as a TAMUC Distinguished Alum in 2017. Now in his twilight years, John has reflected on the fond memories he had had on campus: "Despite all those changes that took place over the years, at the end of the day, there is still one constant that remains and that is the standard of excellence-- the standard that was set by Dr. Mayo and it has continued to permanent across campus still today."

ETSU Memorial Stadium, photographed in the 1980s. The football stadium was built in 1950 to commemorate the ET students who died during World War II. Note the antiqued telephone box...

Steve Sullivan was genuinely considering the University of Tulsa for college. On a trip to Oklahoma with his older brothers, Steve stopped at his brother-in-law's house in Greenville and was persuaded to look around the East Texas State University campus. He met many students in Commerce and fell in love with ET. Steve enrolled in classes and balanced a successful and rigorous academic workload with leadership roles in many on-campus organizations, including the East Texan (where he was the sports editor). After obtaining his bachelor's degree in 1969, Steve joined the publishing staff at Caller-Times in Corpus Christi. Owing to his work ethic, he quickly moved through the ranks and became the vice president of E.W. Scripps Publishing Company in 1997. When he received the Distinguished Alum award in 2014, Steve Sullivan proudly boasted that attending ETSU was the "#1 best decision" he had made. Steve's family continue to donate a lot of scholarship money to the institution.

The (2nd) Rayburn Student Center, built in 2009. The first RSC was constructed in the 1960s near the football field. This current rendition of the RSC houses the dining facilities, bookstore, student activities staff offices, and multiple conference rooms. The building is named after Sam Rayburn, the distinguished Texas congressman and a 1903 ET alum.

Gordon Allen is another successful product of East Texas State University. He grew up in rural Texas on a dirt road, and worked with his father to open their gas station each morning. Gordon enrolled at ETSU and took a variety of business classes, graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1972. He returned to his alma mater, enrolled in night classes and received his MBA in 1984 (1984-1985 was one of the worst years for ETSU since enrollment was at an all-time low). Gordon held several position at GTE Co. (now called Verizon Communications Inc.). He was also bestowed the Distinguished Alum award in 2014.

East Texas State University/Texas A&M University-Commerce has produced many outstanding leaders and scholars, each of whom has made positive, profound impacts in their communities. This university has been special from the beginning (since Professor Mayo's days), and will continue to provide quality instruction and rigorous academic training to young Lions in our continuously-evolving world.

*ET Photographs are from The Portal to Texas History*