Emily Castillo and Gilbert Garza Honored with Ismael Sosa, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at SWTJC

Uvalde, TX, April 2, 2024 - Emily Castillo of Eagle Pass and Gilbert Garza, a native of Uvalde, have been honored as this year’s recipients of the Ismael Sosa, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC). The scholarship, established by the Sosa family, recognizes deserving students who exemplify excellence and commitment.

Castillo and Garza have exhibited remarkable dedication and resilience throughout their academic journeys. They were awarded $650 in the fall semester and received an additional $650 scholarship this spring. Their commitment to their studies and active involvement in the college community make them fitting choices for this prestigious honor.

The scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., a beloved figure within the SWTJC family. Dr. Sosa’s legacy spans 45 years, during which he served as the Dean of Admissions and Student Services from 1968 to 1999 and later as the college’s President until his retirement in 2013. His unwavering commitment to education and student success left an indelible mark on the institution.

Dr. Sosa’s passing in Dec. 2020 prompted his family and friends to establish an endowment fund. The fund supports scholarships for deserving SWTJC students, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The SWTJC Scholarship Committee administers a scholarship which provides $650 per semester (fall and spring) to eligible students. To qualify, students must adhere to the following requirements:

- They must enroll for at least 12 semester hours.
- They must maintain good academic standing.
- They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Castillo and Garza meet all the aforementioned criteria. Their commitment to their studies aligns perfectly with the first requirement of enrolling for at least 12 semester hours. Additionally, their dedication to excellence ensures that they have maintained good academic standing, and their consistent performance reflects their academic prowess, fulfilling the last requirement of having a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

As Emily Castillo and Gilbert Garza continue their educational journeys, they carry the legacy of Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., and the hope that their achievements will inspire others to reach for the stars. The Ismael Sosa, Jr. Memorial Scholarship stands as a testament to the power of education and the impact of a caring community.