Opinion

My name is Dr. Matthew Short, and like you, I stand proud as a Sul Ross alumnus. When you became the 13th president of Sul Ross, I knew the university would be taken care of by one of its own for the first time in its history. Your welcome letter stated that your goal was to ensure students have the same career opportunities you had. Where did that go?

Now that Sul Ross has a national champion in the bull riding competition, perhaps it is a good time to point out that these student athletes are not recognized by Sul Ross to be athletes, but rather, only a student in the Range Animal Science department. By denying these rodeo athletes the full recognition of the Athletic Department, and relegating them to second-class participants, the rodeo program barely subsists financially.

I was saddened to learn that Sul Ross State University’s financial struggles may result in significant changes to the university, including the dismantling of the theater and art departments and a probationary arrangement for the new nursing program.

Alpine’s downtown has a building being renovated. It’s across Sixth Avenue from the Old Holland Hotel, and it is beautiful! It would be wonderful if all the buildings would get some updating.

This letter was written to display my support for the celebration of Juneteenth by the current Democrat Party. I find it gracious of them for dedicating a day to remembering when Republicans made Democrats free their slaves.

Pro golfer John Rahm, ranked No. 3 in the world, exhibited COVID symptoms of a six-point lead and a hole in one during the PGA Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, on the day he tested positive. It may be concluded that the virus is a stroke enhancer. The medical protocol that forced his withdrawal from the tournament brought on the sessile malaise favored by scientists.

As a long time reader of the local and regional West Texas papers, it is disheartening to once again see Alpine city politics get ugly. I follow the news as best that I am able from a distance, because I love Alpine.

The Manuela Vega family would like to take this opportunity to thank family, friends, and the Guadalupanas for the food, thoughts, and prayers during the loss of our beloved mother Manuela. During times like this, we realize how much friends and relatives really mean.