WAXAHACHIE, TX
September 4, 2017 | Devin Ferguson
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) has announced the 2017 alumni award honorees to be recognized during Homecoming .
The Association recognizes individuals each year for outstanding service and support of the university, as well as for their contributions and noteworthy success within their respective industry, vocation, or service. The Association currently confers up to six awards. The highest award given under the University’s name is the P.C. Nelson Distinguished Alumnus Award, named for university founder and first president Rev. P.C. Nelson.
P.C. Nelson Distinguished Alumnus Award
Richard W. DuBose.
Following his time at SAGU, DuBose pastored several churches, including an 18-year tenure at Sachse First Assembly of God (now Northplace Church). During that time, the church grew from 17 to more than 800. DuBose served the North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God as its Assistant Superintendent from 2005 until 2007, followed by 10 years as its District Superintendent from 2007 until the present. On August 10 of this year, DuBose was elected as the General Treasurer for the General Council of the Assemblies of God USA during the group’s biennial meeting in Anaheim, California.
Honorary Alumnus Award
T.W. Hobbs
Hobbs is a long-time friend of the University with a generous heart. So unmatched is his generosity that he has loved SAGU just as if it were his own alma mater. Over the course of many years, Hobbs’s generosity has impacted scores of students directly through his generous contributions to scholarships, with a particular emphasis on students studying to enter full-time mission work.
Distinguished Faculty Award
Robert Mapes ‘82
Mapes joined the faculty in 1986, and again for good 1991. He holds an M.S. from East Texas State University, an M.Div. from Texas Christian University, and an Ed.D. from Texas A&M. He served with distinction as a member of the faculty during his time at SAGU. Most recently, Mapes retired from full-time teaching, and from his position as the Chair of the Counseling and Psychology Department. His career also included service as the Director of a Community Crisis Center, author of “Crisis Lines,” a weekly column that appeared in several North Texas Newspapers, and the founding of North Texas Counseling and Education Services.
Distinguished Alumnus Service Award
John Houston ‘96
Local business owner and home builder John Houston has been loyal to the University since his graduation. His namesake company, John Houston Custom Homes is a consistent sponsor for university activities such as Christmas at SAGU, and the annual golf classic benefitting SAGU Athletics. In the years that John Houston Custom Homes has been the title sponsor for the SAGU Golf Classic, the University has seen a record number of funds raised for athletic projects from the event. John is also a regular guest presenter in classes and seminars and has previously served as a member of the SAGU Foundation Board.
Outstanding Young Alumnus for Vocational Ministry
Girien Salazar ’07, ‘13
Salazar serves as the Deputy Director of Faith and Education for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC). The NHCLC is largest Hispanic Christian organization in America, representing over 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals in over 40,000 churches founded by Rev. Sam Rodriguez. Prior to serving in this capacity, Salazar taught English in Mexico, joined as a member of the Naval Reserves serving two deployments, served as Associate Professor for Latin American Bible Institute, a former member of VFW post 837, a board member for the Latin American Heritage Society, community liaison for Grace Tabernacle Church, and was a city official as a member of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Board.
Outstanding Young Alumnus – Marketplace
Benjamin “BJ” Roybal ‘13 and Bianca Roybal ‘13
College sweethearts Benjamin and Bianca graduated from SAGU’s young, but thriving, Digital Media Arts program in 2013. While in school, both of them landed competitive internships in major media markets. Upon graduation, they were both hired as production assistants for Disney/ABC Television Group, where Benjamin remains today. In 2014, Bianca landed a position working on a popular daytime television show. They both currently serve as Associate Producers for their respective employers in the Greater Los Angeles area.
According to Director of Alumni Relations, Devin Ferguson, the tradition of honoring outstanding alumni and friends of the University with these annual presentations dates back 45 years. Founded in 1927, SAGU is also celebrating 90 years during this year’s Homecoming. For more information, visit www.sagu.edu/homecoming or contact Alumni Relations at 888.YES.SAGU ext. 4700.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
