History of the Scholarship
In 1978, Dr. John Garrison, then Dean of Students, established Student Foundation at Southwest Texas State. His vision was to assemble a group of high-achieving student leaders to serve as ambassadors for the university. Over four decades later, more than 1,100 amazing students have had the privilege to serve as members of Student Foundation and represent the university at hundreds of events.
Carol Garrison encouraged great student leaders as well during her 37-year teaching a counseling career. As a faculty member at Texas State University, she worked with a generation of student teachers and developed the successful concept of bringing Texas State fraternity members onto the elementary school campuses to serve as Big Brothers to youngsters from the local community. This unique program was recognized by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation as one of the nation’s best community volunteer programs and made the 1000 points of light list.
Student Foundation is still going strong at Texas State. Under the leadership of new university president, Dr. Kelly Damphousse, the organization has been rebranded as the “Gold Star Society” with the same mission and charter. Dr. Damphousse has been an incredible advocate for fully realizing Dr. Garrison’s original vision and has dedicated significant resources to attract the best student leaders on campus.
To bridge the generations and to honor Dr. G’s and Carol’s service to the university, the Stelos Alliance established the Carol and John Garrison Leadership Award which will be presented each year to a member of the Gold Star Society.
The Garrison’s specific contributions to the university are too numerous to list. While we believe that they belong on the Mount Rushmore of Texas State leaders, their true legacy is the thousands of grateful students and alumni that they positively impacted by being mentors, counselors, cheerleaders, and friends. This award is an attempt to recognize their life’s work and influence on campus and in the community.
Must be a member in good standing of the Texas State Gold Star Society.
To apply for the Carol and John Garrison Leadership Award you must apply through BOSS (Bobcat Online Scholarship System).
The Scholarship shall be presented annually at the Stelos Alliance Scholarship Awards Banquet. The time and place are to be determined by Stelos Alliance but will be in San Marcos, TX.
The Bustillos Mariachi Excellence Awards, established in 2025 by Sheila Bustillos, Ph.D. to provide two $500 annual scholarships to help Texas State students pursue their goals without financial barriers.
The Nations Family established their scholarship to support undergraduates dedicated to DEIA, especially those advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender rights.
The Lirette Leadership Nursing Scholarship awards $1,000 to two students entering nursing school each fall. Inspired by her own growth at Texas State, Jennifer created this scholarship to support fellow Bobcats pursuing nursing.