Axe ’Em, Jacks!
As I sat down to write this letter for the Sawdust, I received the somber news of the passing of Bob Sitton, former director of the SFA Alumni Association and a true ambassador of our university. Bob was not only a staple in Nacogdoches and the surrounding area but also a prominent champion of our beloved university.
The news of Bob's passing paused my thoughts for this letter, leading me to reflect on the countless memorable interactions I had with him over the years. I was always struck by his remarkable memory — his ability to recall details about everyone he met, from their hometowns and graduation years to their careers and service histories, especially among our veterans. During his tenure, Bob forged lasting bonds with many World War II veterans, affectionately referring to them as "one of our WWII boys."
As our association embarks on its next chapter, advancing into our second centennial, we stand ready — both as an association and as individual alumni — to significantly impact the lives of our current students. Student engagement is pivotal to recruitment and retention, and as alumni, we play a crucial role in fostering this engagement. Reflecting on your time at SFA, whether through social or professional organizations, or activities clubs, underscores how these experiences shape our identities and futures.
Giving back and supporting the university is not just about large gifts. Equally important are those who contribute to enriching student experiences, thereby enhancing the value of our diplomas and exemplifying what it means to be a Lumberjack.
Bob's passion lay in connecting Lumberjacks with one another. His legacy reminds us of the power of these connections. To me, this was Bob; this was part of his legacy, and it is one I believe we should all embrace.
I urge you to consider how you can support student experiences that enhance recruitment and retention, and how you can foster connections among current and future Lumberjacks. These efforts leave a lasting impact on our university.
Join us in this endeavor — become an ambassador, elevate your membership level, reconnect with Nacogdoches. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference. You won't regret it. You can begin by joining us for Homecoming weekend — Oct. 17-18.
The future is bright
'Neath the purple and white!
Axe 'em, Jacks!
Brian Dawson '03
Conroe
President, SFA Alumni Association