(HARLINGEN) – Ruthie Ewers, a distinguished businesswoman, and philanthropist in Harlingen, is this year’s honoree for Texas State Technical College’s 12th Annual Noche de Gala Scholarship Fundraiser.
Ewers was chosen by TSTC’s Foundation to celebrate her efforts and commitment to the college. It is one of her life’s missions to help students fulfill their dreams of a college education.
“If someone gave me a list of boards to join my number one pick would have to do with helping youth,” said Ewers. “I only join a board if I know I’ll be an asset. I worry about the future, about my grandkids and great-grand kids’ futures, and I if I can help youth down here, then I’ve done my part to ensure a good future for them.”
Christened the “Energizer Bunny” by Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Ewers has served on more than 20 boards, including TSTC’s Scholarship Steering Committee, working diligently to raise money for the college’s Texas Success Scholarship.
“I’ve been actively involved with TSTC for several years and I’ve seen the type of professionals the college is turning out. I love it,” said Ewers. “I want to be a part of that. This is something good I believe in and I want to help.”
Ewers’ work with TSTC began nearly five years ago as a judge for the Mr. and Ms. TSTC Scholarship Competitions, and continues with her work on the Scholarship Steering Committee and as a mentor during interview practicum, assisting soon-to-be TSTC graduates with their resumes and job interviewing skills.
“There are many aspects of TSTC Ruthie has touched and I can think of no better person to honor this year,” said Amy Lynch, TSTC senior development officer. “She is a donor and has helped us raise funds for scholarships, and even helped students get jobs. 
She is someone who has made an impact.”
Lynch calls Ewers a dynamic person whose time on many organizations has positively affected social and civil projects, and education.
“This city would not be same without her,” she said.
Ewers credits her work ethic and perseverance to growing up on a farm. Born in 1940 in Oklahoma, she helped her parents raise cattle, grow and harvest wheat, and cook for all of the ranch hands.
“I’ve worked my whole life. I know nothing but,” said Ewers. “I guess you could say I’ve always been an overachiever.”
At 21, with two sons, Ewers took a job at $1.15 an hour putting labels on mail for a distribution company, getting her first taste of the business and immediately receiving a promotion as the company’s manager. Fast forward to 1974, Ewers had enough knowledge and business sense to open up a mailing company with her husband and a business partner.
Ewers’ business, LEE Data Mail, later to be called LEE Marketing, focused on door-to-door distribution (hand delivery) and direct mail services. By 1997, it had become a $25 million-a-year company and her team was known as pioneers in the mailing industry.
Although the company was sold to the Omaha World Herald (OWH), a newspaper owned by Warren Buffett’s holding company Berkshire Hathaway Inc., it was recently recognized with a permanent exhibit at the National Postal Museum, established by the United States Postal Service and the Smithsonian Institution.
“Through all of this there were times we had to choose between our home and food,” said Ewers. “We knew difficult times, but were blessed to have been given a chance and luckily we found success, and now it’s my turn to help those who need help.”
Ewers said she feels like a lucky lady and all she wants to do is give the citizens from Harlingen, from youth to elderly, a better life. She is humbled by the honor that TSTC has bestowed on her.
“My motto is everything happens for a reason,” said Ewers. “I feel like I’ve won an academy award. I’ve never considered myself a leader, yet this honor is given to leaders. I’ve just always found it important to serve my community in any way I can.”
Ewers joins a long list of distinguished gala honorees including David Allex; Senator Eddie Lucio; Jo Rae Wagner; Manny Vela; Ruben Hinojosa; Frank Boggus; former Harlingen Mayor Bill Card; Arthur and Leona Everson; Connie de la Garza; and Joe and Teresa Long.
To sponsor a table or purchase tickets to the 2016 Noche de Gala, contact Valeri Smith at valeri.smith@tstc.edu, or for more information contact Lynch at 956-364-4500 or at amy.lynch@tstc.edu, or visit tstc.edu/harlingen/gala.