ENMU Foundation Honorees

Business of the Year–C&S, Inc.

C&S has been a family business since its beginning by Harry and Alice Cissell in 1930. Originally Cissell Oil, the company was purchased by Alice’s brother Wayne Stratton in 1937 and renamed C&S Oil Co. Wayne’s son Mike Stratton joined the business after graduating from ENMU in 1971. Mike and his wife Marnee purchased C&S in 1997. All of their children have worked for C&S during their high school and college years. The Stratton’s two oldest daughters, Alyssa Idsinga and April Rutter, permanently joined the business in the 1990s. Wayne and Marjorie cared deeply about their community and supported many youth, school and charitable organizations over the years. Mike and Marnee have continued this tradition of giving back to their community and their neighbors. They are proud to be a part of the growth of ENMU, Portales and Roosevelt County over the years and look forward to being a part of the exciting things yet to come in our great community.

Philanthropists of the Year–Richard and Gilley Griffith

In 1957, Richard Griffith (MBA 67) purchased a Portales grocery store and renamed it Food Town. Two years later, he built the Sand’s Shopping Center and was off and running on his next career. He started S.O.S. Waste Management business with Dan Field, Marshall Stinnett and Gary Regner. All these businesses have kept Richard and his wife Gilley focused and attentive to their communities. Besides generously supporting ENMU students and recently the ENMU Stadium, Richard and Gilley have also given back to the residents of Tulia, Texas with the donation of a city park named after General Mackenzie as well as Tule Creek Park. The couple also generously donated a movie theatre to the community of Tulia. The recent lead gift to the stadium was made in honor of Richard’s longtime friend and business partner, Dan Field. Richard and Gilley believe in honesty, integrity and compassion for others. Both agree it is important to lead a life of learning and to help others.

Volunteer of the Year–Rose Robbins

Throughout her career, Rose Robbins (BS 81) made it a habit to help others. She served for 25 years in Corporate Communications and Event Marketing for Texas Instruments and Radio Shack, where she was a trusted advisor to C-level executive leadership. After her marriage to Gary Robbins and her return to Portales, Rose has volunteered as a member and leader in Eastern Athletic Club, Main Street, Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee and Catholic Daughters. Rose is also very committed as a Zia Mom for ENMU Women’s Basketball and Volleyball. Besides being willing to roll up her sleeves and take on sometimes unglamorous and time-consuming volunteer duties, Rose is most proud of being able to share her career wisdom with and interact with college students. “I want ENMU students to understand that where there is a will, there is a way,” Rose says. “Opening their eyes to even more career opportunities and providing the kind of encouragement I received is very rewarding. It complements what they are learning in class at ENMU.”