TJC Residence Hall Wing Dedicated
Posted/updated on: April 16, 2011 at 6:10 am
TYLER — Tyler Junior College officials have dedicated a wing of the Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Residential Complex in memory of a former Apache Belles director. The Eva Saunders Wing was dedicated in honor of the woman who served as Belles’ director from 1963 to 1976. The wing is located on the Ornelas complex’s fourth floor, which is occupied by the entire Apache Belles line.
Private donations for the dedication were raised by fundraising chair and former Apache Belle Mary Boles Blitch, a member of the precision dance team from 1948 to 1950. All gifts were placed in the TJC Belle Heritage Endowment. “The quintessential ‘Steel Magnolia’, Eva Saunders guided the Apache Belles in all aspects of life, manners, dress, speech and community participation,” Blitch said. “With Eva’s impeccable appearance, soft voice and genteel manner, she molded many ‘country girls’ into presentable young ladies.
During Eva Saunders’ tenure, the Apache Belles were the only college dance drill team to perform during televised halftimes for the Dallas Cowboys; and through this exposure, the group gained a worldwide reputation for excellence.
The Al Gilliam Wing and Mildred Stringer Lounge are also located on the Apache Belles’ floor and named in memory of the Belles’ former choreographer and director, respectively.
