Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and the City of El Paso will honor two local philanthropists at the street corner that bears their names.
Earlier this year on the campus of TTUHSC El Paso, North Concepcion Street and Alberta Avenue were officially renamed Rick Francis Street and Robert Brown Avenue, respectively.
“It is important for El Paso to honor Rick Francis and Robert Brown for their selfless efforts and contributions to the development of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso for generations to come,” El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said. “The city is privileged to be able to acknowledge them through this recognition.”
Rick Francis, chairman and CEO of WestStar Bank, is an El Paso native and former El Paso Inc. El Pasoan of the Year. He was named chairman of the Texas Tech University (TTU) System Board of Regents on Feb. 23, 2017, and served in that role until October 2018. Francis has served on the board since 2003, having been reappointed to the board twice.
He previously served as chairman of the Board of Regents from Jan. 1, 2005 to May 11, 2007 and has also headed the TTU System’s Finance and Administration Committee. In addition to his role on the Board of Regents, Francis is currently a member of the Academic, Clinical, and Student Affairs and Regents’ Rules Review Committees.
Robert Brown, an El Paso businessman, was appointed to the Board of Regents in 1995 and served until 2003. He was elected chairman of the board for a two-year term in 2001. Brown was also a member of the Texas Tech Foundation, serving from 2004 until 2012. Brown was honored as the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus for the TTU Rawls College of Business.
Cassandra Hernandez, El Paso City Council representative for District 3, which includes TTUHSC El Paso, led the effort and put forth the motion to approve the name change on city council’s agenda earlier this year.
“Former board chairmen Rick Francis and Robert Brown have demonstrated significant contributions and commitment as members of the Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System for TTUHSC El Paso,” Hernandez said. “In appreciation and gratitude, we are pleased to honor their efforts on behalf of the city of El Paso.”
Rick Francis and Robert Brown will attend the dedication celebration on Friday, December 7, as will TTUHSC El Paso President Richard Lange and City Representative Cassandra Hernandez.
