TRTA is pleased to announce the 2024 E.L. Galyean Award recipient Elva Garcia of TRTA District 2. This award recognizes a TRTA member for outstanding and unusual service on the state level to TRTA and its members. The award also serves as a constant reminder of the distinctive quality of committed service rendered by Mr. E. L. Galyean, TRTA’s first Executive Director (1980-1992).
Elva Garcia has been a member of TRTA for 26 years and a member of her local chapter, Tri-County RTA, since 1997. According to Past TRTA State President Patricia Macias, Elva is an “exemplary role model and has many qualities that inspire TRTA members to emulate her.” Her volunteerism at the state, district, and local levels is astounding!
Elva’s state level service includes Chair of the Member Benefits Committee (2010-2013), Chair of the Community Volunteer Services Committee (2018-2020), member of the Leadership Support Committee for four years, and member of the Informative and Protective Services Committee for four years. As CVS Chair, she spearheaded the submission of volunteer hours online. Elva has also served as a trustee on the board for the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) (2017-2023) and has served on the “A Helping Hand” and Classroom Assistance Grant committees.
Elva’s district level contributions are equally impressive. She has served as District 2 President (2003-2007), First Vice-President/Membership Committee Chair (2001-2003 and 2015-2020), and has also fulfilled the roles of Secretary, Parliamentarian, Chair of Memorial Programs, and Chair of the Community Volunteer Services and Informative and Protective Services Committees, as well as Foundation Liaison.
In her local chapter, Elva has served as President of Tri-County RTA (2008-2011 and 2015-2020), First Vice-President/Membership Committee Chair (2001-2005), Secretary (1999-2001), and Treasurer (2013-2015). She has also served as Chair of the following local committees: Legislative, Member Benefits, and Retirement Education. She has fulfilled roles as Immediate Past President, Foundation Representative, Parliamentarian, Newsletter and Yearbook editor, and Standing Rules and Memorial Programs Chair.
Patricia Macias says, “Ms. Elva’s dedication to TRTA is not only an inspiration for so many, but also unwavering! She epitomizes everything a leader should be. She guides with compassion, she listens with empathy, and she rallies her team.”
When asked why Elva has devoted so many years, time, and energy to TRTA, Elva’s response was, “I learned early in life that my purpose is to serve and support others. Upon my retirement, I knew I wanted to continue working with my colleagues and serve my community.”
In addition to her service for TRTA, Elva is also an active member of her local Beta Pi (Delta Kappa Gamma) and has been for 57 years! Her contributions to this organization honored her with the Texas State Golden Rose Award in 2020. In 2017, the city of Alice, Texas honored Elva with a proclamation after serving DKG for 50 years.
Elva is a TRTA member who truly exemplifies the qualities of an E.L. Galyean Service Award recipient. Congratulations to Elva on her many great accomplishments! Her dedication to TRTA and her community exemplifies the true meaning of service and the heart of volunteerism.
