The Texas Wesleyan Alumni Association is pleased to announce Veronica Martinez '81 as the recipient of the 2023 Wesleyan Service Award. The Wesleyan Service Award is presented to a Texas Wesleyan graduate whose service to the University and its alumni has contributed to the success of the Alumni Association and its programs. Veronica is a legacy alumna who gives back to her alma mater in many ways. She currently serves on the Alumni Board of Directors and has always been one of Texas Wesleyan's biggest cheerleaders.

When her dad, Joe Martinez completed his degree in 1956, he had no idea that his 3 children, and four other family members would create a legacy family.  In fact, her mom, Helen, was such a strong supporter of the university, that she was awarded a Wesleyan Medal in 2001 as an honorary alumna.

Veronica chose Wesleyan because of the financial assistance provided to her, the quality of the education department, and because it was close to home and work.  She admits that she was strictly a “go to class then go to work” student, not very involved at all during her collegiate days. 

Veronica maintained ties with the university through her brothers, who were very active on campus.  Brother Tim ’83, worked in admissions after graduation, and brother JR ’89, was Mr. Texas Wesleyan and served as president of the alumni association board of directors. 

In 1999, Veronica was invited to join the alumni board, and served for 2 years.  Several years later she was invited back.  She has become more involved than she ever was as a student.  When asked what her favorite Wesleyan event is, it’s a tie between the Wesleyan 5K and the Wine Walk.

A week after graduating from Wesleyan, Veronica began teaching at W.J. Turner Elementary School/FWISD, where she worked for 41 years, retiring in June 2022.  Since then, her community involvement has increased.

Veronica facilitates the monthly book club at Holy Family Catholic Church, is a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and assists with organizing events for the Single/Single Again ministry.  She also serves as president of the All Saints Catholic School Advisory Council, and recently joined the Serra Club. Veronica joined The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth in 2018 and is the current president of Bon Appetit, the treasurer for Night Newby, the secretary for Stage Struck and is also a member of Good Books Good Friends, Club Fidelite and About the Vine.  She has also served in various offices of the Epsilon Lambda chapter of DKG.

When not in a meeting, you can find Veronica working out at LA Fitness or on the Trinity Trail with her Yorkie, Fifi. 

About the Alumni Medal Dinner
Each year, Texas Wesleyan University honors distinguished alumni and friends. Their achievements and contributions are amazing reflections of the University, and we are honored to celebrate and recognize them each year.

This year’s Alumni Medal Dinner will be held at the Fort Worth Club on Friday, Oct. 20. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

The event is open to all alumni, friends and faculty and staff, and tickets are $70 per person. Register online to reserve your seat, and be sure to register for other homecoming weekend activities as well.

Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 817-531-6548 or alumni@txwes.edu.