Artist donates tribute to SU alum Bass

Former Southern Union student Stephen “tWitch” Boss was honored with a painting by artist Joey Withinarts at a presentation at the school on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Withinarts painted the image to commemorate Boss, who took his own life at the age of 40 earlier this month.

“The Southern Union family is shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss. Stephen attended SU’s Wadley Campus in 2000/01 and is remembered fondly by staff and faculty,” the school’s statement read.

Boss initially achieved fame as an accomplished dancer. Boss joined the The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014 and stayed until DeGeneres ended the talk show in 2022. Boss was made an executive producer in 2020. He also had a longstanding association as a dancer-turned-judge on the television reality contest show So You Think You Can Dance.

“Probably one of the best known Southern Union alums, Boss never forgot his Southern Union roots, continuing to give to the SU Dance department throughout his career by coming back to campus and teaching master dance classes, and recognizing SU Dance Director Sonja Fincher in public comments as a huge influence in his dance career. Our prayers are with his family.”

Boss