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Changing the Face of

HigherEducation Education & Technology TAMIU

What do you want out of life ?

Texas’ newest University A Chance to Dream welcomes you with 58 A Place to Grow undergraduate, graduate or A Future Secured doctoral degrees delivered A Life Fulfilled by a gifted faculty in a remarkable international setting where dreams come true daily.

TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY For Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Information, or to Schedule a Campus Tour Call 956.326.2270 or e-mail: [email protected] or visit: www.tamiu.edu/apply Prism Magazine: T A B L E O F Dr. Ray M. Keck. III, President Candy Hein, Publisher CONTENTS Editor: Steve Harmon (‘91)

Art Director: Ana P. Clamont (‘00)

Cover Design: Eduardo X. García (‘02) PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS...... 4 Contributing Photographers: Ana Clamont, Eduardo X. García, Steve Harmon, Jessica W. Ratliff, WHERE IN THE U? ...... 5 Guillermo Sosa

Contributing Writers: DREAM COME TRUE AT TAMIU ...... 6 Steve Harmon, Dr. Ray Keck III, Dan Lathey, Danny Martínez, Jessica W. Ratliff

SPORTS REWIND ...... 7 CHANGE OF ADDRESS ONLY: Please send to Office for Institutional Advancement LAREDO SPEAKS/LAREDO HABLA! ...... 9 5201 University Boulevard, Laredo, Texas 78041-1900 Telephone: 956.326.2175 LIFE OF PURPOSE AND MEANING ...... Facsimile: 956.326.2174 10 E-mail: [email protected] If you receive duplicate copies, kindly send both mailing labels to the above address. THE CHANGING FACE OF EDUCATION ...... 12

OTHER MAGAZINE QUERIES: CLOSER TO HEAVEN: LAMAR BRUNI VERGARA Please send to Prism Magazine, SCIENCE CENTER ...... 14 Office of Public Affairs and Information Services 5201 University Boulevard, NEW HOUSING CREATES NEW Laredo, Texas 78041-1900 Telephone: 956.326.2180 OPPORTUNITIES AT TAMIU ...... 16 Facsimile: 956.326.2179 E-mail: [email protected] CLICK ON HOME/NEW TAMIU WEB PAGE ...... 17 All contents © 2004 Prism Magazine, except where noted. Opinions expressed in Prism are those of the authors and do not ON CAMPUS NEWS ...... necessarily reflect the opinions of its editors 18 or policies of Texas A&M International University. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to 5201 University Boulevard, Laredo, Texas 78041-1900.

Mission: Prism is published twice a year for Texas A&M International University friends. By highlighting the University’s life and that of its programs, faculty, students and alumni, Prism reflects the diverse educational excellence of Texas’ fastest growing University. 4 5 14

Texas A&M International University is committed to the preparation of students for leadership roles in their chosen �� profession and in an increasingly 7 ��9 12 complex and culturally diverse state, national and global society. p r i s m 3 PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS

“A significant academic and intellectual benefit accrues, I think, to a four-year finish... It seems probable that memory of what one has studied becomes somewhat blurred for students whose course of study spans six years or more.“ Dr. Ray Keck III

n a recently published and campaign to enroll an additional 500,000 Zaffi rini and Morrison crafted a bill to Ienormously popular novel, The students in colleges and universities by provide student loans to cover budgeted Rule of Four, the narrator describes how a 2015, funding streams are stagnant and items including tuition, fees, transportation, university student perceives time. shrinking. At the same time, university books, and living expenses, reviewed study is more costly and stretches and approved by the Texas Higher Strange thing, time. It weighs most on overOn more years thanBeing ever before. The “OnCoordinating Board. Time” Most important, for those who have it least. traditional expectation of four years to students who maintain a B-average and Nothing is lighter than being young complete a baccalaureate program is fi nish their baccalaureate degree in four with the world on your shoulders; today, in public universities, a chimera. At years, the loans will be forgiven. In short, it gives you a feeling of possibility UT-Austin, only 37.2% of undergraduates this program, if fully funded, will assist all so seductive, you know there must be fi nish in four years; at A&M-College Texans with the largest portion of their something more important you could Station, 31.6%. At regional universities, college costs provided they get in, get be doing than studying for exams. serving non-traditional populations and focused, get moving, and get out. large numbers of students who must care As the dismally low four-year From the earliest days of the for their families and work as they study, graduation rates above show, however, academy, recorded in exchanges between graduation rates are substantially lower. “B-On-Time” would today reach only a students and teachers in Plato’s dialogues, At the University of Texas-El Paso, only few Texans. Senator Zaffi rini, in speaking training of the mind has co-existed, 2.9% of students fi nish in four years; at with students, faculty, and administrators uneasily, with the distracting exuberance UTSA, 7.5%; at UT-Pan American and A&M- at our University, urges us that “the time of youth. Ingrained in our imagination, Kingsville, 6.6%. In Laredo, at Texas A&M has come to initiate a paradigm shift in the carefree college student—young, International University, 16.6% graduate in how we think of higher education in Texas. hopeful, uncommitted—divides unevenly four years. Students need to take advantage of all his or her energy between study and the Faced with a growing population, entitlements and scholarships, borrow more enticing allure of a world unknown, static funding, and a conviction that additional funds if needed, and fi nish in unfamiliar, untried. For a student, the light, education is a right and not a privilege for four years. We cannot continue to fund a imperceptible passing of collegiate time all Texans who meet admissions standards, four-year education over 10 years. Timely gives no warning of the rush and frenzy Senator Judith Zaffi rini authored (together graduation is cost-effective not only for awaiting. Only those with little time— with Senator Geanie Morrison) SB 4, “B- students and their families. It results in teachers, parents, professionals—can feel On-Time.” The idea of rewarding prompt completing degree requirements at a its weight. Today in Texas, however, the and effective completion of undergraduate lower cost to everyone and ensures that insouciant student may be an experience study was fi rst proposed by Lieutenant graduates enter the workforce earlier and a myth whose time has past. Governor David Dewhurst. As a candidate while creating university vacancies for new Even as we universally acknowledge for Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Dewhurst students.” Her bill provides a substantial the need for all citizens to participate in suggested that student loans be forgiven subsidy for those students able to move higher education, even as the Texas Higher for those who graduated in a timely quickly through their degree plans and Education Coordinating Board (THECB) fashion and with at least a B-average. exit the University, to enter quickly the presses forward its “Closing the Gaps” Working with Mr. Dewhurst, Senators marketplace, freeing classroom space for a 4 p r i s m burgeoning student population. Can a non- traditional population take advantage of B-On-Time? Can students who often must work while they attend class manage the Where in the ? challenge of fi nishing in four years? Senator Zaffi rini answers a most he Texas A&M International TAMIU on September 1, 1993. emphatic “yes.” In fact, this group ultimate TUniversity seal is on parking The University’s name circles a benefi ts most from state-sponsored permits, letterhead, and even the large globe depicting the support for a fl eet and purposeful passage billboard on Bob Bullock Loop Americas, a suggestion through the University. But much must 20. But maybe you of the international change. Schools, colleges, and universities haven’t vision of TAMIU. must together commit themselves to a noticed The continents new way of thinking and talking about the are traversed by a higher education. High school counselors physical three-dimensional, and teachers must encourage students version of futuristic, geodesic to focus on probable majors even as the seal, surface, in homage they take advantage of dual enrollment embedded in to the future opportunities and earn signifi cant credit the concrete provided by a for university work before they begin outside of higher education post-secondary study. Colleges and the Sue and degree. Finally, universities must offer clear pathways in Radcliffe Killam the single star each discipline, helping students identify Library, facing represents the the most direct route to graduation. Most the fl agpoles. University’s membership in important, we must all help students Every The Texas A&M University System and understand the effort and sacrifi ce element in the seal the State of Texas. required to fi nish in four years will be has meaning. Each of the 23 border more than offset by the economic and scallops represent one year of the professional benefi ts of completing the University’s existence prior to becoming Jessica Ratliff bachelor’s degree. A signifi cant academic and intellectual benefi t accrues, I think, to a four-year fi nish. The undergraduate years are, for most of us, the most concentrated period of growth and maturity we experience. The growth and the energy of undergraduate life springs, in part, from the compression and intensity of the experience lived in four years. Because one studies many diverse disciplines at once and in a short space of time, analogies and relationships between m TAMIU Symphonic Band precepts, axioms, ideas, and theories are Thursday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. easy to perceive. It seems probable that memory of what one has studied becomes somewhat blurred for students whose m A.R. Sánchez Distinguished Lecture Series course of study spans six years or more. Dr. Rodolfo O. De la Garza: Higher education in Texas is, I think, ready for the paradigm shift implicit in “The Latino Vote in the United States” Senator Zaffi rini’s plan. Faster is better, Thursday, October 21, 7 p.m. at least for undergraduate studies. The expansive imagination, the ability to recollect in tranquility, the “small non- m Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra at TAMIU space of time at the very heart of time,” Sunday, November 7, 4 p.m. as Hannah Arendt would have it—those loftiest and most sublime gifts of an education—become, ironically, easier to reachreach and then to graspgrasp when we pick up These are only some of the events that are part of our fall the speed. calendar. For more information or to fi nd out about other events, go to http://www.tamiu.edu/calendar

Dr. Ray M. Keck III,

President p r i s m 5 Hispanic Studies Ph.D. Dream Come True t fi rst, it was a dream, a wish for intellectually and gain knowledge that Amore -- but without a practical will be useful to the students I come in path to achievement. Then Texas A&M at TAMIU contact with and the programs I direct. I International University announced the want to contribute to this university that Texas Higher Education Coordinating After completing their studies, students has given me an enriching and rewarding Board had approved its collaborative Ph.D. receive their doctorates from TAMU. work experience.” in Hispanic Studies, the fi rst of its kind in Lisa Flores, director of the Offi ce of Dr. Nasser Momayezi, dean of Texas. Lola Orellano-Pérez, director of the Student Activities and fellow fi rst cohort the College of Arts and Sciences, said TAMIU International Language Institute, member, said the new program would the degree would elevate the local knew the time was now. allow her to study with professors she community’s interests to the highest As the fi rst person to receive the might not otherwise meet. academic level. Master of Arts in Spanish from TAMIU, “I’m excited that this opportunity “The creation of the Ph.D. in Hispanic Orellano-Pérez explained the Ph.D. was a will connect us to a wide variety of Studies indicates the growing importance logical continuation of her studies, but had professors both here and throughout of understanding and studying a much always been out of reach. The Texas A&M University System. With overlooked community. The work “Even after I received my degree from their guidance, I hope to broaden my emerging from this program will be TAMIU, I continued taking classes, doing knowledge base in Hispanic Studies, so valuable not only to South Texas, but research. I looked around for doctoral I can ultimately engage in teaching and nationwide,” said Dr. Momayezi. programs, but realistically, as a single research at the university level,” said The fi rst cohort will consist of the mother with six children, I could not just Flores. three TAMIU students, one student from pack up my family and move to another Currently the executive director of Texas A&M University – Kingsville and city,” she said. the Offi ce of Programs for Academic eight students from Texas A&M University Selected as part of the program’s Support and Enrichment, Concepción – College Station. All will begin classes in fi rst cohort, Orellano-Pérez will pursue Hickey has worked at TAMIU in some the Fall. TAMIU professors who will teach a degree in one of four overlapping capacity for nearly 26 years. She is in the program include Dr. Kati Pletsch de concentrations: Hispanic Language and pursuing the advanced degree for self- García, acting program director at TAMIU, Literature, Hispanic Cultural Studies, enrichment, knowledge, and to continue Dr. Ezra Engling and Dr. José Cardona- Linguistics and Pedagogy and Bilingual to improve TAMIU. López. and Bicultural Studies. Courses will “I will continue working and plan For more information about the be taught at TAMIU and via distance to be a part-time student. I am more program, please contact Dr. Pletsch de education with faculty members from interested in the learning process at García at 326.2614 or visit offi ces in the other A&M System schools, including my age than in acquiring any title,” Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room Texas A&M University – College Station. said Hickey, “My purpose is to grow 428B. Jessica Ratliff

Lisa Flores, Dr. Nasser Momayezi, Dr. Kati Pletsch de García, Conchita Hickey and Lola Orellano-Pérez

6 p r i s m SPORTS REWIND KICK IT UP! TAMIU Athletics Season Ready to Roll

in Red River Athletic ConferenceConference team will try to achieve its third straight (RRAC) regular season play winning season in 2004. TAMIU has before sweeping two games a combined 42-17 record in its fi rst in the conference tournament two seasons of competition. Last and advancing to the NAIA year’s team went 19-11, advancing Region VI Tournament. TAMIU to the semifi nal round of both the fi nished with an outstanding 17- RRAC and NAIA Region VI postseason 5 overalloverall record.record. tournaments. TAMIU won the RRAC Claudio Arias takes over as head West Division title in the program’s fi rst coach of the men’smen’s soccer progrprogramam year of existence in 2002. after a highly-successful four-yearfour-year stint Head coach Binny Canales has as head coach at Southern Wesleyan seven letterwinners returning from University,University, an NAIA school in South last year’s squad, including senior Carolina. He has recruitedrecruited severalseveral outstanding student-athletes to go along Continues on page 8 he 2004-05 Texas A&M with 10 returning letterwinners from last TInternational University year’s squad. Athletics season begins with a men’s Amongst those returning to the and women’s squad are juniors Daniel Hermosillo home soccer and Jesús Sánchez. doubleheader Hermosillo fi nished against St. in the top-20 of the Mary’s University fi nal NAIA statistical on Monday, rankings last season Aug. 30. That in scoring, assists doubleheader and total points will kickoff while Sánchez what should earned RRAC Most be an exciting Valuable Player and third year of NAIA honorable competition mention All- for Dustdevil American honors. Athletics teams. The volleyball TAMIU Athletics is sponsoring nine sports for the upcoming academic year. Teams will compete in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country and volleyball in the fall, men’s and women’s basketball in the winter and men’s and women’s golf in the spring. The men’s soccer team enters the 2004 season with a great deal of confi dence after becoming the fi rst TAMIU team to win a Conference championship last season. The Dustdevils recorded a perfect 8-0 record p r i s m 7 r. Sean Chadwell, SPORTS REWIND D Continues from page 7 assistant professor of Jessica Vargas. After transferring from The women’s basketball rebounded English, was UT-Brownsville, Vargas achieved an from a 1-14 start in its inaugural season selected to outstanding inaugural season for the with a 13-6 record over the last 19 attend the Dustdevils in 2003. In addition to earning games to fi nish with a 14-20 overall second National RRAC fi rst-team All-Conference honors record. The Dustdevils advanced to the Endowment for she was named RRAC co-Newcomer of semifi nal round of the RRAC postseason the Humanities the Year and to the NAIA All-Region VI tournament after a quarterfi nal round team. road win over Huston-Tillotson.

NOTEWORTHY Summer Institute for College After showing dramatic The men’s basketball team won and University improvement from its fi rst to second its fi nal three games of the season to Teachers. season the women’s soccer team knows fi nish in double-fi gures in wins with a that 2004 can be very special. After 10-22 overall record. The highlight of the going 3-16 in 2002 TAMIU recorded a 9-9- season was a late-season road win over r. Carlos Cuellar, assistant 2 record last season, going 3-1-1 over the NCAA Division II foe Incarnate Word. Dprofessor of history, was last fi ve games of the season to reach New golf coach Richard Marroquín, recently notifi ed that due to high the .500 mark. Jr. has enthusiastically embraced the college classroom demand, his A total of seven starters and 10 process of building a collegiate golf book Stories from the Barrio: A letterwinners return for head coach program. Both Dustdevil golf teams will History of Mexican Fort Worth Sandra Forestier’s team. Among compete against the top small college will be reprinted in paperback. returning starters are junior Erika Alcaráz teams in Texas next spring as they strive and sophomore Iliana Rodela. Alcaráz to establish winning programs. is the team leader in goals over the last With nine programs and competition annet García, two seasons with 21 while Rodela led the from late August until April there will be Jdirector of team in scoring last season with 10 goals. plenty of excitement surrounding Texas International Head coach Javier Coronado has A&M International University Athletics Education, recruited a great deal in 2004-05. The was selected of talent to blend with a community is to serve as a solid corps of returnees invited to join in panelist for as TAMIU enters its the excitement the Benjamin second season of men’s as Laredo’s A. Gilman and women’s cross hometown college International country competition. A teams shoot Scholarship total of six letterwinners for conference Program. will return for the women championships and three letterwinners and beyond. for the men. For additional ssistant vice-president for The top returnee information, call International Programs Dr. A for the men is senior TAMIU Athletics at Michael Gold-Biss’ chapter on Mark Vela, who qualifi ed 326.2891 or click Nicaragua was included in the for the NAIA National on http://www. recently published Countries at Championships tamiu.edu/ the Crossroads. last season after a athletics/ strong showing at the NAIA Region Dan Lathey wo movements from VI Championships. Tassociate professor Sophomore Priscilla of music and chair of García and senior Anetra the Department of Fine Matthews return for the and Performing Arts women’s team. García Dr. Gilberto Soto’s solo was TAMIU’s top fi nisher in three of fi ve guitar piece entitled races in which she competed last season “The Rio Grande Suite” while Matthews was TAMIU’s top fi nisher were performed during at the NAIA Region VI meet. the state-wide television Also playing in their second seasons broadcast of the 2004 of competition in 2004-05 will be the Miss Texas USA pageant. men’s and women’s basketball teams. Considering the success achieved by both teams last season, anticipation is Jessica Ratliff high for the upcoming season, which tips 8 p r i s m off in November. be more? Finally, can the the development of a plan of action quality of that home and throughout October-November and an that extended community implementation of that plan in January, Dr. measurably enhance our Patrick explained. �� lives? He said the survey, conducted by These questions have TAMIU students, involved multiple survey helped guide the authors of opportunities for community feedback. an ambitious survey of Laredo “For example, our students did �� conducted this summer by traditional intercept surveys at various Texas A&M International stores and public gathering areas. In University’s Texas Center addition, we presented the survey to for Border Economics and numerous local civic and social groups Enterprise Development. as well as the city’s largest employers. The survey, “Laredo Students were also involved in targeted Speaks/ Habla Laredo: A phone surveys. Finally, a web site with Community Survey,” was the bilingual survey was available on intended to coincide with the the University’s web site and was linked city’s 250th Anniversary and to from many of the community’s most was presented throughout the popular web sites including The Laredo month of July. Morning Times, City of Laredo, KGNS-TV, “It seemed a good time Laredo Development Foundation, Laredo �� to pause and refl ect on our Chamber of Commerce and Laredo community and give the Convention and Visitors Bureau. community an opportunity to Patrick said response to the survey share their feelings. This is has been heartening. �� also a data-driven research “These are diffi cult questions for any vehicle that is in keeping with community to ask itself, but necessary the University’s research and in order to assure the community’s growth, development and relevance to its citizenry. We’ve been very heartened by the community’s response,” he said. University Survey Laredo Speaks/Habla Laredo was assisted by funding partnerships including The Laredo Convention and Looks at Laredo Visitors Bureau, the Laredo Development Foundation and The Laredo Morning How do you define home? Times. (Editor’s note: At the time of this s it the four walls that embrace us service mission. This is what universities writing, analysis of survey results was Iat the end of the day…or is it the do,” said Dr. Michael Patrick, TCBEED underway. Those results will be available larger community that we move through director and survey leader. to the public on the University’s web site daily, extracting life and love as we make The phased effort included data- after Oct.1.) our way? gathering and analysis in August and Steve Harmon Whatever its defi nition, can a home September; community-based discussion be more and can or should a community groups that will meet in October; PHOTOS: COURTESY OF GUILLERMO SOSA/LAREDO MORNING TIMES OF GUILLERMO SOSA/LAREDO MORNING COURTESY PHOTOS: Richard Pérez, Program Manager at the Texas Center Chris Miller, reference and government documents TAMIU students assisted in the survey effort. for Border Economics and Enterprise Development librarian. at TAMIU. p r i s m 9

� through my classmates from TAMIU. My current

� supervisor is also a TAMIU Alumni and through such � networking, am able to secure my great position ﬁ lling

such a great purpose for many in need. ROGER V. ALLEN

� �� Lessons Learned:

� I have realized that there were many obstacles to overcome in my classes… those times have made me �

� realize that in real life, we have tests almost every day. My college experience has helped me to overcome �� many obstacles. � � � Biggest Surprise for Your Classmates: What would surprise my classmates about me is the � fact that I do not party as much as I used to at all. �� Proud of: �� I am a proud Laredoan…I live in Laredo, and if I have �� to leave, it would be for very special reasons, but I �� would ﬁ nd ways to return to Laredo. Now: Since graduation, a social worker tending to the needs of children that have experienced or are at risk of experiencing neglect 2000, BS, Criminal Justice �� Foster Care Worker, �� How Being An Alum Helps: Lutheran Social Services All of the jobs that I have had since I graduated have been �� of the South, Inc. Laredo �� JONATHAN WITHERSPOON �� 1996, MBA-International Banking �� Vice President - Commercial �� Operations for JP Morgan Chase & Co �� Dallas �� Now: Lessons Learned: �� Vice President – Commercial Operations Try to keep in touch! I remember working closely with the professors on �� for JP Morgan Chase & Co. interesting research papers, working in the NAFTA research center, the food in �� Laredo, and the friends I made from all over the world…I wish I could know where How Being an Alum Helps: they all are now - I hope this helps me get in touch with them! �� I was contacted prior to graduation by �� someone I had worked with previously. Biggest Surprise to Your Classmates: �� This person was leading a project and he My wife still has not realized that she can do better than me! I like to play golf and �� felt that my MBA experience could beneﬁ t I like to do ranch work (riding horses and working cattle, sheep, and goats). his project. �� Ever Get Back? �� Proud of: I have once. I’d like to more often. That I’ve had the opportunity to develop friendships/work relationships with people whom I respect and that I aspire to be more like in my life (e.g. Sergio Alvarez whom I met at TAMIU). Getting involved in my community by being vice president of my town’s Economic Development Corporation. 1 0 p r i s m

� Now: Biggest Surprise:

� My job entails identifying, researching and cultivating The biggest surprise would be that I moved to Chicago.

� relationships with corporations and foundations to establish � partnerships that ﬁ nancially support University programs and Proud of:

projects. I am also beginning school this fall at Loyola’s Graduate I am mostly proud of being in a profession where I have the �� School of Business, where I will work towards a Master of capacity to make a signiﬁ cant and broad impact in a non-proﬁ t

� Business Administration in Marketing. organization. As a fundraiser, my work is vital in the creation

� of new programs, expansion and enhancement of existing � How the University Helped: programs, technology and capital improvements, and long-term �� I received fi nancial aid and scholarships from the D.D. Hachar sustainability of the organization. I volunteer numerous hours throughout the year as Event � Scholarship Fund and Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust. I truly Committee Member of the Latino Community Donor Awards, � appreciate the support these scholarships afforded me! � an annual event coordinated by Latino professional fundraisers � Lessons Learned: and grant makers that honors Latinos who make fi nancial �� Taking classes with Drs. Norma E. Cantú, Jeffrey Cass and Cecilia contributions to Latino nonprofi t organizations in Chicago. � Garza. I greatly enjoyed and looked forward to their classes � � because they were so passionate about what they taught and Get Back Here? � � I was born and raised in Laredo, but have been residing in �� challenged me to think more creatively. �� Chicago since 1998. I travel to Laredo three to four times a year �� to visit family and friends. 1995, BA, Sociology 1998, MA, Sociology Associate Director of Corporate and �� Foundation Relations at Loyola University, �� Chicago �� NANCY GARZA �� 1996,MBA-International Trade �� Vice President and Project �� Manager for JP Morgan �� Chase & Co �� Dallas �� Now: the same Vice President and Project Manager for JP Morgan friends �� Chase & Co. and helped �� each other I am on the Board of Directors of Fine Arts Chamber �� Players, a non-profi t organization that provides free succeed. Also, concerts and music education programs to the Dallas- I enjoyed working �� area community. Also, I am a classroom volunteer for in the Offi ce of the �� Registrar and making Junior Achievement and a State Chairman for Daughters �� of the American Revolution. friends from around the world! �� How Being An Alum Helps: Like my husband, I was contacted prior to graduation by Biggest Surprise for Your Classmates: someone I had worked with previously. He felt that my I don’t think there is anything about me that would surprise them! MBA experience could benefi t his project. We go skiing every year in Colorado and we go to different islands to snorkel. I like to attend musicals and the symphony. Lessons Learned: It was a wonderful experience attending graduate Proud of: school with my husband Jonathan. We took many of I am proud that I made the sacrifi ces I did to attend TAMIU. the same courses, knew the same professors, had p r i s m 1 1 ANNE WITHERSPOON ANNE he blackboard is curiously Tbare, anchoring a forgotten corner. No gentle dusting of chalk coats the fl oor. A single chalk stick rests safely cocooned in a lifetime of cobwebs. This classroom corner appears little used. But the remainder of the room offers a colorful contrast. A constant swirl of lights, fi gures, formulas and images dance in mid-air on what appears to be a fl uid screen fl oating at eye level. Seated students surround the display, their faces washed in an ever-changing glow, while a benevolent fi gure coordinates the apparently spontaneous exchanges among students, mentor and screen. Fingertips touch the screen at various junctures and images cascade about with dizzying variety. Is this a scene from a science fi ction movie? For the time being, perhaps. For the near future, perhaps not. Technology and higher education are linked more clearly now than palm pilots and daily to-do lists. And it’s a marriage, that while uneasy at fi rst, is destined for greater success. At Texas A&M International University that marriage is being strengthened by a commitment to employing current and emerging technology to create educational experiences that are powerful, relevant and lasting.

1 2 p r i s m CHANGING THE FACE OF Dr. Dan Jones, TAMIU provost and “I would say not. Both need to be vice president for academic affairs, said motivated, disciplined, appreciate the redefi ning higher education through class structure and be invested in their n In Spring 2004, 2,700 technology has a curious and lengthy program completion. However, some TAMIU students were history. professors report that they do see “We can actually look back as far increased class participation from on-line enrolled in at least one as the 1950’s with the development of students who can be timid in traditional class that was supported so-called ‘sunrise semester classes,’ classrooms,” he noted. television broadcasts of credit courses And what about the fear that on- by some form of that aired early in the morning before line courses could somehow replace educational technology. the day’s regular programming began. traditional classroom experience? Through the years we’ve followed with “ A University without contact just correspondence courses, distance ed, isn’t acceptable. There is so much n This Fall, TAMIU will offer compressed video and the Big Bang about the University experience that of the 90s, the internet and the virtual simply cannot be replicated in an on- 10 courses conducted classroom. All are different, but similar in line environment. I don’t think we can entirely . their desire to use technology to bridge ever expect one to substitute for the online distances, increase access and make other, but I would say that both have learning possible anywhere and often, the capacity to support and inform the n In Spring of 2005, TAMIU anytime,” Dr. Jones said. other,” he said. Today’s TAMIU classroom is more Jones said the University considers will offer its fi rst degree likely to fi nd professors and students itself committed to emerging educational to be conducted exchanging information via dedicated technologies and expects to grow with entirely web sites, using multi-media to enhance the fi eld. online...a Masters of class learning and, in some cases, “We are already utilizing national Science in Criminal Justice. conducting the course completely on the standards for on-line instruction and are internet with on-line sessions taking the committed to keeping ahead of emerging place of face-to-face interaction. technologies in the classroom. At this n Utilizing “We call those classes that combine time we have amazing capabilities in collaborative technologies supplemental courses place. Students have embraced this technologies, TAMIU and they comprise about 150 of our technology and I’m sure they’ll help lead works with Texas A&M total Fall classes. Those classes that the charge that will help make its use are completely on-line number about more commonplace. There will certainly University, Texas A&M- 10 or so for the Fall, but grow with each always be a place at the table for Corpus Christi and Texas passing semester,” Jones explained. technology in higher education,” he said. He said that continued growth What might the TAMIU classroom of A&M University-Kingsville seems a given with the University’s the future bring? to deliver masters and dedication to helping faculty members “I certainly expect greater use of and students embrace the emerging technology, but I believe it will be much doctoral degree classes so educational technologies. less intrusive, more adaptable and that students need to leave “It’s a brave new world, and one more responsive to different levels of that requires adaptation on the part of communication. I think we’ll fi nally see Laredo is less. both the faculty and student. We provide technology more as friend than foe, a our faculty with support and training given versus an extra… and that it will through our Education Technology redefi ne how we interact with each other n Just as students Outreach offi ce and help them to in all aspects of life. I’m looking forward learn by emerging develop a technology comfort zone while to seeing it,” he smiled. supporting their development of content technologies, faculty for the new teaching environment. We Steve Harmon also help them to adapt their teaching are also learning style to an electronic environment. With to embrace these students, we offer training materials, technologies and the on-line support and workshops,” Jones explained. new pedagogy that they Is the on-line student different from encourage. the traditional classroom student? Some now refer to HIGHER web-based teaching methods as EDUCATION & “web-agogy.” EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY p r i s m 1 3 exas A&M International University’s campus has seen tremendous growth over the past years, and not Tjust physically.physically. Currently,Currently, TAMIUTAMIU offers 58 undergraduate,undergraduate, graduategraduate or doctoraldoctoral degrees,degrees, 16 of which were added in the last fi ve academic years.

Below are the most recently added degrees and semester ﬁ rst offered: Masters of Public AdministrationAdministration ...... Fall...... Fall 99 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science ...... FFallall 99 Ph.D.Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction ...... FallFall 99 * * Bachelors of Social Work ...... Spring 00 Masters in Generic Special Education ...... Summer 00 Bachelors of Arts in Urban Studies ...... FFallall 00 Masters in Curriculum & Instruction ...... Summer 01

More Than Buildings Than More Bachelors of Arts in Latin American Studies ...... FallFall 01 Bachelors of Arts in Music ...... FFallall 02 Bachelors of Music ...... FFallall 02 Bachelors of Music with all level certiﬁ cation ...... FallFall 02

Bachelors of Arts in Art ...... FallFall 03

Ph.D.Ph.D. in International Business ...... Spring 04 *

* Ph.D.Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies ...... Spring 04 * Ph.D.Ph.D. in English ...... Spring 04 Masters of Science in Nursing, FFamilyamily Nurse PractitionerPractitioner ...... FallFall 04

* denotes a joint degree program with TTexasexas A&M University – College Station.

TAMIUTAMIU will continue to add degreesdegrees and programsprograms to ensureensure South TexansTexans can get what they want out of life.

TAMIU’s Rapid Expansion TAMIU’s Jessica Ratliff

visited building. The Science Center will be home to a planetarium, the only �� facility of its kind for much of South �� Texas. � � It honors the memory of the �� late Lamar Bruni Vergara, a Laredo � � philanthropist whose vision of assisting � � higher education has been continued by � the trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara � Trust. The Trust provided a generous gift of $2 million in support of the Center.

� It has also offered stunning support � for other University programs, student

� scholarships and, most recently, the lush

�

� Lamar Bruni Vergara Memorial Garden

� that fronts the TAMIU Student Center. �

� “It’s going to be an inspirational �

� setting for students, faculty and our

�

� � community,” assured Dr. Nasser

� Momayezi, dean of the College of Arts �

�

� and Sciences. � � �

�

� �

� Home to the College’s growing � � � � � � � � Soon, a � science programs, the Center will feature pyramid sheathed ofﬁ ces, and some 30 labs to enable both in shimmering glass research and teaching components. will glow on the Texas A&M The Center makes possible expanded International University campus. Within, a mirrored orb will encase a room that can programming in biology, chemistry, take us all on a journey to the stars. geology, earth sciences and engineering. The new Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, scheduled to open next Spring, “We are expanding our offerings and may become the University’s most striking architectural feature, and perhaps its most our faculty to accommodate a dramatic 1 4 p r i s m 1 5

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... educational ams that take Steve Harmon Steve strong partnerships with local school districts and Jessica Ratliff group showings advantage of our for visitors to the for visitors to the programs that take programs progr campus. A search for A search campus. campuscampuscampus e looking at a special e looking at a special shows, educational shows, shows, a planetarium director a planetarium director a planetarium dir series of weekly series of weekly series of weekly edo and South edo and South is now underway. The The is now underway. is now underwayis now underway We’re looking at a special We’re We’rWe’r ector will also have a ector will also have a ector will also have a director will also have a will director dirdirdir for Laredo and South Texas. Texas. and South for Laredo for Larfor Lar For more information, please information, more For A special opening for the new information, additional For “I think the planetarium will be a faculty appointment. We believe faculty appointment. old IDs at the start of the Fall 2004 2004 the start of the Fall old IDs at semester. Chávez at 326.2877 Albert contact [email protected]. or e-mail 8 a.m. ce hours are University offi Monday through Friday. to 5 p.m., visitors to our campus in our fi rst year of visitors to our campus in our fi he said. operation,” Science Center is Vergara Lamar Bruni of next year. scheduled for March Affairs and ce of Public contact the Offi Information Services at 956.326.2180, click on tamiu.edu or e-mail [email protected] popular destination on campus, and popular destination on campus, we could easily welcome some 20,000 has an has an has an ,,, arleton arleton A&M A&M A&M A&M A&M A&M TT

including including exas exas exas exas exas exas TTTTTT eveals eveals eveals eveals eveals so I believe so I believe he said. he said. ”” eserve his Still, he seems Still, ating all sciences,ating all sciences, the 77,920 gross-square- foot project for its appraisal of appraisal most energetic most energetic 85-seat planetarium. 85-seat planetarium. 85-seat planetarium.85-seat planetarium. to reserve his to reserve to r He animatedly reveals He animatedly reveals He animatedly rHe animatedly rHe animatedly rHe animatedly rHe animatedly r that only one other Texas A&M Texas that only one other that only one other that only one other that only one other that only one other that only one other that only one other students,” he said. students,” students,students, University System campus: Tarleton Tarleton University System campus: University System campus:University System campus: State University in Stephenville, has an State University in Stephenville, State University in StephenvilleState University in StephenvilleState University in Stephenville planetarium. operating and classrooms in the sciences will be and classrooms in the sciences will We are located in one building. centrally including all sciences, incorporating incorporincorpor so I believe the social sciences, the social sciences,the social sciences, a unique this will create dynamic for faculty and dynamic for faculty and dynamic for faculty and dynamic for faculty and .

small enough to ﬁ t in your wallet. The new TAMIU OneCard, replacing all old all replacing OneCard, TAMIU new The in your wallet. t to ﬁ small enough hange is coming to Texas A&M International University, but this time it’s small, small, time it’s but this University, A&M International Texas coming to hange is

e students “With the OneCard, you can make purchases without carrying cash or getting without carrying cash or getting purchases you can make “With the OneCard, Albert Chávez, ID system administrator, said although it looks like a redesigned a redesigned it looks like said although ID system administrator, Albert Chávez, C New students will receive OneCards when they register, and when they register, OneCards New students will receive For current students the OneCard is included in tuition and students the OneCard current For With a magnetic strip, the OneCard utilizes a prepaid, stored- prepaid, a utilizes OneCard the strip, magnetic a With “For the fi rst time, labs and offi ces labs and offi rst time, fi the “For Momayezi is also excited by the “We plan to “We plan to “We plan to Momayezi said the Momayezi said the Momayezi said the Momayezi said the ee with initial ee with initial ee with initial

Little Card Brings Big Changes to TAMIU money from the ATM,” explained Chávez, “You can use the card at any of the campus at card can use the “You explained Chávez, ATM,” money from the excellent record tracking. tracking. excellent record ID card, the difference is more than skin deep, offering increased convenience and convenience offering increased than skin deep, is more the difference ID card, 2004. TAMIU ID cards and required for all students faculty and staff, will be in use starting Fall Fall be in use starting will faculty and staff, for all students and required ID cards TAMIU current students, faculty and staff will be able to replace their their faculty and staff will be able to replace students, current will be free. Thereafter, lost or misused cards can be replaced can be replaced cards lost or misused Thereafter, will be free. with a $7 fee. for faculty and staff, replacing an old ID card with the OneCard with the OneCard an old ID card replacing for faculty and staff, a credit card will be required. card a credit throughout campus; or online at http://onecard.tamiu.edu, where where http://onecard.tamiu.edu, at online or campus; throughout Money can be added in one of three ways: at the Business at the Business ways: Money can be added in one of three located Station Transfer Value by using a self-serve ce; Offi value account containing “Dusty Dollars,” a convenient, cashless a convenient, “Dusty Dollars,” value account containing said Chávez. and services on campus, way to pay for goods get a report of all your transactions on-line, so you’ll know how so you’ll know on-line, of all your transactions get a report it all went.” and where on the card much money is left parking permits with the University Police. In addition, you can In addition, the University Police. parking permits with eateries, at the library to make copies or pay fi nes, and to pay for nes, or pay fi to make copies at the library eateries,

possible. centralized opportunity for faculty and centralized student exchange that the Center makes believe will have remarkable relevance relevance believe will have remarkable he smiled. here,” fi ve-year goal of bringing a full School of fi we TAMIU…something Engineering to and systems engineering, but have a and systems engineering, degree with initial with degree degrdegrdegr mechanical specializations in industrial, offer an engineering offer an engineering offer an engineering offer an engineering offer an engineering future students. future futur interest from from interest and current fi nd rapid nd rapid fi which he believes will engineering planned expansions into expansions into expansions into expansions into new Center will also new Center will also new Center will also make possible

Fall we will have 225 students that have Fall majors in biology.” declared increase in interest in the sciences, “ in the sciences, in interest increase this example, “For Momayezi explained, New Housing Creates New Opportunities at oor.”

enjoy the Performing Arts Floor, which should resonate with music, art TAMIU and theater. The Wellness/Substance Free Floor will group students who want a healthy lifestyle and we’ll also be offering a female only fl The new residential learning community opened in August.Jessica For Ratliff The opening of the new 424-bed Residential more information, call 956.326.0160, click on www.laredouvillage.com Learning Community will signal a new era at Texas A&M or e-mail [email protected] International University. Both the new facility and the existing 254-bed University Village will be managed by TAMIU and no longer by outside contractors and the feel and make up of the campus will experience a change once more undergraduate students reside on campus 24 hours a day. Dr. Tom Corti, vice president for Student Affairs, said both innovations will be good for the campus. “We’re committed to making student housing an extension of the learning continuum. We’re all looking forward to creating a dynamic environment for living and learning,” Dr. Corti explained. He said the benefits of living on campus may appear obvious at first: a short walk to classes, the library, or professors’ office hours. “Even non-scholarly activities, such as having a cappuccino with a friend, or enjoying a night out are made easier through TAMIU’s convenient location,” said Corti, “But the real benefits of on-campus living are actually invisible. Studies show on-campus students have higher GPAs and a more successful collegiate experience. By absorbing the University atmosphere, we hope our residential students will learn more, both during class and afterwards.” Corti explained the University strives to make residential life supportive and fun, and has created five themed floors. “We created the themed floors to help students get the most out of the residential life experience. The 24-hour Quiet Floor is for students who are serious about academics and want to live with others who feel the same. There will be fun times, but the focus is on studying,” explained Corti, “The Health Professions Floor will put those planning a future in the medical profession in close proximity. Anyone interested in the arts will

“We’re committed to making student housing an extension of

1 6 p r i s m the learning continuum. We’re all looking forward to creating a dynamic environment Dr. forTom Cortiliving and learning,” 1

7 8

he Texas A&M International University homepage has long been both guide and portal Tto a vast amount of information for University students, staff, faculty and alumni. HOT SPOTS Whether you’re in Finland or Freer, Cadiz or Chicago, with tamiu.edu you’re home… and with well over 72 million successful hits (since Oct. 2002), people certainly do come home. 1 Now harnessing the power and technology of Google, our website But like all homes, sometimes there’s a need for a little refreshing. And a dab of paint just will fi nd what you’re looking for. won’t do. So we’re proud to present the new tamiu.edu, launched this summer. To refresh tamiu.edu, our team combined equal parts of great design, streamlined 2 This banner links you to what’s hot on campus. navigation and rich, relevant content. That design, much more than visuals, graphics image formats, sound fi les, and typography, also requires planning that knows and reaches our 3 The TAMIU Calendar is expanded audience. to include Academic, Athletics, Arts, Winning web design works hand in hand with the functionality and navigation of the site. and Community events. In its latest incarnation, the TAMIU homepage has been re-designed for potential and current 4 Our new navigation menu students and potential and current partners. logically groups info for current and Along the way, a broad-based campus group of students, faculty and staff balanced potential students, partners and alumni. functions with content that is accessible for all visitors. Ultimately, we’ve designed an embracing site that celebrates TAMIU with an open and 5 The University’s integrated browser-friendly design. marketing theme, “What Do You You’ll fi nd a navigation menu that groups needs in a logical pairing of information, Want Out of Life, “ comes to life. providing easier access that dramatically reduces the number of user clicks and page loads. 6 TAMIU News lets you know For more on design and content features, see the diagram above and at right. what’s goin’ on. The University’s web site includes a staggering 28,000-plus active pages and grows daily. 7 Send an electronic postcard With but a few clicks, potential students can springboard to explore how TAMIU can impact from TAMIU around the corner or their higher education. Potential partners can learn about Texas’ newest University and its around the world, showing everyone remarkable mission in South Texas. your favorite campus! But perhaps most importantly, the new design provides a way to a new home for some 8 Take a virtual tour of TAMIU from and an old home for others…and a confi rmation that you truly can click home. your desktop! Daniel Martínez p r i s m 1 7 on campusnewsne 8 1

m s i r p on campus news

on campus news on campus news on campusne

faculty questionsaboutareas ofdoubt,” sheexplained. ask and videos review and programs computer work our to on campus the to came other, each nagged and bought new they review books, met in tested;study groups, coached they day the until graduated they day the from harder or hard as study to continued they tested; had they until work start to waited challenge-they the to graduates, whichisonly86.9%,” saidBaker. into practice asaRegistered Nurse, entry ontheirfi the for rst attempt. required (NCLEX-RN), examination licensure Nurses national Registered for Examination Science of Bachelor’s Spring’s Nursing graduates passed this the National Council Licensure of 93% reported out oflife. want you what get you help can education hometown a School of Nursing graduates are excelling, demonstrating Society inEducation TAMIU hasInternationalHonor Expansion ‘TAMIU Unplugged’Continues TAMIU NursingGraduatesExcel College ofEducation faculty. TAMIU the of members and graduates undergraduates, University 47 included initiates Chapter president. vice KDP Dr.Field, by Sherry launched was Chapter new the International University. TexasA&M at place in charter a has now Education, in on campus newsnews on campus the access sitesoncampus. wireless of series said planned a in latest the Services, is expansion Telecommunications Computer administrative use. designated have that wireless areas of nation their campuses for student, faculty and the across universities cutting-edge of percent 60 only so,joined TAMIUdoing By Library. Killam throughout service with Unplugged” Student the to expanded been Center. now has newsnenetwork, wireless University’s the Unplugged,” “TAMIU Internet. the to connect to campus wirelesson another site have ws Ti priua gautn cas ely tpe up stepped really class graduating particular “This for rate pass average national the above “We’re Nursing, of School the of Baker, director Dr. Susan Texas A&M International University’s Dr. F.M. Canseco In ceremonies this May at the TAMIU Student Center, Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), the International Honor Society asmn iwnt, ietr f h University’s the of director Viswanath, Lakshmana “TAMIU launched University the Spring, past This now students University International A&M Texas ws ws S W E N on campusnews College ofBusiness Administration. the by awarded be will Administration Business International Leadership and Hispanic Studies. The University’s Educational fi Instruction, rst stand-alone Ph.D. and in Curriculum include language andliterature. the TAMU department of English and the TAMIU department of A&M Texas University. of president Gates, Hemispheric Robert was Western announcement the in the for representatives April University foyer.Joining TradeCenter in held ceremonies in partner lead Ph.D.as collaborative Texaswith University A&M considerable, with225students declaring majorsin biology. possible make sciences and engineering. and earth geology, chemistry, biology, components in programming expanded teaching labs, and program, research both science offer will labs growing offi 30 faculty Some ces. and a classrooms house will expansion, Vergara Bruni Science Center, Lamar nownearingcompletion. the support will funds July. The late in installment of a $2 million pledge, in ceremonies held at TAMIU fioffithe $500,000,University with nal International cials A&M LBV Trust Remarkable $500,000Giftfrom TAMIU campuswere builtasaresult ofthesestatedollars.” the on facilities current the TAMIU.of for Many million $324 over secure to able been has she Committee, Conference said Ramos, “As a result of her working on the Appropriations state,”current its to TAMIUbring helped has of that legislation majority the passed and authored Zaffi has Senator rini speech tothestudents. the of highlight event was Senator the Zaffi and attendance, rini’s heartfelt in and emotionally students moving 250 than SGA by dedication and president, work CarlosRamos. hard recognition her of special appreciation a in with presented was Dr. Zaffi Senator rini Judith TAMIU State (SGA), the Association by Government Student hosted Ceremony, Awards Life University Judith Zaffirini TAMIU StudentsHonorSenator Collaborative Ph.D. University LaunchesEnglish s u p m a c n o h Uiest’ ohr olbrtv P.. programs Ph.D. collaborative other University’s The by coordinated being is and English in be Ph.D.will The fourth a launched University International A&M Texas neet n h sine a TMU y tdns is students by TAMIU at sciences the in Interest IV Phase University’s the of part Center, Science The Trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust presented Texas Legislature, the in years 18 nearly her “Throughout more with success, great a was event the said Ramos International A&M Texas annual ninth the During TAMIU Texas A&I University at Laredo * Laredo State University * Texas A&M International University CUMULATIVE GIVING Cumulative Giving More than 300 supporters have proved their commitment to higher education by becoming members of the Heritage Society or Circle of Excellence: Heritage Society Planned Giving American Airlines Kristi-Lins Academy, Inc. Platinum - ($1,000,000.00 + ) Miss Leah Fields Longoria Mr. Ernesto Ancira Don Krueger Construction Company Mrs. Belia Rosa Benavides Mrs. Martha C. Pradeau (*) Aramark Corporation Mr. George Krueger and Dr. Janet E. Krueger The Canseco Foundation Armadillo Homes La Bodeguita Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe Killam and Family Circle of Excellence Artcarved La Posada Hotel/Suites Mr. Anthony J. Pellegrino President’s Circle - ($10,000.00 + ) Astro Vending of Laredo, Inc. La Quinta Inns, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Renato Ramírez Communities Foundation of Texas Auto Testing Properties, LLC Laredo Borderplex Area Wide Phone Book Mr. and Mrs. Hank Sames, III Mr. Manuel J. Dávila Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Inc. Laredo Builders Association, Inc. Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust Doctors Hospital of Laredo Mr. Rene R. Barrientos Laredo Country Club Falcon International Bank Mrs. Guillermo Benavides Laredo Little Theatre, Inc. Gold - ($500,000.00 + ) Foley’s Department Store Joe Brand Laredo Medical Group H. E. Butt Grocery Co. Mr. and Mrs. Galo García Ms. Clara R. Brundage Laurel Insurance Company The E. H. Corrigan Foundation Dr. and Mrs. José García Mrs. Anita G. Bruni (*) Ms. Valerie A. Leyendecker D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust The Greater Texas Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Bruni, Jr. Lone Star Lease Service Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Sánchez, Jr. and Family Guerra Communications Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bruni Mr. and Mrs. Elmo López, Sr. Mrs. Sara Laura Guerra Cadbeck Staffi ng, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Julio Madrigal Silver - ($250,000.00 + ) IBC Foundation Casmar Catering Malakoff Family Laredo Medical Center International Good Neighbor Council Mr. and Mrs. George Casseb Mr. J. C. Martin, III -Laredo Chapter The Honorable Solomon Casseb, Jr. Ms. Margaret L. Martin Bronze - ($100,000.00 + ) Mr. (*) and Mrs. Ray Keck, Jr. CenterPoint Energy Entex Mr. and Mrs. Mercurio Martínez, Jr. AEP - American Electric Power The Laredo Chamber of Commerce Mr. and Mrs. Bland Chamberlain, Jr. Mattel, Inc. Anonymous Leyendecker Construction, Inc. City of Laredo Convention and The May Department Stores Company Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Hastings, Jr. Mrs. Anita (*) and Mr. J. C. (*) Martin, Jr. Visitors Bureau The Mays Family Foundation J. A. Kawas Charitable Trust Mercy Health Plans Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Clark-Cahill Mr. and Mrs. Richard Alfred McCoy Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club Mr. B.P. (*) and Mrs. Peggy Newman Classifi ed Staff Advisory Council Mr. and Mrs. John M. McKeown Laredo Manufacturers Association and Family Cobalt Construction Metex Audio-Video Mall Del Norte Pan American Express, Inc. Conoco, Inc. Middle Rio Grande Development Council Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. O’Brien August C. Richter, Inc. The Contento Company, Inc. Modern Construction, Inc. Sandia National Labs Mrs. Carol Griffi n Scoville (*) Copy Connection, Inc. The Monitor Union Pacifi c SOL Communications Coastal Conservation Association Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Moreno Sony USA Foundation - Laredo Chapter Mr. and Mrs. Robert Muller Pewter - ($50,000.00 + ) South Texas National Bank County of Webb N. W. House, Inc. Anonymous Mrs. Anabel and Mr. Carroll E. (*) Summers, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Carlos Cuellar Mr. and Mrs. Dennis E. Nixon Anonymous TAMIU Foundation Cuellar, Saldaña, Cuellar & Co., P.L.L.C. Patria Offi ce Supply Mr. Carlos Y. Benavides, Jr. Texas Guaranteed Student Ms. María Dolores de la Peña Dr. and Mrs. J. Michael Patrick Mrs. Josephine Brand Loan Corporation Del Norte Liquors Mr. and Mrs. Jim Pearl Mr. and Mrs. Russell Cerda Texas Mexican Railway Company Delphi Automotive Systems Person, Whitworth, Ramos, Borchers & Morales Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Time Warner Cable Ad Sales Mr. and Mrs. Russell Deutsch Pi Sigma Alpha Coca-Cola Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Seymon Deutsch Quaker House Products, Inc. Commerce Bank Dean’s Circle - ($5,000.00 + ) Dicex International, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Quintanilla, Jr. Ford Motor Company American Campus Communities Dinastia International Corp. Mr. and Mrs. Evan B. Quiros Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Garza-Robles Anonymous Cingular Wireless Mr. and Mrs. Evan J. Quiros Great Lakes Chemical Company Apex Construction Services Emerson Electric Co. Dr. Lem L. Railsback Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Epstein City of Laredo Enterprise Rent-A-Car Mr. Arnulfo G. Ramírez Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Guerra Constructors, Inc. EOG Resources, Inc. Mr. and Ms. Ernesto Ramírez Mrs. Lasker O’Keefe Hereford Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Daniel Cuellar Escamilla & Poneck, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Baltazar Ramos Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Holliday, Jr. Mrs. Pam Dietze Mr. and Mrs. T.R. Esquivel, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Donato Ramos International Bank of Commerce-Laredo Mr. and Mrs. Hector H. García The Faulkner Group, Inc. Mr. Marco A. Ramos Lakeside Subdivision, L.L.C. GEO Mortgage Services Mr. and Mrs. John E. Fitzgibbon, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. John Rathmell Laredo Rotary Club Dr. and Mrs. J. Charles Jennett Ms. Esperanza F. Flores and Family Mr. and Mrs. José Salvador Rosillo The William Neel Mayo Trust, Suzy N. Mayo, Mrs. Roy Jennings, Jr. Follett Bookstores Dr. Bonnie A. Rudolph Trustee Mr. and Mrs. John H. Keck Foster Engineering Co. Ms. Irene Saldaña Mrs. Janet M. Payne Dr. and Mrs. Ray Keck, III Frank Architects, Inc. Mrs. Lydia J. Sames Mr. and Mrs. George J. Person Krisling Energy, L.C. Freeman & Castillón San Antonio CPA CE Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Carroll E. Summers, Jr. Laredo Diesel, Inc. Ms. Minita M. Freeman San Isidro Ready Mix TAMIU Alumni Association Laredo Morning Times Mr. and Mrs. José Félix Gámez Siemens Building Technologies, Landis Division Time Warner Communications Ms. Harriet Malmquist Dr. and Mrs. George H. García Mr. and Mrs. Frederick A. Slight Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Mr. Guillermo Miller (*) Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo García Dr. Henry C. Smith Women’s City Club Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation CMG Partners, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Judson J. Somerville Javier A. Zapata, M.D.(*) Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits Mrs. Evangelina Peña and Mr. Roberto South Texas Chiropractic Mr. and Mrs. Renato Zapata, Jr. Mrs. Roberto A. Ramírez Peña González South Texas Distributors, Inc., LTD Mr. Jacob and Dr. María del Carmen González, Farías, Guerra, and Southwestern Bell Telephone Copper - ($25,000.00 + ) Rathmell Flores, L.L.P. Springfi eld Wire, Inc. American Petroleum Institute-Border Chapter Mrs. Dora Martin Russell (*) Mr. William B. Green Sprint PCS Arguindegui Oil Co. SBC Foundation Mr. José M. Gutíerrez, Jr. Mr. John Staley Broker Association, Inc. Sony Electronics, Inc. Ms. Mona Hachar Stoneworks Construction Mrs. Lilia L. (*) and Mr. Ernest M. (*) Bruni Dr. and Mrs. Alfredo Supervielle The Honorable William N. Hall, Jr. (*) Studio 55 The Honorable Bob Bullock (*) Texas Department of Public Safety and Mrs. Annabelle Hall Mrs. Sam H. Sullivan (*) Mr. Albert E. Friedman Mrs. Veronica Trautmann Robert Haynes Real Estate TAMIU Administrative Advisory Council Estate of Rudolph Hafernik United States Cellular Wireless Ms. Sylvia Hazlerig Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Juvenal J. Haynes Communications Mrs. Candy and Mr. Conrado M. Hein, Jr. TRASHCO, Inc. Laredo Development Foundation Utility Trailer Sales of Detroit, Inc. Ms. Nancy D. Herschap Dr. and Mrs. Alfredo Treviño, Jr. Laredo National Bank Washington’s Birthday Celebration Mr. and Mrs. John Hickey Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Treviño Mr.(*) and Mrs. Max Mandel Association Holiday Inn Civic Center V. I. P. Travel Agency Mejia Engineering Company Mr.(*) and Mrs. Guillermo Zuñiga Mr. and Mrs. William G. Holloway Mr. and Mrs. Richard Valls, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Miles Mr. and Mrs. Gary Jacobs Mr. Romeo G. Vela Ms. Etta T. Russell (*) Scholar’s Circle - ($1,000.00 + ) Mr. Morris D. Jaffe, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J. Jorge Verduzco South Texas Higher Education Foundation ACT Corporation Jaga Motors Co., Inc. Villa San Agustín de Laredo Genealogical Society State Farm Mutual Automobile Ret. General and Mrs. Milton Adams The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch Wal-Mart Foundation Insurance Company Aguirre Corporation Dr. and Mrs. David M. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Horace E. Watson, Jr. The Honorable Aldo Tatangelo Alexander Payphone Dr. and Mrs. José Juárez Ms. Helen R. Watson (*) VOS-MITA Communications, Inc. Just For Feet Mr. and Mrs. Abe S. Wilson Mr. Fernando F. and Mrs. Josephine P. Zuñiga Dr. and Mrs. John H. Alexander Ms. Martha Kahn (*) Zachry Construction Corporation and Family Allstate Marcus Moreno Insurance Mrs. Mary Lamar Killam Agency, Inc. Kowalsky, Rose & Company, PC (*) Deceased p r i s m 1 9 TAMIU Matching Gifts 2004 YES Camp Sponsors SBC Foundation H. E. Butt Grocery Co. Bank One Foundation Junior Achievement of Laredo Laredo Chamber of Commerce 2004 TAMIU Alumni Laredo Development Foundation Golf Tournament Sponsors Laredo Manufacturers Association American Campus Communities The Laredo National Bank Apex Construction Services Sánchez Oil & Gas Corporation Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Inc. South Texas National Bank Constructors, Inc. Zapata Independent School District Copy Connection, Inc. Deutsch & Deutsch Donations were received from Harley Davidson friends in honor of: International Bank of Commerce-Laredo Howard and Mary Butt Laredo Borderplex Area Wide Phone Book The Honorable Solomon Casseb, Jr. The Laredo National Bank Anita Ligarde Martin Leyendecker Oil, Inc. Suzy Neel Mayo Mercy Health Plans Selma J. (Cricket) Neel Paul Young Auto Mall Hazel Kepley Powell Powell Watson Motors Inc. Beatrice Fisher Rose Sames Motor Company Mrs. Carroll E. Summers, Sr. Sánchez Oil & Gas Corporation Marjorie Powell Zachry Sony Electronics, Inc. South Texas National Bank The University and friends extend their sympathy to the Southern Distributing Company, Inc. families of the following individuals: Sprint PCS Aurora Alexander Time Warner Cable Ad Sales Jack R. Brown Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Eva Deutsch Carlos Castillón 2004 Mariachi Festival Sponsors Esther M. López Astro Vending of Laredo Inc. Max Newsom City of Laredo Wiley Pope City of Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau Dee Michelle Rudolph Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Carol Griffin Scoville GEO Mortgage Services Ann Shanks Guerra Communications Helen R. Watson KBDR 100.5 Kristi-Lin’s Academy, Inc. The Laredo National Bank Lone Star Lease Service Luna Grande, Inc. Mercurio Martínez, Jr. Welcome Mercy Health Plans Patria Office Supply members! Renato Ramírez Robert Haynes Real Estate You’re a member! As a former student of Texas A&M International Sam’s Club University, Texas A&I University at Laredo or Laredo State University, Sames Motor Company whether a graduate or not, you are a member of the TAMIU Alumni San Isidro Ready Mix Association. Stoneworks Construction Current and past faculty members and staff or any person who has a TRASHCO, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. genuine interest in the welfare of the University are also invited to be members. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! For additional information on these TAMIU is celebrating 10 years on the Loop 20 site. listings, please contact Candy Hein at Make plans to attend our next quarterly gathering: 956.326.2175. October 6, 2004 l IBC Lago del Río l 6 - 9 p.m. l Membership is free! For information call: Patty Canseco at 956.326.2175 or e-mail [email protected]. 2 0 p r i s m SANCHEZ FAMILY FOUNDATION Supports TAMIU

New Sánchez Scholars at Texas A&M International University meet Antonio R. “Tony” Sánchez, Maria G. “Tani” Sánchez and their daughter, Ana Lee (seated, front) at a reception announcing the Students Sánchez Family Foundation’s scholarship gift. Left to right,back, are Scholars: Karla Garza, Sonia Pelico, Claudia Sierra, Lucy Speer, Karla Linero, Nora García, Andrea López, Gustavo Rojo, Michael Salas and Daniel Segovia. Scholarships select group of 20 incoming freshmen at Texas A&M International University change. The scholarships reflect a Aare the first students to benefit from a $400,000 scholarship gift from the commitment to the city and state that has Sánchez Family Foundation. been a home to us for generations and that Starting this Fall, the students, known as Sánchez Scholars, will receive the continues to bless us,” Sánchez explained. Antonio R. and Maria G. Sánchez Family scholarships. The scholarships provide books, fees This summer, the students met with Foundation members Antonio R. “Tony” and tuition for a four-year degree program Sánchez, wife Maria G. “Tani” Sánchez and their daughter, Ana Lee to express their completion. appreciation to the family. For additional information, contact the All were uniform in their gratitude, and in their pledge to merit the Sánchez’ Office of Financial Aid at 956.326.2225, blessing on their lives. Some candidly admitted that were it not for the scholarship, visit offices in Killam Library 158 or e-mail they would not have been able to continue their education. fi[email protected] Antonio Sánchez, clearly moved by the students’ words, said the Foundation’s gift should be considered an investment by the Foundation in the future of Texas. “We have long maintained that higher education is the only true catalyst to GIFTS HELP TAMIU Ramírez Gift Opens Doors to TAMIU “I graduated from A&M in 1961 in Mechanical Engineering and the academic and life lessons I learned there have helped form my career and life. Aggies are Students remarkably giving and, as an Aggie, I wanted to help new generations of students ome people graciously open doors whose lives will be bettered by attending TAMIU,” Ramírez said. Sso that others may walk through. The gift establishes the Renato and Patricia Ramírez Scholars, and recognizes Sometimes, those who open such doors Ramírez and his wife of 40 years, Patricia. change lives. For additional information on the Renato and Patricia Ramírez Scholars Zapata banker and philanthropist Scholarship, please contact the TAMIU Financial Aid office at 956.326.2225 or Renato Ramírez is one such person. This e-mail fi[email protected] summer, he pledged Texas A&M International University a gift of $1 million in support of Renato Ramírez, Candy Hein and Dr. Ray Keck III student scholarships. Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said the gift was generous and will have an impact for years to come. “This is truly an astounding act of generosity that will impact our students’ lives for generations to come. Mr. Ramírez’ philanthropy is legendary in South Texas and beyond and we are much blessed by his including this University in his giving,” Dr. Keck said. Ramírez said his gift acknowledges his own pride as a graduate of Texas A&M University and desire to help TAMIU, part of The Texas A&M University System. p r i s m 2 1 TAMIU UNIVERSITY LIFE

ALUMNI TEED-UP

Tournament participants await final results of the 2004 TAMIU Alumni Golf Tournament. From left to right are: Trey Hughes; Jeremiah Cabrera; Peter Palacios; Carlos F. (Kiko) Treviño; Carlos De León, Tournament chairman; Dr. Ray Keck; and Imelda Navarro ‘81, TAMIU Alumni

president. HOWDY!

Representing Webb County in the Miss Texas Pageant is Margaret Garza, a freshman at TAMIU. Jorge Váldez ‘01 and Lizette Mendive ‘02, TAMIU alumni, help welcome her.

SAALUMNI

A gathering of San Antonio TAMIU alums was held on August 18, 2004 at Duke’s. Pictured are Lower right hand corner: Patty Canseco ’01, Director of Alumni Relations; Second Row, left to right: Ian Schmehl ’00; Arturo Cuellar, Jr. ’99; Nelia Gil ’96; Rose Delgado’99; Dr. Ray Keck, President; Hilda Arnold ’99, Ana M. González ’94; Alma Mendez ’01; Zoila Zambrano ‘99 and spouse Jay Zambrano holding Vicky Zambrano; Top Row, left to right: Candy Hein, VP for Institutional Advancement; Barbara Mathieu, executive director of Development; Ann Rodríguez-Martínez ’00; Ileana R. Aleman ’01; Sarah Sánchez ’99; José Barajas ’97; Estella Rodríguez ’00; Veronica Barrientos-Carrillo ’00;

Jo Ann Martínez ’98; Ivan Ramírez ’01; and Sunita Treviño ’93. PLANNED GIVING! PLANNED

Leah Longoria isAMIU. among Ms. the Longoriafirst to establish has bequeathed a planned giving gift to TAMIU.T Ms. Longoria has bequeathed a portion of her estate to be used to establish future student scholarships. The fund will be known as the Leah Fields Longoria Scholarship Fund.

ARADE AHUA!

THE P

ATA THE PARADE

Enjoying the 2004 Mariachi Festival are Ford sponsor representatives, Mike Cortez; Hank and Elizabeth Sames Dr. and Mrs. Ray Keck smile proudly while riding with guest David Killam. the TAMIU float in the 2004 Washington’s Birthday Celebration Parade.

2 2 p r i s m TAMIUTAMIU UNIVERSITY LIFE

MASTERING THINGS DISTINGUISHED VISITOR DISTINGUISHED Dr. Raymund Paredes, (far left) new Commissioner of Higher Dr. Antonio Rodríguez, TAMIU College of Business Education for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Administration associate dean, assists new College dean Board, is welcomed to TAMIU by State Senator Judith Dr. Jacky So in the hooding of Masters Zaffirini; Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in Business Administration in Management recipient member John White and Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president. Gloria Madrigal in a special combined college Hooding Dr. Paredes provided the Commencement Address at this Ceremony held for Summer graduates and their families. summer’s graduation exercises.

BUILDING DREAMS

Members of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust joined University officials at the special presentation of the final installment of a $2 million pledge in support of the new Lamar Bruni Vergara

Science Center. Left to right are Trustee J C. Martin III, Trustee FUTURES BRIGHTER Solomon Casseb, president Dr. Ray Keck, provost Dr. Dan Jones and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Nasser New TAMIU grads ready for brighter futures at Summer Momayezi. Commencement Exercises held in front of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. Left to right are Prisma Karina López, Priscilla Martínez and Luis Oscar Mata, Jr.

EN ESPANOL!

BIG MAN ON CAMPUS ON MAN BIG TAMIU Summer 2004 MA (Spanish) Graduates with Dr. Steve Garippa, TAMIU athletic director, welcomes their professors; L-R: Dr. Ezra Engling, Rafael Huacuja, “Ice-Man” George Gervin and Hugo Chaparro, a Blanca Yruegas, Ana Cristina Martínez, Dr. Kati Pletsch Dustdevil Alliance advisor and fan of the year de García, Ramón Talavera. Graduates are wearing for 2003-2004, to the Annual Sports Memorabilia the stole and cords of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Auction. Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.

p r i s m 2 3 www.tamiu.edu CLICK ON OUR NEW HOME!

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