Alumni Spotlight
Banking’s Brass
ORIGINAL STORY PUBLISHED IN THE LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Rita Ancira Moreno (‘99, ’01) Falcon International Bank vice president and controller recently completed an intensive 23-month program for community banking professionals preparing to move into senior management and leadership positions.
The Graduate School of Banking in Colorado is no ordinary banking school; students in the program have been recognized by their CEOs, presidents and supervisors as rising stars within their respective organizations, and completing the school is considered a significant accomplishment within the banking and financial services industries.
“I am very proud and honored to be part of Falcon International Bank,” says Moreno. “I have been fortunate to see Falcon succeed and be a part of its success. It has been an amazing experience to watch the bank evolve from $100 million in assets to over $750 million in just a couple of years, and I am really excited for what the future holds.”
In her spare time, Moreno enjoys exercising and training with her husband, Arturo D. Moreno, and spending quality time with their two children, Ana Christina and Arturo Daniel Jr.
Teaching Beyond Books
J.C. Martin Elementary school teacher, Arianna Perez, earns high marks for getting her students involved in the community. It was as simple as asking a question, she said. “I asked the class how they could help their community,” Perez said. “One student, named Daisy, suggested helping with the animal shelter.” The whole class really liked the idea.
The students collected money over three weeks, even finding pennies on the street. Perez encouraged the class by matching whatever they could bring in with her own money. They collected a total of $175 and with Perez matching the amount, totaling $350. Perez was pointed out this was no easy task for these students who generally come economically disadvantaged households.
According to Perez, these kinds of projects help the community in other ways, too. “These are the kind of meaningful experiences that encourage them to go to school,” she said. It gives them something to look forward to, she explained.
Each week, Ruiz homes honors an educator who has made a difference in the community. Arianna Perez was bestowed with this honor.
Faculty Spotlight
Longtime TAMIU professor, Dr. Julio Madrigal has been awarded November’s One Class at a Time educator of the month. Dr. Madrigal has taught and inspired many students in his 25 year history at the University. He has served as a professor of psychology and counseling education. For the last seven years though, Dr. Madrigal’s focus has shifted toward the younger students of South Texas. In 2000, he added the role of director of Special Programs and heads up multiple youth programs.
When asked about his award, he quickly states, “It was a big surprise!” He is most grateful for having his wife, family and students in attendance for this presentation.
