2005 Keynote Speaker Series Continues Jan. 25 at TAMIU

The Texas A&M International University 2004-2005 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series will continue Tuesday, Jan. 25 focusing on "Integration is Inevitable."

The lecture will take place from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111. The event is free and open to the public.

Keynote speaker will be Michael Yoder, U.S. Consul of Nuevo Laredo. The series is sponsored by the TAMIU College of Business Administration's Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade (CSWHT).

Consul Yoder has served as Principal Officer at the American Consulate in Nuevo Laredo since Aug. 15, 2003. He joined the State Department in 1989 and has served in Poland, London, Mexico City, Uzbekistan and Jamaica, primarily in Consular-related assignments. He attended graduate school at the University of Texas in Austin.

Yoder's presentation will cover subjects such as the potential for broadening and deepening NAFTA, possibilities for reaching an immigration accord between the United States and Mexico and what that accord might look like, the ongoing synthesis of our cultures, and the unique perspective being on the border provides.

Virginia Vincent, associate director of the CSWHT, said attendees of the Series will have the opportunity to learn about recent issues that impact trade and development in the Americas and in turn impact Laredo from leading researchers and policy makers.

"The Series presents realistic and targeted lectures communicated by prominent leaders, renowned experts and exceptional scholars in the trade and international business field. It brings to the University individuals of brilliant accomplishment and expertise to enhance the academic experience of TAMIU students, faculty and the community. Through this Keynote Speaker Series, the University brings the caliber of speakers that you would normally see in larger venues, larger cities," added Vincent.

The next lecture will be held Thursday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111, unless otherwise specified. Philip Martin, professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California Davis, will discuss "Mexico-U.S. Migration: Challenges and Opportunities."

For more information about any of the lectures in the Series, please contact Vincent at 326.2827, visit offices at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 222D or e-mail vvincent@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.