Son Honors Mom, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, with New Endowed Scholarship at TAMIU
A son’s love for his Mom knows no bounds. But for Laredo Senator Judith Zaffirini, her son Carlos’ love will make sure there are no bounds for other sons and other daughters who want to attend Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). He’s created an endowed scholarship to honor her and empower them.
Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., is president and CEO of Adelanto HealthCare Ventures, LLC, a health care finance consulting company in Austin focusing on reimbursement counseling for healthcare providers. Zaffirini earned his BBA at The University of Texas McCombs School of Business and his JD from the UT School of Law. He has created other endowed scholarships honoring his mother at UT-Austin and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Zaffirini said his mother’s example has inspired him to create the endowed scholarship.
"One of my family's core beliefs is in education's unique role in creating opportunity for the next generation," Zaffirini said, "My mother's legislative accomplishments and personal example inspired me to create this scholarship that I hope can provide that opportunity to succeed for more hardworking South Texas students."
The Zaffirini Endowed Scholarship was announced at a special reception in a campus building honoring the Senator’s legacy of support for higher education in Laredo and Texas, TAMIU’s Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center. Joining in the presentation was The Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.
“Senator Zaffirini has been a great friend to me and to all of higher education, and it is fitting that she should be honored in this way,” said Chancellor Sharp,“I am grateful to Carlos for his generosity and leadership in helping increase access to higher education in South Texas.”
TAMIU Interim President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said an Endowed Scholarship of this magnitude is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
“This is the sort of gift that truly impacts generations. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the Senator’s personal journey and success through higher education, and her lifetime of making that journey possible for others,” Dr. Arenaz said.
The Senator Judith Zaffirini Endowed Scholarship is available for undergraduate, full time students with verified need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Andrea González De La Cruz, the first recipient of the Zaffirini Endowed Scholarship, was introduced at the launch ceremony. De La Cruz is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Special Education. Active in student philanthropy, a member of Leadership TAMIU and president of Building on Legacy, she is a graduate of J. B. Alexander High School.
Senator Zaffirini (D-Laredo) represents the 21st Senatorial District, stretching from the Rio Grande to the Colorado River and to the Port of Corpus Christi and the Valley. Re-elected eight times, she is the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas State Senate, the second highest-ranking senator, and the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator.
Like many South Texas success stories, Senator Zaffirini's began with education. Working long hours while achieving an exemplary academic record provided the path for her decades of accomplishments in the Texas Senate. She earned her B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from The University of Texas at Austin.
For additional information, contact Rosanne Palacios, vice president for Institutional Advancement at 956.326.2177, email Rosanne.palacios@tamiu.edu, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Room 261 or click on http://www.tamiu.edu/alumniandgiving.shtml
Honoring Mom, Empowering Futures
Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., third from left, announced the creation of the Senator Judith Zaffirini Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M International University today. At ceremonies celebrating the Scholarship creation are, left to right, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor, John Sharp; State Senator Judith Zaffirini, Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., Andrea González De La Cruz, the first recipient of the Zaffirini Endowed Scholarship, and TAMIU Interim President, Dr. Pablo Arenaz.