TAMIU Announces 2004-2005 Sánchez Lecture Series

For the 2004-2005 A.R. Sánchez Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series, Texas A&M International University's College of Arts and Sciences will present to Laredoans experts from a wide variety of fields.

Funded by the A.R. Sánchez Foundation, all events are free and open to the public. The four lectures will take place on their respective evenings at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

The recently announced schedule is as follows:

September 20, 2004 Dr. Robert M. Gates "Homeland Security in the 21st Century"

Dr. Gates, president of Texas A&M University-College Station, is uniquely qualified to discuss the future of Homeland Security, as he was the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1991 to 1993. He is the only career officer in the Central Intelligence Agency's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director.

October 21, 2004 Dr. Rodolfo O. de la Garza "The Latino Vote in the United States"

Named one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics by Hispanic magazine in 1998, Dr. de la Garza is professor of political science at Columbia University and Vice President for Research at the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute. His research focuses on the intersection of political behavior, public policy and Latino politics.

March 29, 2005 Dr. Kenneth Miller "Finding Darwin's God"

Dr. Miller's 2000 book, Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution, examines the opposing arguments of creationists and evolutionists and concludes the theory of evolution does not diminish the belief in a creator. Miller examines the creationist argument of "intelligent design" and ultimately finds it lacking in scientific validity, and explains how evolution does not negate the possibility of God.

April 12, 2005 Dr. Firouz Naderi "Exploring Mars"

Head of Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Exploration Program, charged with determining if Mars is, or if it ever was, a habitat for life, Dr. Naderi will offer insight into the theory and practice of exploring our nearest neighbor.

For additional information on the A. R. Sánchez, Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series, please contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at 956.326.2460. University office hours are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.