2007 Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit:
“Portraits of Alumni Achievement”

Leticia Morán ‘78

“I realize that distance could never sever the strong ties I had with my family.”

Leticia Morán ‘78, BSSED
Director of Field Operations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Being the youngest of nine children, Leticia Morán grew up with the influence of those older than her. Even while in elementary school, her family’s respect for President John F. Kennedy and the ideals of public service that he championed helped direct her in choosing her vocation. While in college, her father warned her to “learn to do more than one thing! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

Heeding her father’s advice, Morán majored in both history and government and earned her bachelor’s degree. She took a job with the U.S. Customs Service soon after graduation. The desire to be of service, a trait learned as a child helping with housework after her mother passed away, was a lesson that provided her with the demeanor to take on new tasks.

Her love of family and desire to be near them and the culture in which she was raised kept her from broadening her horizons. However, the call to public service at a higher level was strong enough to persuade her to leave her hometown. Now she realizes that even away nothing can break her ties to her family and Laredo.