Here, you'll be able to trace the impact of this young University and learn about the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community that have made the University's mission real. It's a story 50 years in the making that continues today. Visit regularly as new additions to our story are incorporated.
A 45-year veteran of Laredo's higher education profession, Dr. Julio F. Madrigal, executive director of TAMIU Special Programs, celebrates his retirement with a special reception at the Helen Richter Watson Gallery in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. Dr. Madrigal served at the University as a faculty member since 1972.
TAMIU partner, the Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI) presents Federico García Lorca's epic Yerma, the first production of its 9th Season, and the first to be delivered entirely in Spanish.
Award-winning writer and TAMIU Regents and Piper Professor of History Dr. Jerry D. Thompson is selected as the 2016-2017 Clotilde P. García Tejano Book Prize winner for his Tejano Tiger: José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas -México Borderlands, 1823-1891 (Texas Christian University Press). Dr. Thompson has the distinction of being the only author to receive the award three times.
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council votes to approve accreditation for TAMIU's Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology through Jan. 2022. Dr. Tom Mitchell, TAMIU's provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, singles out TAMIU program director Dr. Ediza García's leadership in successfully securing the program accreditation, and noted it joins other accredited TAMIU programs.
Students return to school at TAMIU see the continuation of a focused effort to diversify the campus' landscape and environment experience launched last year. The University adds new Student Center deck seating areas, rerouted traffic flows and parking, and the opportunity to teach environmental sustainability.
The skyline at TAMIU continues to change as construction continues on the University's Academic and Laboratory Hall on the campus' east side. When completed, the three-story, 118,000 gross square feet building will be the largest classroom and laboratory addition to the campus, and home to its growing engineering and science programs.
One of the world's pre-eminent philosophers, Dr. Martha C. Nussbaum, leads the Texas A&M International University Presidential Lecture Series in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Dr. Nussbaum's lecture is the timely "Anger and The Politics of Blame."
TAMIU announces a new initiative laser-focused on the future of Laredo's hometown University: the Imagine 2045 Committee. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz says it will hone in on developing a strategic plan to guide TAMIU's development for the next 25 years to ensure it meets the academic, intellectual, and cultural needs of the Laredo region. He notes, "In 2020, the University will celebrate its 50th year as an institution and its 25th year on its northeast Laredo campus. Now is the time to begin to plan the University's future." The Imagine 2045 Committee will be co-chaired by community leader Linda LaMantia and TAMIU vice president for finance and administration Juan J. Castillo.
The Senator Judith Zaffirini Teachers' College Student Loan Debt Grant Program is announced by Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., in honor of his mother and in advance of her Feb. 13 birthday. Five Laredo educators receive $2,000 grants to help pay their college student loan debts. Participating are TAMIU, Laredo Community College, St. Augustine High School, United Independent School District and Laredo Independent School District.
One of the landmarks of film history, the 1915 silent film "Birth of a Nation," is presented as part of the University's observance of Black History Month and includes a live organ improvisation by TAMIU's Organist, Dr. Colin Campbell.
TAMIU associate professor of Mathematics Dr. Runchang Lin is among 10 professors from throughout The Texas A&M University System inducted into the prestigious 2018 Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators.
Culminating Spirit Week 2018, TAMIU students crown their 2018 Mr. and Ms. TAMIU in ceremonies at the Dustdevil Men's Basketball game. Donato Benítez and Tabata Rodríguez were selected by online vote of their fellow students. Benítez is a senior Criminal Justice major from nearby Roma and Rodríguez a junior Political Science and Spanish major from Nuevo Laredo.
Of 126 schools listed, TAMIU is ranked 70 among Best Regional Universities West in the print edition of the 2018 U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges ranking. TAMIU was the second highest-ranked Texas public university.
Dr. Raymond Robertson, professor and the Helen and Roy Ryu Chair in Economics and Government at Texas A&M University, presents "Better Neighbors: Toward a Renewal of Economic Integration in Latin America" as part of the International Bank of Commerce 2017-2018 Keynote Speaker Series.
A select group of 14 TAMIU students travel over 6,100 miles to Moscow, and St. Petersburg, Russia as part of the University's "Reading the Globe Program." Students participating in the program are Isabela Barrientos, Marcos Enriquez, Briana Escobar, Kimberly Flores, Mayra Hurtado, Sergio Martínez, José A. Medrano, Aranza Obscura, Alyla Robles, María Graciela Rodríguez, Aaron E. Salazar, Rebecca Vela, Alfredo Velasco and Alan Villarreal.
A record number of students "Go Beyond" for the Spring Semester of 2018. The University reports its highest Spring enrollment in its history: 7,019 combined undergraduate and graduate students -- a 2.6 % increase over enrollment last Spring of 6,844. Semester credit hours generated by courses students are taking is also up 3.3% (81,351) over the previous Spring's 78,736.
A partnership between TAMIU and The University of Texas Health Science Center, now called UT Health San Antonio, offers a new certificate nursing program to help address the severe shortage of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in South Texas. It will recruit, enroll and educate a closed cohort of six nurse practitioners from Webb and surrounding counties into the UT Health Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Science, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing Class of 2017 recipients of the Family Nurse Practitioner graduate degree posted a 100% passing rate on their first attempt on Board Exams from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. This is the third consecutive year that TAMIU graduates score 100% success on their Board Exams on first attempt.
TAMIU Professor Frances P. Bernat is selected as the recipient of the Criminal Justice and Criminology Outstanding Alumni Scholar Award for Washington State University, and serves as Keynote Speaker for the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology's Award Ceremony and Luncheon at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center in Pullman, WA.
Three TAMIU Pre-Dental Students are the fortunate beneficiaries of scholarships awarded by the Laredo District Dental Society, District 23. Ana Laura Gomez-Vasquez, Laura Lomeli and Alyson Miller, each receive $750 scholarships. All three have been accepted into Dental School.
A memorial concert celebrates the legacy of the late E. H. Corrigan at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall and features performances on the Sharkey Corrigan Organ, part of his TAMIU legacy at TAMIU. Dr. Colin Campell, University Organist, performs. A reception will follow. Corrigan (March 5, 1927 - Nov. 19, 2017) was a passionate supporter of the Arts. He said that his gift of the Sharkey Corrigan Organ to TAMIU was a statement of affection for his hometown. It was first dedicated in November of 2012.
A group of 41 TAMIU students travel to Nicaragua during Spring Break to volunteer in medically underserved communities in that country. All are volunteers with Global Medical Brigades, an international non-profit organization that empowers communities to meet their health and economic goals through university volunteers and local teams.
TAMIU and the City of Laredo join forces again to present The Big Event, the University's annual service event, with some 350-plus student volunteers providing community service to the Santo Nino neighborhood totaling 1400 service hours with an in-kind monetary impact of $30,800.
TAMIU's College of Arts and Sciences, department of Psychology and Communication, raises awareness about careers in communication at the annual TAMIU COMM Day 2018 in the Student Center Rotunda.
TAMIU Regents Professor Dr. Jerry D. Thompson is recognized with three prestigious awards, one from the Texas State Historical Association, another from the Texas Institute of Letters, and the third from the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
An inspiring program of contemporary dance featuring Dallas' acclaimed Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and world premieres of two dance works take place TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. The free performance is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts' Texas Touring Arts Program.
Literary masters Cervantes and Shakespeare come to life in first-ever, month-long festival at TAMIU dubbed the "Cervantes & Shakespeare Go Pop Festival." It mines the authors' rich treasures with exhibits, readings, activities for children, a choir concert with jazz settings of Shakespeare's sonnets, faculty research presentations, a dance concert, special guest lectures, a concert based on the works of the authors, the authors as depicted in Manga, and a silent movie production of "Othello" with live organ accompaniment. Organizers are Dr. Ula Klein, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Lola Norris, associate professor of Spanish.
Families connect with TAMIU at the fourth annual "Discover TAMIU," a campus-wide annual open house featuring over 90 fun activities for all ages, celebrating the important of higher education.
The 22nd Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference at TAMIU is held. The Conference is co-sponsored by the TAMIU A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, in partnership with the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Facultad de Comercio, Administración y Ciencias Sociales. Sponsors include BBVA Compass, Commerce Bank, Cresta Advisors, Daniel B. Hastings Inc., Falcon Bank, International Bank of Commerce, Killam Development Ltd., and Texas Community Bank.
México's legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán returns to TAMIU with a benefit concert, part of the University's fourth annual International Mariachi Festival. The concert, "El Mariachi Estáde Fiesta," takes place in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. Students from 17 high schools across Texas attend.
Maroon is the new green as TAMIU celebrates Earth Week 2018. TAMIU Earth Week includes a RIO runway featuring Recycled Items Only, a pond clean-up, a recycling extravaganza and water conservation event, a Green Pledges activity, Community Garden beautification, and recycled park bench dedication by TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Senior management from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Field Office, TAMIU and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar ('82) gather to formally dedicate the new permanent office for the Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise at TAMIU's Center for Western Hemispheric Trade.
The annual TAMIU "Celebration of Life" memorial to remember fallen alumni, students, faculty and staff is held in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall and recognizes 46 honorees.
The TAMIU Campus Ally Network (CAN) hosts the University's first-ever Pride Week including an information fair, health testing, Safe Zone crash course, a second annual Drag Show and a Pride Walk and Pride Fest.
TAMIU's Online Master of Public Administration and Online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Banking and Finance program are ranked in two separate national surveys. The MPA is ranked No. 15 by the Master Programs Guide of the Top 50 Online Master's Programs. The MBA is ranked No. 12 in Master of Finance's Top 50 Best Online Finance Master's Degrees in 2018.
Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, George P. Bush, is Commencement Speaker for the TAMIU Spring Commencement Exercises scheduled the Laredo Energy Arena. 752 University candidates receive undergraduate or graduate degrees. Also joining the Exercises is Texas A&M University System Regent William "Bill" Mahomes, Jr. Mahomes was appointed to the Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015.
17 TAMIU students are welcomed into Pi Sigma Alpha, one of the nation's most prestigious honor societies in induction ceremonies. PSA is a national honor society for students involved in areas regarding political science and government. Dr. James A. Norris, associate professor of Political Science and Dr. Lola Norris, TAMIU associate professor of Spanish and Translation, are the University's PSA advisors.
The Webb County Heritage Foundation (WCHF) awards the documentary video "Rhapsody on the Río," a collaboration by the City of Laredo, KLRN-TV, and TAMIU with its Luciano Guajardo Heritage Award. "Rhapsody" is a composition by TAMIU's Dr. Colin Campbell, TAMIU Organist. The documentary previously received the 2017 Lone Star Chapter Regional Emmy Award in the Documentary-Tropical Category.
Pete Mims, proprietor of two local restaurants, Border Foundry and Trattoria Mia, Mims donates proceeds from a Cooking Series he offers through the University's Continuing Education Office to the Voz de Niños program, a court-appointed volunteer organization advocating for the interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. With his support four foster children are able to attend the annual Dusty Junior University Summer Camp and Programming Camp.
The TAMIU Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi inducts 82 students and five faculty into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines in ceremonies at the Student Center. Presiding over the ceremony is TAMIU PKP Chapter president, Dr. James A. Norris.
Dr. Kate Houston, TAMIU assistant professor of Criminal Justice, is named the 2017-2018 University Honors Program Faculty of the Year out of a pool of 10 nominees. Other nominated include Dr. Andrew Hilburn, Dr. Charlene Summers, Dr. Deborah Scaggs, Dr. Aaron Olivas, Dr. Sebastian Schmidl, Dr. Jack Byham, and Dr. Simon Zschirnt.
The Consul General of México in Laredo Carolina Zaragoza Flores and TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz sign a Memorandum of Understanding reestablishing the Institute of Mexicans in the Exterior (IME) Becas Program at TAMIU, reinstituting the Scholarship Program for the Fall 2018 semester. In addition, representatives of Program sponsor, Asociación de Agentes Aduanales de Nuevo Laredo (Association of Custom Brokers of Nuevo Laredo), present a check to TAMIU totaling $13,000 from the Consulate and $10,000 from Asociación de Agentes Aduanales de Nuevo Laredo. The IME-Becas Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $118,690 in scholarship funds between the Consulate and TAMIU's matching funds since the Program's inception in 2013.
TAMIU announces it has started construction on a comprehensive campus-wide energy efficiency project to streamline facility operations, encourage sustainable behavior and improve the quality of life for students and staff. The University is partnering with energy and sustainability expert Schneider Electric on the project, which guarantees nearly $15 million in energy savings over the life of the project.
A new study places TAMIU among the nation's top universities with especially high extended income mobility rates among 359 minority-serving colleges surveyed. The new report, "Minority Serving Institutions as Engines of Upward Mobility," authored by the American Council on Education drew from statistics shared by the Equality of Opportunity Project, a much-cited data project shared last year by Stanford University.
A total of 45 students of TAMIU's The Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies receive their diplomas during the Academy's Commencement Exercises. Created by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and authorized by the 79thTexas Legislature in 2005, the Academy is designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and International Studies. Its name honors longtime benefactors Frank and Julieta Staggs.
TAMIU signs an agreement with Ghana Baptist University College to promote activities of mutual interest to the two institutions. Dr. Peter Haruna, professor of Public Administration and director of TAMIU's Master of Public Administration program, recently traveled to Kumasi, Ghana on behalf of TAMIU to make the Memorandum of Understanding official. The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for academic and professional cooperation between the two institutions, Dr. Haruna explained.
TAMIU's College of Education graduates working as first-year teachers in Texas score above the state's average in the latest Texas Education Agency survey gauging school principals' satisfaction level with teachers' preparedness. In the 2016-2017 TEA Principal Appraisal of First Year Teachers, TAMIU College of Education graduates' results exceeded the state benchmark of 70 percent by 11 percent and the state average of 73 by eight percent.
TAMIU's student TAMIU Theatre presents the seminal French existentialist play "No Exit," by Jean-Paul Sartre, at the Sam Johnson Experimental Theater. TAMIU assistant professional Dr. Gilberto Martínez, Jr., directs the production, an ongoing summer production initiative that is the first associated with the University's History and Criticism Course.
Dr. Tonya Huber, professor, College of Education department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Dr. Phil Roberson, associate professional, department of Professional Programs, co-edit Inquiries into literacy learning and cultural competencies in a world of borders (Information Age Publishing, 2018). TAMIU faculty chapter authors included Dr. Angelique Michelle Blackburn, Heather Blagg, Dr. Randel Brown, Dr. James G. O'Meara, Andrea Pawelek, Cihtlalli G. Pérez, Dr. Marcela Uribe, Bonnie J. Villarreal, and Dr. Xuesong Wang. TAMIU psychology graduate student Alexandra Reyes was the editor's assistant on the project.
A reception in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Colonnade recognizes the impact of some 35,000+ hours provided by TAMIU AmeriCorps members to improve the reading and writing levels of hundreds of struggling young Laredo students through individualized attention they received.
A $150,000 continuation grant from The Meadows Foundation is awarded to The Texas A&M University System for TAMIU to continue to strengthen its coordinated and integrated healthcare delivery network in Laredo and Jim Hogg and Zapata counties. The Grant supports the Sí Texas Juntos for Better Health Grant administered by TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. The program, initiated in 2016, has impacted over 12,000 South Texans, and has gained national recognition.
TAMIU's College of Education hosts the 62nd International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET) World Assembly. The Conference theme, "Expanding Access & Exploring Frontiers in Education," represents a call to action for explorers and pioneers redefining the frontier of teacher education. It's the first time that the ICET World Assembly meets in Texas, and only the second time in a location other than Washington, D.C. in its 62-year meeting history.
Students enrolled in a beginner TAMIU American Sign Language course offered through the Office of Continuing Education put into practice their growing knowledge of the language at a local grocery store. Students held their class session at the H-E-B Grocery Store on Del Mar. Francisco Ramírez, TAMIU American Sign Language instructor, taught students over 200 signs for different store items.
TAMIU is singled out as one of Texas' best colleges for getting jobs. The new Zippia 2018 ranking looks at those colleges and universities most successful at helping graduates land a job. It ranked TAMIU as eighth in the State, citing TAMIU's 91.58% student employment. TAMIU was the only A&M System campus to be included in the Top Ten ranking of public and private institutions.
The music and lyrics of acclaimed Broadway composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and writings of Quiara Alegria Hudes come to life as TAMIU partner the Laredo Theater Guild International presents the Broadway musical sensation, In The Heights at TAMIU's Fine and Performing Arts Center Theater.
For the fourth year in a row, TAMIU students and others participate in a 7,300-mile plus study trip this summer to attend the two-week 12th Annual Baku Summer Energy School in Baku, Azerbaijan. The trip is made possible through a historic agreement that Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) facilitated between TAMIU and the country of Azerbaijan in 2015 to promote student and faculty research and study collaborations on energy between universities in Texas, México and Azerbaijan.
Three TAMIU students attend the Texas Voting Summit promoting voter turnout and boosting civic engagement at universities across the state. Texas Votes hosted the Summit, in partnership with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at The University of Texas at Austin, the Campus Vote Project and The Democracy Commitment. University students attending were Alejandro De León, Eduardo Guzmán and Pedro Rivera.
A new university ranking by College Consensus combines major publication reviews with insight from University students and others. TAMIU earns impressive spots on the group's Best Colleges and Universities in Texas (#24), and Best Regional Universities West (#42).
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online Program is ranked 22 among 2018 Top 50 Best MBA Degree Programs Online in the nation by online source Best College Reviews.
TAMIU sophomore marketing major Mariana Rodríguez is the recipient of the national President's Lifetime Achievement Award, a distinction that recognizes individuals who have completed over 4,000 community service hours during their lifetime. Rodríguez has recorded 10,149 community service hours. The Lifetime Achievement Award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency and Points of Light, the largest organization in the world dedicated to volunteerism.
Seven graduate students from the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at TAMIU present their research findings on dating violence prevention at the annual American Psychological Association Convention in San Francisco. Students attending are Ashley Cavazos, Naomi Cortina, Amanda Lewis, Mariana Mendiola, Sandra Minjares, Daniela Ortiz, and Gabriela Sánchez. TAMIU assistant professor and director of the program Dr. Ediza García and assistant professor of psychology Dr. Elizabeth Terrazas-Carrillo led the research efforts.
TAMIU students graduate with one of the lowest average student loan debt figures in the entire United States, according to a new study by online source, LendEDU. TAMIU ranked #40 out of 1,080 institutions analyzed for having one of the lowest student debt figures in the U.S. Within Texas, TAMIU ranked No. 6. When it came to all public schools, TAMIU ranked No. 20 among similar schools in the nation.
Three new TAMIU students begin the next chapter in their lives as the latest recipients of Oscar M. Laurel Endowed Scholarships. Scholarship donors Mrs. Oscar M. Laurel, Elsa Laurel Nicholson and Rebecca and Oscar Laurel named Magaly Portillo of United South High School, Chelsea Villarreal of Cigarroa High School, and Ashley Vasquez of Hector J. García Early College High School Oscar M. Laurel Scholars.
TAMIU associate professor of Spanish and Translation Dr. Lola Orellano Norris is honored for her literacy achievements during the 89th Annual Texas State Organization Convention of Delta Kappa Gamma in Waco, TX. Dr. Orellano Norris of Laredo's Alpha Nu Chapter, received the Member in Print Award for her book, "General Alonso de León's Expedition into Texas (1686-1690)." She was one of only seven members from Texas to receive this honor.
TAMIU repeats its placement in a national Top Ten ranking among Southern Colleges by Washington Monthly Magazine's 2018 College Guide for the third year in a row. TAMIU was ranked ninth. The College Guide singles out those institutions as "Best Bang for the Buck" that are the best value based on "net price" -- which the Guide explains is affordability and how well universities do in graduating students. It notes ‘Best Bang' universities like TAMIU charge students "a reasonable price for quality education that will advance them in their careers." TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz observes, "This is a clear indication of the importance of doing things right. Our administration and our faculty listen to our students and the communities we serve."
TAMIU's College of Arts and Sciences' School of Engineering receives national recognition as a recipient of the 2018 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, and is featured in the magazine's September issue. The Award recognizes TAMIU'S "STEM and Robotics Day," sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education MSEIP Grant in collaboration with TAMIU DustyTRON NASA Robotics teams.
A new collaboration between TAMIU and the Laredo Film Society brings a Feature Filmmaking Workshop focused on the creation of low-budget films to TAMIU's Student Center Theatre. It features the special insight and film products of Laredo-born filmmakers and artists, writer-director Alejandro Montoya Marin, and Laredoan Scarlett Moreno, a Los Angeles-based actress, director, and stylist. Both filmmakers are winners of revered independent filmmaker Robert Rodriguez' ("El Mariachi") "Rebel Without a Crew" contest.
With the advent of the Fall semester, TAMIU students see a wide spectrum of new initiatives and services including a milkshake program and expanded Library databases, a fledgling citrus grove, new classroom furnishings and an historic campus energy conservation and education program. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the changes are all focused on enhancing the student experience both in and out of the classroom. "While the campus is currently in a construction phase with the on-time build of our new Academic Innovation Center, we've also used much of this summer to complete multiple projects that I believe will help us to further distinguish the TAMIU educational experience and community for our students," Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU celebrates the unveiling of the new name for The Julieta And Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies with a special ceremony with family, friends and Academy students and staff. Previously known as the Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies, the Academy's name change honors longtime benefactors, Frank Staggs and his late wife, Julieta.
One of the nation's foremost experts on Constitutional law, Dr. Nadine Strossen, looks at current challenges to civil liberties in her Presidential Lecture Series at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. A professor of Constitutional Law at New York University Law School, she is the author of "Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship." (Oxford University Press, 2018).
TAMIU freshmen students help congratulate two faculty recipients of the University's most prestigious awards at the annual Fall Convocation Ceremony. Dr. Lola Norris, associate professor of Spanish, is named recipient of the TAMIU Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Ken Tobin, professor of Geology, was named recipient of the Senator Dr. Judith A. Zaffirini Faculty Award for Scholarship and Leadership.
TAMIU is ranked 16th among Top Public Schools, Regional Universities West, in the 2019 U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges ranking, making TAMIU the highest ranked regional Texas institution in the 15-state ranking's Top 20 and the only A&M campus in the ranking. Last year, TAMIU ranked 20th.
Dr. Eva Noyola, of The University of Texas at Austin's department of Astronomy and the famed McDonald Observatory, presents her lecture, "How Do We Observe Black Holes" at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre. The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium hosts it with support from local philanthropist Guillermo Benavides Z.
Faculty and educators from throughout The Texas A&M University System convene at TAMIU for the 9th Annual Chancellor's Summit on Texas Education. The Summit focuses on educating teacher preparation faculty on ways to prepare teacher candidates for possible violence in schools. Over 100 delegates attend.
With partner Laredo Theatre Guild International, TAMIU presents final performances of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie." A Class on Stage Series Production, it is sponsored by the D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust Fund and International Bank of Commerce and includes a special series of performances for Laredo school students.
A new $1.177 million dollar federal grant to TAMIU helps address the chronic shortage of qualified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners through an innovative TAMIU training program delivered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), the grant is three years in duration and establishes the Canseco School and the Grant's leadership as nationally recognized training leaders in sexual assault health care.
TAMIU faculty members are awarded some of the University's highest awards in ceremonies during fall Faculty Assembly. Dr. Hayley Kazen, assistant professional in University College, is awarded the Instructional Technology Award. The University Outstanding Teacher Award is presented to Linda Villarreal, instructor in the College of Education. The University's Distinguished Scholar of the Year Award is awarded to Dr. Marivic Torregosa, assistant professor and director of graduate programs for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
TAMIU offers one of the most affordable online master's degrees in Criminal Justice in the nation, according to a new ranking by online source, Grad School Hub. TAMIU ranked #7 among the Top 10 universities that provide the lowest-cost online master's degree in Criminal Justice.
Author Loung Ung, whose haunting book "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" is the common read for TAMIU's freshman class for its Reading the Globe Program, visits with TAMIU students. Now in its 11th year, Reading Globe is one the University's most popular globally focused initiatives, said program coordinator, Dr. Conchita Hickey, Dean Emeritus.
Tatiana Clouthier, campaign manager for the successful campaign of México's incoming President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is a special guest lecturer for the University's Presidential Lecture Series in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Her topic is "Challenges and Differences: Governance and Public Administration between México and the United States."
Eight high school students selected as new members of the 2018 Sames Scholars Cohort are introduced at Siete Banderas Restaurant downtown. They are: United South High School - Karyme Rodríguez and Jorge Sáenz; United High School - Anthony Vásquez and Andres Espinoza; John B. Alexander High School - Nabila Guerra and Alberto Sánchez, and Lyndon B. Johnson High School - Ana Cristina Landeros and Jaime Chapa. The Sames Scholars program is an innovative college-bound mentorship program that pairs Laredo high school students with TAMIU faculty mentors throughout their high school experience. Hank and Elizabeth Sames founded it in 2002.
Dr. Bryan Caplan, a professor of Economics at George Mason University, presents "The Myth of the Rational Voter" as part of the University's Presidential Lecture Series, at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. He is the author of The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies choose Bad Policies (2008).
A group of 13 TAMIU graduate and undergraduate students are recognized at an international conference for presenting an extensive compilation of posters depicting their research and international outreach projects. The students, members of Professional Opportunities Supporting Scholarly Engagement, a TAMIU College of Education program, won the People's Choice Award for Best Poster Presentation at the 18th International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement Annual Conference in New Orleans. The students recognized are Alexandra Reyes, Elizabeth San Miguel, Lorena Cestou, Vanessa Palumbo, Priscilla Salazar, Sherline Salazar, Rosa Salinas, Analie Costilla, Clarissa Murillo, Erika Vela, Nancy Salazar, Martha Lozano, and Valerie Vásquez.
TAMIU students join in National Make A Difference Day with their local project focused on beautifying the Paso Del Indio Nature Trail at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center. Their efforts include covering the trail with mulch, removing brush and planting native plants, as well as organic vegetable gardens.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces more than $3.1 million in federal funds in two separate grants for TAMIU. TAMIU receives a grant of $1,937,380 as part of the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program for ADVancing the Instruction of Science Educators Project and a $1,169,368 grant for its Advance Nursing Education Sexual Assault Nursing Examiner Program.
TAMIU posts an historic enrollment, driven by a record freshman class size, increased semester credit hours and a dramatic increase in graduate enrollment. Total combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 7,996, a 4.6% increase over the previous Fall's 7,640. Undergrads number 7,013, while graduate students' number 983. Semester credit hours are up 5.15% over the previous Fall. The Freshman class, the largest in TAMIU's history, is 1,351 strong and includes students from 143 different high schools. Graduate School enrollment, including 22 doctoral students, is up 16% from the previous Fall.
In an effort to showcase TAMIU faculty, the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services, in concert with the Office of the Provost, develops Mosaic TAMIU, an immersive online experience that profiles new faculty members. Through the Mosaic experience, visitors learn more about the University's gifted faculty.
An all-female lead production of American playwright Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple (Female Version)" is presented by TAMIU Theatre students at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater. Members of the cast include Karina Esquivel, Joseph Filazzola, Ana Karen García, Stephanie Mancha, Nicole Menzel, Dalia Partida, Rolando Vela and Jocely Zarate.
Dr. Nereu Kock, TAMIU Killam Distinguished Professor and chair of the Division of International Business and Technology Studies, is named a Regents Professor by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, one of only 15 faculty selected. A native of Brazil, Dr. Kock's research has explored biological evolution as an influence on electronic communication and collaboration, and methods for multivariate data analyses.
Francisco Cantú, a former US Border Patrol agent and author who witnessed first-hand the reality of migrants risking their lives to cross the border, is the featured speaker for the IBC Bank and Commerce Bank's 2018-2019 Keynote Speaker Series. His presentation, "The Human Cost of Deterrence Based Border Enforcement," is based on his acclaimed book, The Line Becomes a River (Riverhead Books, 2018).
The memories and recorded recollections of a group of local veterans finds a home at TAMIU's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library through a special gift to the Special Collections and Archives. The effort, led by 406th District Court Judge Oscar Jesus Hale, Jr., includes recorded recollections by veterans. Honored guests were the veterans featured: Private First Class, United States Army, John Valls, WW II; Corporal, United States Army, Manuel V. Ramirez, Korean War; Specialist Four, United States Army, Oscar J. Hale, Sr., Vietnam War; Ship Serviceman, Second Class, United States Navy Cruz Maldonado - Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and Sgt., United States Army, David Garza, Iraq/Afghanistan conflict.
The "Giving Tuesday" Campaign at TAMIU shatters records and far surpasses expectations, with a 250% increase in donations to over $23,000 and an 80% growth in donors. Rosanne Palacios, TAMIU vice president for Institutional Advancement, said the generosity of donors across the spectrum of the University community and the community at large was heartwarming. "During this season of giving, it's truly heartwarming to see the generous support that spanned the spectrum of University students, faculty and staff, alumni and community partners," she says.
TAMIU Political Science Association and Pi Sigma Alpha students compete in the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of American States Conference in San Marcos, TX. Each team networked, role-played and competed in mock trials. The students included Emily Walker, Nathan Treviño, Juan Barrera, and Consuelo Guzman. Also Noelia Angeles, Cesia Perez, Juan Vidal, Ramses Betancourt, Jesús Padilla and Joshua Llamas. Faculty advisors were Drs. James A. Norris and Lola O. Norris.
The much-loved TAMIU Class Ring Ceremony takes place in Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. The Ceremony serves as a moment to encapsulate the memories of a student's life at the University. While the campus continues to grow and change, the class ring is an icon that represents a tangible connection to the University.
Senator Judith Zaffirini announces the 2019 recipients of The Senator Judith Zaffirini Teachers' College Student Loan Debt Grant alongside her son, Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., The honorees, recognized are: Dr. Ariadne González, TAMIU assistant professor of Communication; Dr. Antonio Carranza, Laredo College mathematics instructor; Eduardo Valdez, St. Augustine Catholic School Geography teacher; Diana Ramírez, Finley Elementary School Dyslexia teacher, and María del Carmen Gammon, C. L. Milton Elementary School 5th grade teacher. The program was established by Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. to honor of his mother.
TAMIU is recognized by Campus Labs, a company that works with institutions to transform higher education through data and analytics, as a winner in its 2018 Annual Awards Program. TAMIU earned a Trailblazer Award for its use of Campus Labs' Beacon and Engage tools to deliver an orchestrated set of improvement efforts for students considering teaching careers.
17 TAMIU Ballet Folklórico members travel to Florida to perform before Disney World guests. Students traveling are Katherine Carrera, Monica Carrizales, Cecilia Castillo, Valeria Espericueta, Juan Carlos Flores, Michelle García, Laura Izaguirre, Heidi Marchan, Stephanie Martínez, Emilio Peña, Gladys Hernández, Cecilia Pérez, Diana Saldaña, Stephanie Hernández, Rita Mercado, Ginger Sifuentez, and Jayleen Tovar. Group instructor is Nayeli López. The TAMIU Ballet Folklórico's mission is to showcase the splendor of México's traditional dance, music, dress and history while preserving cultural heritage.
Dr. José Cardona-López, Regents Professor of Spanish at TAMIU, presented at two prestigious, international conferences. His first was at the 11th International Colloquim on Hispanic Studies in Budapest, Hungary. The second conference, "International Colloquium: The Plural Forms of Literary Genericity," was held in November in Paris at the Faculty of Letters of the Sorbonne University.
The approach of the holidays also signals study-travel opportunities for TAMIU students. A total of 34 TAMIU students will embark on trips to Belize, China, the Netherlands and Italy. TAMIU's Office of International Engagement assists students in finding the right Study Abroad program and provides insight on financial planning and scholarship opportunities.
TAMIU faculty and President Arenaz offer an "International" holiday greeting to all in a special video produced by the University's Office of Public Relations and Office of Institutional Advancement.
Spirits are high for a hauntingly hilarious production by TAMIU partner, the Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI), with its staging of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit at TAMIU's Sam Johnson Experimental Theatre. TAMIU alumnus Benito "Tony" Bondoc directs.
TAMIU's Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) celebrates its impact on student scholarships through efforts like Giving Tuesday. SPC helped generate $14,964 in donations from 637 donors in 2018. During the past three years, the campaign's donor total has steadily increased, climbing to 1,462 donors and $35,662 in funds raised.
TAMIU partner the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 2019 Concert Season with a performance featuring guest soloist Kyunghoon Kim, winner of the Ben I. Gómez Piano Competition.
A Total Eclipse Watch party, organized by the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium, is held on the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library West Lawn. Participants view the eclipse through telescopes and Peter Davis, Planetarium director, helps answer questions on astronomy.
The headaches of building a student schedule are a thing of the past at TAMIU. The University launches TAMIU SchEDUler, a powerful tool to help students create their own schedule on their desktop, smartphone or tablet. The tool makes scheduling seamless, reduces registration frustrations and accommodates student preferences, all within a mobile-friendly environment.
The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo teams up with members of Texas A&M International University's College of Education Professional Opportunities Supporting Scholarly Engagement (POSSE) team to host fun, educational events at the shopping center. On the inaugural International Day of Education (24 January 2019), they officially launch a response to the call to action from the United Nations to provide inclusive and quality education for all children this day and every day.
An upcoming lecture will offer individuals insight into conducting and aiding research by deciphering historical handwriting styles. TAMIU assistant professor of History Dr. Aaron Olivas offers a lecture, "Paleography 101: Reading and Understanding Spanish-Language Historical Documents."
As part of TAMIU's Presidential Lecture Series, leading cancer researcher Dr. Renato Aguilera presents "From the Study of DNases to Cancer Research: An Unexpected Scientific Journey." Dr. Aguilera is professor at The University of Texas at El Paso, department of Biological Sciences.
Melissa Olmeda, a TAMIU junior Business major, is fascinated by Chinese culture. She had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit China as one of 25 students selected nationally for the China-U.S. Rising Star Student Study Tour, a student exchange program co-sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the China Education Association for International Exchange. Olmeda visited four cities in China during two weeks in January, including Beijing, Xi'an, Wuxi, and Shanghai.
The 10th Annual STEM Alliance Week is hosted by Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX, 28) at Texas A&M International University, offering a series of educational and community events promoting STEM. It's especially focused on encouraging Hispanic students to consider STEM field careers. A collaborative network of educators, business partners, and affiliates that foster an interest in STEM careers make the event possible.
It's a packed house for the historic campus visit of The Honorable Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar. TAMIU's Student Government Association invited the special guests. Speaker Pelosi shared her life journey as a mom and member of Congress and encouraged students to pursue their special path daily.
TAMIU director of Student Conduct and Community Engagement Mayra Hernández is selected as one of 82 women statewide to become a member of the Leadership Texas Class of 2019. It's the first statewide program for women's leadership development designed specifically to help women learn about critical issues outside of their own industries and spheres of influence, and was launched in 1983.
OnlineMasters.com ranks TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business' MBA in International Business as one of the best in the nation. TAMIU ranked 36 out of the Top 50 Online MBAs in International Business. Researchers identified the top programs in the nation based on curriculum quality, program flexibility, affordability, and graduate outcomes.
A national rating that focuses on universities exceling at retaining and graduating students says TAMIU is the highest rated Texas Public Masters University and in the national top 25% for its category in the 2018 Eduventures® Research Student Success Ratings Report. Authors analyzed some 1,100 institutions to help colleges, universities, students and their families identify institutions like TAMIU that excel at retaining and graduating students.
TAMIU's Celebration of Black History Month concludes with a Community Mixer in Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center 101. Music is provided by DJ D-Rock. The celebration theme, "Black Migrations," has highlighted the movement of African Americans and all peoples of African descent to new destinations and new social, cultural, political and economic realities. Dr. Peter Haruna, TAMIU professor of Public Administration and TAMIU Intercultural Events and Education Committee chair, has led the observance.
TAMIU has been ranked 16th in the 2019 U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges report's Top Public Schools Regional Universities West, and recognized as a Best Value School, Regional Universities West. TAMIU was the highest-ranked Texas public university in the Best Regional Universities West category at 59 of 127 West universities surveyed among 656 universities nationally. Last year, TAMIU ranked 70.
TAMIU students, faculty, administration and staff and the public enjoy a month-long celebration of Women's History Month with a series of lectures and panel explorations on topics including Chinese traditions and the role of women in society; a brief history of women's anger and a panel discussion on gender studies and how it shapes faculty research.
TAMIU posts a record student enrollment with 7,436 combined undergraduate and graduate students "Going Beyond." This marks a 6% increase over last Spring's 7,017 enrollment. Semester credit hours (SCH), generated by courses students are taking, is also up 6.2% (86,387) over last Spring's 81,330. Of total Spring '19 TAMIU enrollment, 6,423 are undergraduates, while 1,013 are graduate or doctoral students.
Recent TAMIU Master of Science in Education graduate Lorena Cestou realized she could impact the world positively through teaching when she participated in a University-led, service-learning opportunity in the Dominican Republic. Her experience is part of The Texas A&M University's state-wide campaign, "We Teach Texas," focused on encouraging teaching careers. TAMIU and the 11 universities of the A&M System produce more fully certified teachers than any other university system in Texas.
TAMIU Regents Professor Dr. Jerry D. Thompson receives the Texas State Historical Association's 2018 Kate Broocks Bates Award for Historical Research for his Pulitzer Prize-nominated publication, "Tejano Tiger: José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas-México Borderlands, 1823-1891," in ceremonies in Corpus Christi.
TAMIU theatre students present one of the longest running theatrical productions in the world, famed novelist and playwright Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap," at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater. Cast includes Milagros Aguilar, Silvia Castanos, José Charur, Marco De Luna, Juan García, Gerardo Guerrero, Jorge Salinas and Jocelyn Zarate. Stage manager is María Saavedra with a crew composed of theatre students. Dr. Gilberto Martínez, is TAMIU assistant professional of theatre arts.
While he's had a lifelong fascination with literature, TAMIU graduate English student James Buckley also makes a little history at the University. Buckley is the 1000th student in TAMIU's graduate programs and part of TAMIU's record Spring enrollment with 7,436 combined undergraduate and graduate students -- a 6% increase over last Spring's 7,017 enrollment. There's also a family legacy of records... James' mother, the late Laredo science teacher and TAMIU alum Esther Buckley, was the University's 3000th student to enroll in 1998.
TAMIU College of Education Dean Dr. James O'Meara shares his thoughts on TAMIU's role as fueling force for a sustainable teacher pipeline for Texas that drives with impact, innovation and internationalization, in an essay on the University's role in "We Teach Texas." The Texas A&M University System initiative is focused on identifying and training new teachers.
TAMIU Athletics hosts its Second Annual Building Homes for Heroes Baseball/Softball BBQ Party and Car Show at the TAMIU Outdoor Sports Complex. Admission is free of charge and open to the public. This marks the seventh year that TAMIU Athletics has hosted a military appreciation fundraising event.
Internationally-known astrophysicist and best-selling novelist Dr. Mario Livio explores the basic human characteristic of curiosity as part of his TAMIU Presidential Lecture Series titled, "Why? What Makes Us Curious," at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Organized by TAMIU's University College, the Presidential Lecture Series is an occasional series that brings innovative thinkers and creators to the University.
TAMIU hosts the equal distribution of financial gifts totaling $500,000 from the Samuel N. Johnson, Jr. 2013 Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust to five community organizations. On behalf of the Trust, Trustee Jim Moore provided gifts to the Laredo Little Theatre, Laredo Theatre Guild International, St. Edward's University, TAMIU's Theatre Department and the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
TAMIU hosts its annual "Celebration of Life" Memorial in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Recital Hall at 6:30 p.m. The event celebrates and remembers the lives of 35 alumni, students, faculty and staff who have passed away in the past year. It includes musical performances by University Organist Dr. Colin Campbell, the TAMIU Choir and the Memorial Bells of First United Methodist Church.
Dr. Craig Van Grasstek, adjunct lecturer at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, discusses hegemonic struggles in the context of inter-American trade for the IBC and Commerce Bank 2018-2019 Keynote Speaker Series at the TAMIU Student Center Ballroom.
Inter-American trade relations and the relationship between the United States, China, and México are among topics discussed as academic researchers, business leaders, and policy makers convene at TAMIU for the 23rd Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference.
Throughout the past 14 years, children and families alike have enjoyed traveling through space and venturing to the stars, all from the comfort of reclining seats in the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium. To celebrate their 14th Anniversary, the Planetarium hosts a special screening of the Disney-Pixar hit, "The Incredibles 2." Face-painting, food and fun are also part of the Celebration.
TAMIU hosts a rare simulcast concert by world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a live transmission from San Antonio to TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. Yo-Yo Ma performs all six of J. S. Bach's cello suites as part of a global tour aimed at highlighting the importance of shared humanity in civic conversation. He visits Laredo the following day and performs along the Rio Grande river bank.
Maroon is the new green when TAMIU hosts its annual week-long observance of Earth Week focused on fostering a good, green fun and awareness around campus. Earth Week is coordinated by the University's Environmental, Health and Safety Office, Housing and Residence Life and the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration in partnership with Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation.
TAMIU hosts the 5th International Mariachi Festival, welcoming high school mariachi groups from across Texas to its campus for an exciting learning experience with Mexico's legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán. A workshop experience for students concludes with a live performance, "Serenata Mexicana," in TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. The event's concert proceeds benefit TAMIU mariachi music scholarships.
TAMIU's Ballet Folklórico made history by ranking first in the nation at the recent National Folklórico Competition in San Antonio. 18 TAMIU students traveled with Ballet Folklórico director Nayeli López to the Competition at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Competing in eight entries in University categories of small group, ensemble, duet, and solos, the group received five trophies: two ranking first place, one ranking second place, and two third place rankings.
Four TAMIU undergraduate students alongside faculty Drs. Kameron Jorgensen and Keith Combrink, assistant professors of Chemistry, were awarded and presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting recently in Orlando, FL. Funding for the trip was made possible through support by the University's Quality Enrichment Plan - ACT on IDEAs, the College of Arts and Sciences, and an ACS Student Travel Grant.
TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Science, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing Class of 2018 recipients of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduate degree posted a 100% passing rate on their first attempt on Certification Exams from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. It's the fourth consecutive year that TAMIU FNP graduates score 100% success on their Board Exams on first attempt. Diana Flores, Jeannette Johnson, and Priscilla Rodríguez are all currently employed as family nurse practitioners, and one works as a TAMIU nursing faculty member.
TAMIU's MSEIP Engineering Program announces it will offer free, summer engineering exploration workshops for middle, high school and University STEM major sophomores. Dr. Tariq Tashtoush, TAMIU assistant professor of Engineering, said the program is a great opportunity for local students to explore college life and learn what is required to get into the STEM field.
University organist Dr. Colin Campbell provides a live improvisation on the Sharkey Corrigan Organ to accompany a film considered a pioneer in the genre of science fiction filmmaking, the German classic, "Metropolis." The performance is free of charge and open to all in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall.
Erick Vázquez Cano, 21, a Spring 2019 Chemistry graduate at TAMIU, is one of 20 students nationwide accepted to Harvard University to pursue doctoral studies in Chemical Biology. He credits TAMIU's Dr. Ruby Ynalvez and Dr. Alfred Addo-Mensah, for refining his research focus, while also encouraging him to present at conferences and apply to Harvard. "If you are passionate enough, if you are driven, then TAMIU is going to make it possible for you," Erick said.
TAMIU's music program is growing in size and talent with close to 100 music students are enrolled. The program has grown 15 percent in the past five years, with most students attending from the Laredo area, but with an increased interest from the Rio Grande Valley, says Dr. James Moyer, TAMIU assistant professor of music and chair of the College of Arts and Sciences' department of Fine and Performing Arts.
TAMIU Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDO) and Audiology students are living up to the challenge to ‘Go Beyond' by pursuing graduate studies at several universities across the country. The program has achieved a 100 percent acceptance rate for graduate school for students, noted Dr. Melissa García, TAMIU clinical associate professor and CSDO clinic director.
TAMIU's Small Business Development Center (TAMIU SBDC) received the U.S. Small Business Administration 2019 San Antonio District Small Business Week Center of Excellence and Innovation Award for the second year in a row. The Award honors an SBDC for excellence in providing value to small businesses and advancing program delivery and management through innovation.
In honor of her commitment to serving as a role model and mentor to students pursuing careers in the nursing profession, TAMIU clinical assistant professor of nursing Dr. Belva González was named this year's recipient of the Diseases Attacking the Immune System, or DAISY Faculty Award. It was presented to González during the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Pinning and Hooding Ceremony before her students and colleagues.
Arturo Nochebuena González, a renowned artist in Los Dos Laredos, is selected as TAMIU's commissioned artist and will create a painting commemorating the University's 50th Anniversary. Nochebuena González's painting will encapsulate TAMIU's 50th Anniversary theme, "A World of Difference." It will include key concepts such as history, nature, empowerment, culture, connection, celebration and the future. It will be displayed in the new TAMIU Academic Innovation Center, scheduled for dedication in August.
TAMIU launches an Instagram TV (IGTV) channel to highlight student-focused, campus-wide events and initiatives. Created and established through TAMIU's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services, the IGTV channel features a monthly video. It was developed with insight and feedback provided by a focus group of student users and is created on campus by TAMIU's PR team members Christine Rojas, Rolando Santos, and Rory King.
A cohort of 51 students graduate from TAMIU's Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies. An innovative, University-level institution on the TAMIU campus, the Academy is designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors. It was created by Senator Judith Zaffirini and authorized by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005.
Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, TAMIU associate professor of Public Administration, is the author of the new book titled, "Political Satire, Postmodern Reality, and the Trump Presidency: Who Are we Laughing At?" (Lexington Books, 2019). The book looks at the rich history and evolution of political satire and how television has changed satire completely.
Spring Commencement Exercises see 794 candidates for graduation cross the stage at the Sames Auto Arena. Commencement Speaker was Alfonso Gómez-Rejón, Laredo-born film director and TV producer He directed "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," the 2015 Sundance Film Festival winner of the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. He has garnered Emmy nominations as director and co-executive producer on TV's American Horror Story: Coven and directed episodes of American Horror Story's first four seasons, and the first four seasons of the musical comedy-drama series Glee. This graduation also served to preview the University's coming 50th Anniversary Celebration.
TAMIU associate professor of Spanish and Translation Dr. Lola Norris is helping shape the academic field of translation. Chosen for her extensive knowledge and in recognition of her work, Norris served as 2019 Translation Studies track director at the Kentucky Foreign Language Conference: The Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Conference (KFLC) that took place recently at the University of Kentucky (UK).
A Texas Education Agency (TEA) report notes that as many as a third of Texas teachers leave the classroom by their sixth year of teaching. Not so for teachers prepared by TAMIU. Dean of the College of Education, Dr. James O'Meara, noted that 80% of TAMIU teacher graduates are still teaching 10 years later. "We're enormously proud of our TAMIU teacher preparation programs. We prepare 100% of the traditionally trained teachers working in the schools within our 100-mile zone of impact," Dr. O'Meara said.
TAMIU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) receives a top ranking among the State's best BSN programs in the fourth annual nursing school rankings by RNCareers, a specialty nursing publication. TAMIU's BSN was ranked 12th, outranking other BSN nursing schools including Texas Woman's University (14), the University of Texas-Austin (15), the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (19) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (23).
TAMIU Spring 2019 graduate Ashton Laurel praises TAMIU's "Closer Than Ever" Initiative for helping him to complete his BBA. Launched in 2018, the initiative helps former students who have made substantial progress on their degree, but delayed degree completion for various reasons. "After my junior year, I wasn't sure how I was going to come back to TAMIU and finish my degree. Thanks to TAMIU, they helped me finish everything in less than a year," said Laurel. Since its initial launch, "Closer than Ever" has already helped 65 individuals graduate and complete their degrees.
TAMIU launches a dynamic, international learning opportunity program prototype that allows students to not only study abroad, but to also conduct research in their host country, the Philippines. Dr. Marcus Ynalvez, College of Arts and Sciences associate dean, led a group of students in TAMIU's first-ever Research Abroad Program that saw students collaborate closely with staff at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
In honor of its 50th Anniversary, TAMIU launches its "Share Your Story" campaign to enable former students, faculty members, University family members and the community at large to share their perspective of the University's story. "Through three distinct identities and two campuses, through degree programs and experiences, the University's story is best told by those it has impacted," said Steve Harmon of the University's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services.
The impact of the collaborative grant Sí Texas – Juntos for Better Health Traveling Healthcare Teams led by Dr. Glenda Walker, grant principal investigator and Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences, is shared. Over 1000 free screenings were conducted by THCT at Webb County community centers. A total of 9000 screenings were performed Project-wide from July 2017 to June 2019. This critical community outreach initiative emphasized primary screening and linkage to a medical home or mental health services.
Video gamers from across the state convene at TAMIU to take part in the first-ever "Battle at the Border" Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gaming tournament. The historic event is hosted by the TAMIU Smash Club, along with support from the University's Student Government Association.
TAMIU students and faculty travel to Baku, Azerbaijan on July 5 for a two-week certificate program at the Annual Baku Energy Summer School. The trip is made possible through a historic agreement that Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) facilitated between TAMIU and the country of Azerbaijan in 2015 that promotes student and faculty research and study collaborations on energy between universities in Texas, México and Azerbaijan. It is now in its fifth year of offer.
17 TAMIU Multidisciplinary Studies students complete a 90-hour service-learning internship at various locations including the Laredo Public Library, the Imaginarium of South Texas, the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo and Zapata, the Children's Advocacy Center, La Frontera Migrant Shelter, and El Cenizo Community Centers. Through these internships, students engage and help fill a need within the organization, or establish a new initiative.
Fifth grade Cotulla elementary school teacher Jessica Soto-Martínez is named the recipient of the first "We Teach Texas" Leadership Fellow Scholarship. The Scholarship is borne from The Texas A&M University System's statewide campaign, "We Teach Texas," focused on encouraging teaching careers. TAMIU is the leading producer of educators in the Laredo area, and the Texas A&M University System and its members produce more fully certified teachers in Texas than any other university system.
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online Program is ranked #3 among the 20 Best Texas Online MBA Degree Programs by online source MBA Central. "As the ranking has confirmed, our online MBA program is offered at an affordable and accessible price, and taught by a gifted faculty that brings top research experience and knowledge from all over the world. Our students gain a competitive edge in the business world," said Sanchez School Dean Dr. Steve Sears.
It's a story 50 years in the making and TAMIU is sharing it with a 50th Anniversary Celebration, "A World of Difference." The Anniversary Year, 2019-20, launches with a multi-media press conference at the University's Western Hemispheric Trade Center. The event also serves to usher in the Anniversary's dedicated website, and news that University students have also launched a 50,000 Service Hour Challenge to commemorate the milestone.
TAMIU graduate student Aisha Christa Atkinson is awarded the 2019-20 Career Development Grant by the American Association of University Women. Atkinson, currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Administration, was one of several grant recipients across the U.S.
TAMIU Engineering students return from their first-ever study abroad program at the National University of Quilmes (UNQ) in Bernal City, Quilmes, Argentina. Their program, "Engineering Undergraduate Research Abroad," is a joint effort between TAMIU and UNQ to support undergraduate student research. It was sponsored through the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Grant by Exxon Mobil.
TAMIU's continuous growth is recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education in its 2019 Almanac edition. The Chronicle reviewed growth at higher education institutions from 2007-2017 and nationally ranks TAMIU at 20th among 245 Master's Colleges. Authors note enrollment growth of 47.5% from Fall 2007 (5,179) to Fall 2017 (7,640). TAMIU is one of the three Texas institutions to figure in the Top 20 institutions studied.
TAMIU student nurses get hands-on experience in community and mass emergency event nursing by volunteering services during Operation Lone Star at United South High School. Some 30 members of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing's Student Nurses Association volunteered throughout the week-long event.
"Poster Preach: The Gospel of Ink," a special exhibit and artist talk featuring Houston-based serigraphy artist Carlos Hernández, is held in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. Hernández has designed gig posters for artists like Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, The Kills, Santana and more.
The newest addition to the TAMIU campus, the three-story Academic Innovation Center, is dedicated in ceremonies featuring Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and Board Chairman Elaine Mendoza of the governing Board of Regents. It's home to 21 educational labs and classrooms in addition to faculty and staff offices and a broad spectrum of programs, with a special emphasis on engineering and the sciences. The event kicks off the University's 50th Anniversary Celebration.
TAMIU affirms its shared commitment to high school student college readiness by entering into Memorandums of Agreement with Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District. The memorandums lay the foundation for the University's aggressive TAMIU Student Success Mentor Program at the districts' campuses. The TAMIU-led initiative is funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, the nation's independent leader in higher education journalism, ranks TAMIU eighth nationally among "Colleges with the Greatest Racial and Ethnic Diversity Among Faculty Members."
TAMIU employees know how to "Go Beyond"... and they've done just that by earning the State Employee Charitable Campaign's Highest Employee Group Contributor Recognition Award for 2018. Through the Campaign, TAMIU employees share their support for over 300 charities including 22 local and area charities in Laredo.
TAMIU's Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Dr. Puneet Gill, assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction, and Outstanding Teacher of the Year Kimber J. Palmer, instructor in the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business' division of International Banking and Finance, are recognized at the Fall Freshman Welcome.
Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School fourth grade teacher and TAMIU alum Roberto Valdez, Jr. ('11) is one of 40 Regional Teachers of the Year selected by the Texas Association of School Administrators. He has been part of the Juarez-Lincoln faculty for eight years.
In celebration of TAMIU's 50thAnniversary, over 50 works of art by 26 alumni are displayed during the "Going Beyond Alumni Art Exhibit" at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. The exhibit hangs through Oct. 24.
The TAMIU Master of Public Administration program celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a reception for alumni, students and current and former faculty in The Helen Richter Watson Gallery in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.
TAMIU is the highest-ranked regional university in the Texas A&M University System among Regional Universities West and is singled out as a top performer on social mobility in U.S. News and World Report's 2020 Best Colleges edition.
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Online MBA in International Banking and Finance is ranked #19 among the Top 30 Online Masters Programs in Finance in the nation by online source Online College Plan.
Laredo's chronic shortage of available Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners for adults and adolescents is impactfully addressed by a TAMIU program that has led to eight nurses being SANE-certified. Prior to the TAMIU Program, there was only one SANE nurse in Laredo.
Students roll up their sleeves and grab their trowels to help prepare 24 garden beds in the TAMIU Service-Learning Center Community Garden. The Garden is located behind the Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center.
A world premiere benefit screening of Laredo-born filmmaker and TV producer Alfonso Gómez-Rejón's latest feature film, "The Current War," sells out. The 50thAnniversary Celebration Event serves as a fundraiser to benefit the Julio C. Gómez-Rejón, M.D. Endowment which supports TAMIU student scholarships.
TAMIU's 50th Anniversary enters the history books this Fall 2019 for a number of reasons...but the largest enrollment in the University's history...8,455 students is a BIG one. In outdoor ceremonies near the TAMIU Fountain, Kevin Zamora is introduced as the University's 8,000th student.
At Fall Convocation, Dr. Tom Mitchell, TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, presents the Distinguished University Scholar of the Year Award to Dr. John Dean, TAMIU associate professor of English, and the Senator Judith Zaffirini Award for Scholarship and Leadership to Dr. John Kilburn, TAMIU associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Projects and sociology professor.
College of Education students Olby Hughes and Alan Villarreal share their perspective as purposeful educators as part of the Texas A&M University System's state-wide campaign, "We Teach Texas." TAMIU, along with the 11 universities in the A&M system, produces more fully certified teachers than any other university system in Texas.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces a grant totaling over $2.9 million focused on advancing opportunities for Hispanic students seeking TAMIU graduate degrees in Social Science or in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Allocated through the Department of Education's Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program, it helps TAMIU establish the Advanced Curriculum and Research Program.
Hector Cárdenas, a senior at TAMIU's Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies, is named a Commended Student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program.
TAMIU celebrates Energy Awareness Month with a week-long Energy Challenge for students. Activities include a "Lights Out" activity utilizing natural light; "Sustainable Snacks" made without using energy from microwaves or using refrigerators, and "Eco-Friendly Laundry Habits." Also popular are an outdoor "Watt-Free Workout" class, an "Unplugged Board Game" night and an unplugged outdoor live music performance.
Maroon Madness, the annual unofficial kickoff of TAMIU's Dustdevil Basketball season, rolls. A big crowd of over 1500 enjoys pre-show free food provided by Aramark and Taco Palenque, a DJ and games before things move inside. The Madness is hosted by Sammy The House and includes team introductions, a dunk showcase, a skills competition and a performance by TAMIU cheer and dance teams, among other things. A special 2019 Maroon Madness T-shirt, courtesy of TAMIU Housing & Residence Life, commemorates the University's 50th Anniversary.
The "Going Beyond Alumni Art Exhibit," a celebration of TAMIU's 50th Anniversary including over 50 works of art by 26 alumni, holds its closing Artist Panel in the Sam Johnson Experimental Theater, in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.
A silent film screening of the classic German Expressionist horror film, "Nosferatu," complete with organ accompaniment, is held at TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. University organist and assistant professor Dr. Colin Campbell provides the live improvisation on the Sharkey Corrigan Pipe Organ.
A group representing Argentina's Universidad Nacional de Quilmes visits TAMIU to work with student colleagues on three joint engineering projects with School of Engineering faculty and students. Together, the group hopes to publish their research results in academic publications in the United States.
Seven local agencies entered into powerful agreements aimed at furthering their missions by linking with Partnership TAMIU: An Alliance for Good in ceremonies in the Student Center rotunda. Representatives signed an agreement establishing service opportunities assisting agencies and enhancing TAMIU student learning and development. The agencies include Bethany House of Laredo, Children's Advocacy Center, Laredo Area Community Foundation, Laredo Crime Stoppers, MileOne, Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center and the United Way of Laredo.
TAMIU's on-campus wellness program, "HealthyU," earns an enviable "Thriving" progress rating after a healthy worksite assessment. Part of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor's Wellness Initiative, 12 campuses and five agencies were assessed, each with their own unique program, brand, and culture needs. President Pablo Arenaz said the University is proudly committed to impacting its employees' physical, mental and social well-being.
TAMIU students, staff, faculty and alumni truly lived up to "Make A Difference Day" by participating in three impactful community service experiences. All told, volunteers generated 2,326 service hours with an equivalent monetary impact projected at $76,172. Students, faculty, staff and alumni powered three different service activities: a mobile food-packing partnership with Feed My Starving Children, Juan Ramírez Park beautification initiatives with Keep Laredo Beautiful and Jamboozie Festival site preparations with Laredo Main Street.
TAMIU student researchers earned the highest number of awards, 18 of 61 Awards presented, at the competitive 16th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium. Over 400 student and faculty representatives from throughout the sprawling Texas A&M University System gathered at TAMIU for the two-day competition.
TAMIU receives a gold seal for achieving a student rate between 40% and 49% at the 2019 ALL IN Challenge Awards Ceremony held in Washington, D. C. recognizing colleges and universities committed to increasing college student voting rates. The campus initiative was led by University College and former instructor Paty Cantú and Gina González, associate vice president for Student Success. Both worked closely with the Student Government Association, MOVE Texas, and the Political Science Association.
Native American Heritage Month at TAMIU features enriching cultural and educational events including the films "Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe" and "Ixcanul;" an Aztec dance performance by the TAMIU Ballet Folklórico, and a reading of the "Florentine Codex." The observance was made possible by TAMIU's Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity in collaboration with the Intercultural Events and Education Committee.
TAMIU dance students present their 2019 Fall Dance Concert at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater featuring several dance genres, ranging from ballet, ballet folklórico, jazz and modern dance.
TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences' faculty and students present a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls in the Student Center Rotunda. It features a reading of Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise" and presentations on awareness and prevention of violence against women and girls.
A student-led initiative prints event posters for TAMIU events with the support of the College of Arts and Sciences Fine and Performing Arts Department and Act on IDEAs – TAMIU's Quality Enrichment Plan focused on developing applied critical thinking. Student Art majors create the posters which are produced in the printmaking studio with Jesse Shaw, TAMIU assistant professor of Art.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces a $2,330,291 federal grant for TAMIU's Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program. This online program will ensure more Hispanic students have the opportunity to help address the nursing shortage in Texas. The funding came from the Department of Education's Title V, Part B, Promoting Post-baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program.
Two TAMIU degree programs are awarded top ranking status by Intelligent.com, an online source. TAMIU's Master in Public Administration Degree Program was ranked #21 among the Top 50 in the nation. The University's Master in Education Administration Degree Program was ranked #38 among the Top 50.
Some 55 TAMIU students truly have something to be thankful about for Thanksgiving: they're recipients of scholarships totaling $125,000 from the D&J Alexander Foundation of Laredo. President of the Alexander Foundation, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, presented the Awards in special ceremonies in the Academic Innovation Center.
By using an innovative social media campaign mobilizing students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends online relations, TAMIU posts its way to a record fundraising goal. Over 600 donors generate over $47,000 in gifts to the University. Through emails, shares, tweets and more, participants celebrate and share their support for TAMIU.
For the second year in a row TAMIU Ballet Folklórico students are invited to perform for Disney Performing Arts at the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, CA. Seventeen Ballet Folklórico students travel to Los Angeles over the Thanksgiving holiday.
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business was ranked #1 in the Top 25 Best Online Finance MBA Degree Programs in the nation by online source College Consensus.
A renewable $40,000 Gift from the Trustees of the Dolly Richter Watson Memorial Foundation of Laredo will support a new Art Scholarship. Inaugural TAMIU student Scholarship recipients are Art majors Sandra Barcenas, Briana Cabrales, Jaime Gonzáles, Julian Martínez, Douglas Naudin, Isai Olivas, Pedro Plascencia, and Jennifer Ramos. The Foundation made possible the Helen Richter Watson Gallery in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, which opened in 2011. The late Helen Richter Watson was the late Dolly Richter Watson's daughter.
Beloved TAMIU Regents Professor of History, Dr. Jerry D. Thompson publishes his 27th book, Wrecked Lives and Lost Souls: Joe Lynch Davis and the Last of the Oklahoma Outlaws, (University of Oklahoma Press, 2019). It tells the story of his grandfather, a cowboy named Joe Lynch Davis.
Over 800 candidates for graduation from Texas A&M International University participate in Summer and Fall 2019 Commencement Exercises at the Sames Auto Arena on Thursday, Dec. 12.
TAMIU ranks No. 4 out of the Top 20 Most Affordable Schools in Texas for a Bachelor's degree, according to online source, Affordable Schools.
Video gamers from across the region take part in the "Hidden Flame" Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gaming Tournament at Texas A&M International University's Western Hemispheric Trade Center.
Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. honors his mother, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, by providing five Laredo educators generous grants to help them reduce their college student loan debts. The recipients are Gloria S. Becerra ('99), kindergarten teacher, Juarez Lincoln Elementary (United Independent School District); Dr. Gilberto Martinez, assistant professional of Theatre Arts, TAMIU; Prakash K. Mansinghani ('10, '11) , associate professor of Government, Laredo College (LC); Rebecca Mendoza ('12), fifth grade teacher, Heights Elementary (Laredo Independent School District), and Sandy Webb ('13), English teacher, St. Augustine Catholic School. Four of the five honorees are TAMIU alumni.
TAMIU's power to move graduates from low-income backgrounds to well-paying jobs earns it 13th place in the national Top 20 of the Sixth Annual 2019 Social Mobility Index (SMI) created by CollegeNET, a leading provider of web-based on-demand technologies for higher education.
If it's New Year, it's a new country for TAMIU students who travel to Brazil as part of TAMIU's "Reading the Globe" Study Travel Program. Competitively selected, the 15 freshmen students study various dimensions of social inequality throughout their 15-day experience. Students selected for the singular study-travel opportunity include: Cynthia Aradillas, Rebecca Canales, Chelsea Fuentes, Cristina Garcia, Maritza Garcia, Edith Garza, Samantha Lara, Hannah Loring, Lourdes Marquez, Anaiz Martinez, Daniela Palacios, Mary Patricio, Juan Manuel Sanchez, Jorge De Los Santos and Aleyda Sarabia.
TAMIU students and alumni have over a million reasons to celebrate their TAMIU degree. Researchers with Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce McCourt School of Public Policy have ranked TAMIU's Return on Investment (ROI) at 16th, among the highest in the nation -- with graduates projected to earn $1,006,000 more 40 years after graduation.
Print and digital versions of the 50th Anniversary edition of TAMIU's 2019 Annual Report are released. The Report reflects the 50th Anniversary Theme, "A World of Difference." The award-winning publication provides a glimpse into the past year of student, faculty, alumni, staff and community accomplishments as well as the immeasurable kindness and generosity of University donors and partners.
TAMIU's Phi Kappa Phi chapter is named a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, an accolade awarded by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest honor society for all academic disciplines.
TAMIU provides a new and special welcome for Foster Care young adult students. The University launches a Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program, a voluntary Extended Foster Care placement which enables young adult students to live on their own while still getting casework and support services to help them become independent and self-sufficient.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laredo Sector Border Patrol, Laredo Port of Entry and Office of Chief Counsel, join TAMIU in celebrating National African American Heritage Month in TAMIU's Student Center Auditorium.
In an historic visit, members of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents hold their quarterly meeting at TAMIU. Previous Regents visits occurred in 1997 and 2002. "We are especially excited to welcome them to our campus during our milestone 50th Anniversary," said TAMIU president, Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Various TAMIU academic programs receive top ranking status in national 2020 rankings conducted by College Consensus, Intelligent.com, and U.S. News and World Report.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing December 2019 graduates of TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences post an enviable accomplishment: 100% of the 34-member class passed the State Boards Licensure Exam. This has been previously accomplished in 2002.
Members of TAMIU community seeking effective help with anxiety, relationship challenges, stress or other concerns that accompany today's fast-paced life now have an online ally at their fingertips: TAMIU launches Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). TAO provides a broad spectrum of educational videos, interactive exercises, and progress measures ...all available on desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) (TX-28) announces $307,795 in federal funding to TAMIU through the Department of Defense Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics program. Funds will enhance high-performance computational capabilities that will support research within multiple STEM fields, as well as build the skills of minority students.
The AEP Foundation provides a $50,000 grant to support the robotics program at TAMIU. The grant will help perpetually fund annual expenses related to the design, programming and ultimate build out of two award-winning engineering projects. Judith E. Talavera, AEP Texas president and chief operating officer, presented a Dustdevil-sized check during a recognition event held at the University with students.
A new series of online interviews features the diverse voices of the University's faculty and is inaugurated featuring Dr. Peter Haruna, TAMIU professor of Public Administration. The series is dubbed Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight.
TAMIU dedicates a dynamic website to share awareness and health tips regarding the emerging Coronavirus, COVID-19.
TAMIU's Sixth Annual International Mariachi Festival, scheduled April 23 - 25, 2020, is set to honor one of Texas' leading advocates for the preservation of cultural and historical treasures including mariachi music, businessman and banker Renato Ramírez.
Ramírez' selection was announced at a press reception in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library's Helen Richter Watson Gallery at TAMIU.
Three TAMIU students in the Laredo Early Acceptance Program are accepted into the School of Health Professions (SHP) at UT Health San Antonio. Accepted students are Austin Fierro and Alexa Alvarez, Occupational Therapy program; Carolina Gómez-Salinas, Physician Assistant Studies program; and Eduardo Siller, Medical Laboratory Sciences program.
TAMIU is ranked 5th in nation among the 100 Most Affordable Public Schools with the Highest Return on Investment by ranking authority Great Value Colleges.
Recipients of the inaugural TAMIU Alumni Rising Star Awards are named for presentation in March at TAMIU's new Academic Innovation Center. Named are: Leslie D. Martínez '15; Joseph P. Byrd, MA, College of Education, Educational Administration, '17; Guillermo Heard, MSN, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing and Health Sciences, '10; Eduardo Castillo, Jr., BA, College of Arts and Sciences, English, '14; Dr. Alejandro G. Barrera, College of Arts and Sciences, Biology, '13 and Alejandra Avila, BBA, A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, Business Administration, '11.
In light of concerns about the global outbreak of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus"), TAMIU follows Texas A&M University System restrictions on foreign travel impacting the students, faculty and staff. "We must do our best to protect our students and campus community. While some of these measures may seem intrusive, we must bear in mind that we are dealing with a developing health crisis," Dr. Arenaz said. The University continues to share news and updated information at its dedicated COVID-19 website.
With evolving United States government travel restrictions regarding travel from Europe and other Level 3 countries, TAMIU faculty, students and staff are advised that they will need to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to campus.
As part of TAMIU's continued response to COVID-19 ("Coronavirus"), the City's Stay Home/Work Safe Order and the University's essential education mission, the University begins a speedy transition to offering classes in a Virtual Environment. The University suspends classes for an additional week after Spring Break to complete the campus-wide transition.
In video communication with TAMIU students, president Dr. Pablo Arenaz offers insight into the University's Virtual Classroom and resumption of online classes after March 30, 2020. "This semester, Dustdevil Nation and our world have been dealt a blow, prompting some tough decisions. And so, there will be some changes. We must and will reimagine higher education for the immediate future. Your classroom is now a Virtual Environment and your campus is as close as the palm of your hand. Your TAMIU faculty and staff are by your side and we're all ready to help. Together, we will rise to the challenge," Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU enables qualified students wishing to move out of campus housing a waiver of their outstanding housing or meal plan balances or a refund, pro-rated for April and May. "While we remain fully committed to keeping TAMIU housing open for those students wishing to remain on campus to continue their education here virtually, we realize that some students and their families may feel it best to bring their student home ...We understand this and offer this proactive program to assist students and their families during this difficult time, " said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
TAMIU's students complete their final classes of the Spring semester in a Virtual Environment, which launched Monday, March 30, 2020. "For the next four weeks, a short time in the life of a long semester, we will all work together to complete this semester. As I am telling our University community and community at large, we are TAMIU Together and Laredo Together," Dr. Arenaz said. The University shares a special video with its community that helps capture the challenge and resilience of the time.
TAMIU ranks #10 among 2020's Top Public Universities in Texas, according to a newly released ranking by online source, Niche.com. The ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni, the site states. It compares over 500 public colleges and state universities.
With some 80 percent of the U.S. population at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, a TAMIU researcher is hoping some will volunteer for a global research study she's involved in. Dr. Angelique Blackburn, TAMIU assistant professor of Psychology is part of a research group looking at the impact of COVID-19 on psychology.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz presents Laredo Health Department Director Dr. Hector González with 110 COVID-19 sampling kits. "We're a proud part of The Texas A&M University System, and honored to be able to share the A&M System's resources right here in Laredo where they can be most utilized in our City's COVID-19 pandemic response. TAMIU cares about our community we're honored to be able to help out in this crisis," said Dr. Arenaz.
TAMIU students who transitioned to the University's Virtual Classroom offer insight into their experiences taking courses online and how they are coping with social distancing and offer their fellow students encouragement and tips for success.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz receives some of the best news possible during the University's COVID-19 response: TAMIU will be the recipient of $9,501,756 million in CARES Act relief funding. "We're enormously appreciative of Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) and the entire delegation for their quick initial response to this historic emergency. The relief the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, authorized by the CARES Act, will provide both our students and our institution is dramatic," Dr. Arenaz said.
The impact of COVID-19 drives a resilient TAMIU faculty to forge ahead with innovation, connecting anew with students in rich and relevant ways in the University's Virtual Classroom.
In an effort to stay connected with faculty, staff, students and the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) community during these challenging times, several robust online-only efforts are offered by offices and departments across campus. The offerings, available through TAMIU's website and social media channels, include everything from short workout videos, study guides, self-care tips, trivia contests and much more.
TAMIU's Student Philanthropy Council members decide to donate their allocated 2020 Class Giving Campaign funds to help support students facing unforeseen financial difficulties during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their Student Emergency Grant has been designated to help support undergraduate or graduate, degree-seeking students enrolled either part-time or full-time.
In a video message to Class of 2020 candidates TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz announces the University's plans to honor Spring and Summer candidates for graduation in Commencement Exercises tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 at the Sames Auto Arena. "This has been the most challenging semester that we have ever shared here at TAMIU ...but we are persevering... Your resilience has been awesome. For you, the Senior Class of 2020, our 50th Anniversary Class, you have seen your last semester delivered online and the traditions and celebrations that have always framed the senior year experience either cancelled and postponed. We know this has been deeply disappointing for you -- as it has been for us," he observed.
A new website for members of the TAMIU community and the Laredo community at large is launched, providing resources to build resilience and recovery. The site helps affirm the binding spirit of the broad Dustdevil community as it navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and prepares for the recovery that will come. "We wanted to remind our students that we are all in this together. Whether we're students, faculty, staff or alumni, we are a community and a partner to our community," explained TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Visual Arts students at TAMIU take their artwork to Instagram for a special, virtual showcase. The TAMIU's Visual Arts Instagram account posts the artwork of its 16 senior art students as part of a digital offering of its "Yes. I AM an Artist." exhibit. The online exhibition takes the place of the traditional display not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TAMIU's College of Education is providing a broad range of free online teaching resources to help support both parents and educators as they continue to deliver home-based education to Laredo's children throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response.
TAMIU graduate student Liabette Rodríguez, a third-year Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) student, is accepted to Texas A&M University's Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. She'll begin her studies this Fall.
TAMIU School of Engineering students and their professor create protective masks, shields and aerosol boxes for Laredo's frontline first responders. The masks and shields were donated for use by ER doctors in the three Laredo hospitals and both Laredo City and Webb County fire departments. The aerosol boxes, used to protect responders during intubation procedures, were presented to the Laredo Fire Department to be used by department paramedics and local hospitals.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Online RN to BSN Program ranks fourth among the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas, according online source, Registered Nursing.
Mariana Rodríguez, who received her MA in Communication in 2019 and BA in English in 2014 from TAMIU will make her next stop at Texas A&M University where she'll pursue her doctoral degree in Communication.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves and authorizes two new Engineering degrees to be offered by TAMIU's School of Engineering: a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. "This is the culmination of a long process that had its germination some 10 years ago," Dr. Arenaz said.
With a cautious eye to the future, TAMIU has its sights set on seeing students face-to-face this Fall on campus. Along with the 11 other campuses of the Texas A&M University System, TAMIU plans to resume on-campus classes this coming Fall 2020. "We'll proceed cautiously and our first priority remains the safety of all members of the campus community: students, faculty and staff," president Arenaz said.
U.S. News and World Report's 2020 Edition of its popular Best Colleges guide ranks TAMIU as the second highest-ranked Texas public university in its Best Regional Universities West category and the highest-ranked regional campus of the Texas A&M University System.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences adds to its legacy of service to public health with a new Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health (BSPH). Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Marivic Torregosa said there's no better time for the University to expand and maintain its leadership in the public health arena.
TAMIU Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) graduate Aileen Terrazas is accepted to Texas A&M University's Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. She's the recipient of a Graduate Diversity Fellowship and decided to pursue her studies in Counseling Psychology to someday help her community offer essential mental health services.
TAMIU Service-Learning Center staff members hand out 50 bags of vegetables harvested from the TAMIU Community Garden to University students, faculty, staff members, and the general public as part of its COVID-19 community outreach and response.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Higher Education Foundation, Greater Texas Foundation, and Trellis Foundation announces that the Texas Emergency Aid Grant Program, launched three weeks ago, has awarded TAMIU one of 57 grants to Texas higher education institutions.
2014 graduate Julio Obscura becomes the first TAMIU alumnus selected for a 2020 Fulbright Arts award. He was named a recipient of the 2020 Fulbright-LUSK Award in the Arts at the Royal College of Art in London.
TAMIU's Small Business Development Center is named recipient of the 2020 San Antonio District Small Business Week Small Business Development Center, Excellence and Innovation Center Award. It's the third consecutive year the TAMIU SBDC has been selected as district winner and its first time as regional winner.
TAMIU's College of Education helps teachers, University students and parents with online professional development opportunities and summer parent enrichment camps through the "Summer of Sanford." It's a partnership between the College and Education Service Center 1 and part of the University's COVID-19 community outreach and response.
A cohort of 48 students graduate from TAMIU's Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies. Located on the TAMIU campus, the Academy is an innovative, University-level institution designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and International Studies.
Incoming TAMIU freshmen have members of the University community welcome them to the TAMIU Class of 2024 community...at their own front door. TAMIU Orientation Staff and Student Success Mentors deliver Welcome Packets to 200-plus students at their homes to begin to bring the University experience home to incoming Dustdevils.
TAMIU earns a top tier ranking for its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The 2020 Educate to Career College ranking places TAMIU in Tier I among colleges and universities that have responded to the pandemic in ways that benefit and protect students, especially in terms of available online learning resources.
TAMIU International Business Administration doctoral degree graduate Doreen Hanke wins the Best Student Paper Award at the 24th Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference, hosted virtually by TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces $1,649,197 in federal funds to TAMIU to help develop and expand Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning opportunities for Hispanic and Low-Income students in the region. Funding was awarded through the National Science Foundation's Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant program, established by Cong. Cuellar in 2018.
The ongoing challenge of student food insecurity gets a supportive partner at TAMIU when the Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club provides Dusty's Food Pantry with a gift of $1000. Rotary members conducted a variety of fundraising initiatives to provide assistance, said Liz Gomez, Daybreak Rotary president.
Dr. Marivic Torregosa is named Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell said: "Dr. Torregosa has led the College for a year now as Interim Dean and has done an outstanding job in meeting the challenges of this often difficult year. We are impressed with her innovative outlook, real-world nursing experience and visionary ability to marshal University and community resources to continue to strengthen the College's nursing and health sciences' legacy."
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz says a new Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Scholarship Fund will bring approximately $528,000 for student use at TAMIU for Fall 2020. TAMIU's share is part of an overall $100 million scholarship program Regents approved for the 11 campuses of the A&M System last week.
The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, administered by International Bank of Commerce, adds to its TAMIU legacy by donating an additional $300,000 as part of its mission to do more for Laredo. The Trust's generosity was celebrated with the dedication of a special plaque in the Academic Innovation Center, home to planned offerings supported by the gift.
TAMIU shares its Fall Plan for the University, TAMIU Back Together, remaining focused on joining the other 10 campuses of The Texas A&M University System on an in-person Fall, for those wanting that experience, consistent with the guidance of the Board of Regents and local health authorities.
TAMIU's Service-Learning Center launches a 24-hour online donation campaign to help support ongoing efforts by the TAMIU Community Garden to encourage and support food sustainability. The collected funds are used to purchase a shed to store equipment and materials to support the Garden.
TAMIU's new Director of Student Counseling and Disability Services, Dr. Guillermo González, says he's realized a lifelong career goal: working in a University setting. "Our services are of critical importance to our students and their success here," he maintained, "and our staff is honored to advocate for and help our students as we move forward."
Dr. Barbara Hong is named dean of TAMIU's University College and Professor of Special Education. University College grounds students in early academic college experiences, through First Year Experiences. Dr. Hong is no stranger to TAMIU...from 2005-2008, she was an associate professor of Education Administration and Special Education.
TAMIU faculty, students and staff will be able to get free COVID-19 testing on campus as part of an initiative by the Texas A&M University System. Approximately 15,000 test kits will be sent to System campuses each month and are not available to the general public. Testing begins in August.
As part of its ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, TAMIU students who may be facing food insecurity can seek a temporary supplemental supply of non-perishable goods through Dusty's Food Pantry. Initially launched in 2017, the Pantry provides daily access to non-perishable goods. Supplies are donated by members of the University community, including fellow students, faculty, staff and administration.
New TAMIU assistant professor of Humanities, Dr. Adam Kozaczka shares his perspective on sharing and embracing diversity in a new environment as part of the University's online Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight.
TAMIU's Fall semester 2020 is delivered by TAMIUFlex, designed to provide students with the greatest flexibility as the University continues its higher education mission. TAMIUFlex will drive the majority of courses, said Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell. "We're all keenly aware of the anxieties and concerns that our world's response to the COVID-19 Pandemic has created. We are absolutely committed to ensuring a safe and healthy return for all members of our campus community: students, faculty and staff, " Dr. Mitchell said.
Dr. Jared Dmello, assistant professor of Criminal Justice, shares his commitment to work actively to bring about diversity, equity and inclusion in an interview as part of the University's online Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight..
The continuing COVID-19 Pandemic doesn't keep TAMIU students from continuing their degree pursuits over summer. In fact, TAMIU reports enrollment and semester credit hour increases: a 9.78% increase in headcount this summer to 3,642 students and a near 9% increase from in credit hours to 23,649.
TAMIU student nurses are part of an innovative partnership with the City of Laredo helping all-important contact tracing for COVID-19. About 60 TAMIU junior and senior level nursing students, led by Dr. Belva González, participate in the initiative, completing training and rehearsals with the Health Department and faculty supervisors. The initiative is considered a clinical experience and part of their class program for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Congressman Henry Cuellar TX-28) announces $1.47 million in federal funds to Texas TAMIU , awarded as part of the Department of Education's TRIO program. Cong. Cuellar ('82) said the grant will be used to assist low income and first-generation college students stay on track to graduate.
Alumnus Yasmin Layla Shariff ('15, '20) shares her love of teaching students empathy by reading globally and universally as part of the University's online Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight.
Move-In Days for TAMIU students living on campus are revised and retooled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic response. The housing experience places health and safety of residents at the highest priority, while still making on-campus residence rewarding and relevant. A first-of-its-kind resident responsibility and disinfection program specifically for the higher education residential experience is part of the changes.
The University's traditional Welcome Week takes on a new dimension this year when it goes virtual. The free events look at ways to encourage and maximize student engagement and does so across a variety of virtual platforms. The week culminates with a socially-distanced Drive In Movie Night with limited capacity.
It's not often that you can call your Congressman your professor AND an alumnus as well. This Fall at Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82), U.S. Representative for Texas' 28th Congressional District, leads a new hybrid course, "Government Appropriations: Introduction to the United States Federal Budget."
TAMIU welcomes 20 new faculty members to its ranks for the Fall semester 2020. "We're welcoming an impressive group of new faculty this Fall. They are the result of nationwide searches and we're eager for them to share their insight, guidance and research with our students. Over 90% hold the highest terminal degree in their discipline, bringing additional depth and expertise that continues to distinguish our students' learning experience here," Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell said.
TAMIU's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic now includes a way to answer one of the challenges students face... access to technology. TAMIU's solution is just a click away: a Loaner Laptop Program supported by federal funding from the TAMIU CARES program.
TAMIU is ranked second in the U.S. and first in the State of Texas for having the lowest student debt in LendEDU's annual Student Loan Debt by School by State Report, an in-depth analysis of the most recent student loan debt figures at 475 U.S. Colleges and Universities.
The University's 50th anniversary of the day it opened its doors, Aug. 28, 1970, is observed by President Pablo Arenaz with a special video that reminds viewers of the University's beginnings, it's phenomenal growth in campus, degree inventory, enrollment and faculty since then... and the mission it still holds true: We're Here for You.