Alumni Spotlight
Live Simply, Expect Little, Give Much
Childhood experiences and a passion to make a difference in a someone's life motivated Brenda G. Hoffman ’04 to pursue a degree in psychology. As a graduate of Eagle Pass High School, Eagle Pass, Brenda recalls learning about the Bridge to Success program. “I first learned about the program when I visited the South Texas Workforce Center in Eagle Pass. My dreams of higher education soon became a reality as they helped me make the transition from high school to the University.”
Brenda credits Dr. Julio Madrigal, director of special programs, for making a difference in her life. “If I had to recognize someone as a mentor it would have to be Dr. Madrigal. He was always there for me. He taught me how to be independent and responsible. Even now as a graduate student, I still visit with him and ask for his advice regarding my career path.”
She also acknowledges Dr. Gilberto Salinas as her “guiding light." Brenda says, "Soon after I graduated with my bachelors degree, he made me realize I needed to expand my knowledge both academically and personally,” she stated. As a result of this encouragement, Brenda will be completing her MACP this May.
“I have to thank my sister Cynthia Gutiérrez ’03 and my family for encouraging me to continue. Cynthia learned about a job opportunity on the Career Services website and showed me the position for program director at SCAN,” Brenda tells us. Brenda has been working for SCAN as a counselor for the past three years. "Every day brings a new challenge for me to handle," she says. She tackles them through inner strength and determination to make a difference in a child’s life.
Brenda’s goals for the future are to take a break from school, then perhaps open a non profit organization to help at risk children and adolescents in need. She realizes the need for an organization of this kind in her hometown. “My compassion, persistence, willingness to take on anything, along with my bubbly personality will certainly help me reach this goal,” Brenda adds. She would advise young students to “continue in school even if it feels like a never ending story. It’s worth going through that struggle, and then you will feel the rewards.”
Brenda is also an adjuct professor, co-teaching an introductory psychology course at TAMIU with Ms. Michelle Hinojosa. Brenda is married to Ricardo Hoffman, who is a teacher and coach at Cigarroa High School.
Kudos to TAMIU Alumni Association Secretary, Raquel Sepulveda Juarez ’00
on her recent recognition as Woman of the Year 2007! As part of the National Women’s History month, the Department of Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations, Leticia Moran ’78 along with Port Director, Gene Garza ’82 presented Raquel with the award on behalf of the Office of Field Operations.
Recruiting the next generation of Dustdevils
On April 4th, a group of Eagle Pass alumni became part of the TAMIU alumni recruitment network. Claudia Chavez ’02, Cynthia Y. Gutiérrez ’03, and Karla Huerta ’04 were present for “TAMIU Night at Eagle Pass.” This event, hosted by the Office of Recruitment and School Relations at the International Trade Center in Eagle Pass, provided prospective students and their parents with an opportunity to gather information on admission, financial aid and scholarships and meet with TAMIU representatives. Over 10 representatives from different departments were on site giving information to future Dustdevils.
Cynthia Y. Gutiérrez ’03 provided her testimonial to parents and prospective students. “I felt safe at TAMIU; everyone is so helpful and friendly.” Cynthia told those present. “Now that I think back, I think I should have stayed and completed my Ph.D., but I felt a bit homesick and came back to Eagle Pass.” Cynthia, Claudia, and Karla will now be assisting the Office of Recruitment in answering questions and distributing literature for admission to TAMIU. Also, their plans are to hold a send off partyfor the incoming freshmen from Eagle Pass, which will be coordinated through the Office of Alumni Relations.
L-R: Cynthia Gutierrez ’03,
Claudia Chavez ’02, Karla Huerta ’04
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Thank you girls!
-Patricia G. McBain
Help us recruit in YOUR hometown! Office of Recruitment and School Relations would like volunteers from all surrounding areas including Zapata, Uvalde, and San Antonio. Interested? Call us at 956.326.2270.
Help us extend the reach of TAMIU!
As a graduate of the Texas A&M International University you have a real and personal perspective on TAMIU. You can tell prospective students how the University contributed to your success, what to expect on campus, and the benefits of being a TAMIU student. Interested? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 956.326.2175 or e-mail alumni@tamiu.edu.
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
Log on to set up internship opportunities with our students, post jobs, serve as a mentor by making presentations in clubs and classrooms. If you are looking for a career change, please visit ww.myinterfase.com/tamiu/student.
Go to the bottom of the page to register as an alumna/us.
Weddings & Anniversaries
Melissa Rodríguez ’06 and Juan Francisco Ramírez announced their engagement and plans for a wedding for August 11, 2007 at St. Augustine Cathedral in Laredo, TX.
Lisa Lamar González ’00 and
Rafaél Eduardo Romo ’98 have set the date for their wedding for November 3, 2007 at St. Augustine Cathedral in Laredo, TX.
Melissa Juárez ’05 was honored with a bridal shower. Melissa and her fiancée Adrian Domínguez ’03 will get married on May 19th, at San Luis Rey Church in Laredo, TX.
A baby shower was held on March 24, 2007 to honor Angelica Byrd ’97 and her new born baby Christopher Byrd.
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