TAMIU Annual Report 2019

2019 Annual Report / AWORLDOF DIFFERENCE Our Cover/ DIFFERENCE Even the blazing South Texas morning sun was warmed by the reception given TAMIU’s newest addition, the Academic Innovation Center (AIC), in dedication ceremonies held Aug. 26. Representatives fromThe Texas A&MUniversity System, including Chancellor JohnSharp and ChairmanElaineMendoza of the governing Boardof Regents, joinedState Senator JudithZaffirini, local dignitaries and TAMIU faculty, staff and students to herald the AIC’s opening. The AIC is a three-story stunner, its spaces bathed in shimmering natural light thanks to the abundant use of glass. TAMIU president Pablo Arenaz told visitors that the AIC is an inspiring space that provides an ideal environment for innovative teaching and research. "It’s a remarkable structure that truly advances how we define learning at TAMIU. Technology is integrated throughout the entire building, while the classroomarchitecture itself is flexible to encourage open collaboration. “A two-story glass-enclosed Design Lab enables project creation and completion in an open environment. With 21 educational and research labs and classrooms in addition to faculty and staff offices, the AIChouses a broad spectrumof programs, with special emphasis on engineering and the sciences,” Dr. Arenaz said. Arenaz noted the building’s architecture celebrates the campus’ past while embracing its future. It also pays homage to Laredo and the international border with a sweeping terrazzo floor that spans first and second floors, evoking the ebb and flow of the Rio Grande as it wends its way between Los Dos Laredos. Construction began in 2016 and was funded by Tuition Revenue Bonds passedby the 84th Legislature. Architectswere EYPArchitecture & Engineering and O’Connell Robertson. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors oversaw the construction. The final element of the building, a 130-foot tower, is nearing completion. Enjoy an AIC video tour here: https://50.tamiu.edu/AIC • Two-story glass-enclosed Design Lab • 21 educational labs and classrooms • Three stories tall and almost 500 feet long. TAMIU’s New Academic Innovation Center Offers Soaring Home for Teaching, Research