UNIVERSITY DONORS MOU WITH FUNDACIÓN HISPANOJUDÍA PROMOTES RESEARCH, EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS In September, TAMIU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fundación HispanoJudía enabling future research, educational, and cultural collaborations. It marks a milestone in exploring and celebrating the rich heritage of Sephardic Jewish ancestry in the region. The partnership focuses on joint research projects regarding the culture, history, and contributions of Sephardic Jewish communities migrating to the Americas in the 16th Century. The collaboration grew from discussions with the Sephardic Jewish Federation of Spain, highlighting the historical presence of Spanish conversos in northern México and South Texas. María Eugenia Calderón-Porter, assistant vice president, TAMIU Office for Global Initiatives, shared the collaboration’s significance. "TAMIU sits at the center of the regional development originally built by this Sephardic Spanish migration," she said, "Many foods, family customs, and traditions brought here are still part of our daily lives. TAMIU wants to raise awareness of the contributions and legacy these early Sephardic Spanish settlers had on our region." The signing ceremony included the unveiling of "El David," a sculpture by renowned Mexican-Jewish artist José Sacal symbolizing courage and faith and commemorating Hispanic-Jewish families in Texas. HISTORIC GIFT BRINGS COMFORT AND HISTORY TO TAMIU’S CFPA A special gift to TAMIU offers comfort and some Texassized history to the first-floor lobby of the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. “Brush Country, 1978,” a wall-sized, painstakingly handmade quilt by the late Dr. Ruby South Lowry was donated to the University by her grandson, Albert T. Lowry. It’s joined by a large, hand-hooked rug Dr. Lowry pieced together from wool found in downtown Laredo. Lowry said the gift is fitting as his grandmother’s commitment is woven into area history. “She was a much-loved, trailblazing physician who delivered over 20,000 Laredo children throughout her lifetime of medical practice. Her commitment to the health of Laredo and Webb County continued till her retirement at age 88. The quilt and rug are tangible metaphors for the life she wove for herself here and the comfort she provided to so many. We want to share them in the hopes that others appreciate the comfort and insight woven within,” Lowry said. Lowry and wife Diana Lowry also honor Dr. Lowry’s memory through the creation of the Ruby South Lowry Scholarship Fund for Medical School which helps disadvantaged TAMIU students planning a career in the medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary sciences, or psychology fields. Unveiling of “El David” sculpture Unveiling of “Brush Country, 1978,” by Dr. Ruby South Lowry 13
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