THE FUTURE IS STILL NOW When Dr. Arenaz learned of the theme of this year’s Annual Report, the Future is Now, he was excited about the opportunity to affirm it in his traditional introductory column. With so much positive change and growth and a dizzying range of successes characterizing 2024, he knew there would be a broad spectrum of content. His short list hovered around 14 benchmarks and milestones that signaled that not only was the Future Now...but it very likely could lead to the Future Always. Dr. Arenaz never got to write this column. On Thursday, October 3, 2024, Dr. Arenaz passed away unexpectedly. The campus was gripped with disbelief and sadness. The rhythm slowed. The mood shifted. Hearts became heavier. Condolences poured into offices. Grief counseling sessions were held. A campus community, a community at large, and the entire Texas A&M University System shared its grief. We remembered a renowned leader, mentor, scholar, and friend. Black ribbons draped walkways. Students, faculty, and staff filled two 12-foot banners with their thoughts, noting his attentiveness, encouragement, and kindness. “I promise. I WILL graduate in four years,” one vowed, while another observed, “I regret not taking a pic with you when I had a chance,” and another simply, “Thank you for loving TAMIU.” Our Trailblazer Tower bells tolled for his memory. His family mourned a brother, father, husband, uncle and grandfather. His campus grieved a loss that seemed beyond measure. Laredo remembered a president who had made the University the nexus of the community’s academic, cultural, and economic life. In the weeks since, a rhythm has returned. The campus has resumed lives measured in exams, group projects, planning for graduation, conferences, publications, and grant proposals. New research grants are secured, new collaborations launched, and new resources are dedicated to staying the course. Indeed, the future is still now and as Dr. Arenaz would have wanted. While absent from our campus much too soon, we will proudly honor his legacy while embracing the brightness that is the future. Read a resolution by the A&M Board of Regents honoring Dr. Arenaz at go.tamiu.edu/regentsresolution Message from the university 3
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzk1Mzc4