15 UNIVERSITY DONORS BANKING ACADEMY PLEDGES TOTAL $1.4M, BUOYING SANCHEZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROGRAM Banking is big business in Laredo, a crossroads of international commerce. TAMIU is leading the charge to make the industry even bigger through its A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Banking Academy... and business leaders here say it’s something they want to bank on. Banking Academy students are provided with specialized training, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience in the financial industry. Bankers in the community have been generous in their support, realizing the Academy offers a local and regional conduit of future banking industry leaders who can nimbly address the highly varied banking needs of the U.S.-México border. Funding from donors further enhances academic programs, scholarships, co-curricular training aligned with industry standards, and provides additional professional development initiatives. Dr. Luis Perez-Batres, Dean of the School of Business, said donor investment helps bridge academia and industry for mutual success. “The generosity of our banking partners reflects a shared belief in TAMIU’s Banking Academy mission to develop highly qualified banking and finance leaders for South Texas and beyond. Their collective investment and our academic expertise exemplify how we bridge academia and industry for student success and community impact.” Dr. Perez-Batres explained. To date, donors pledging the Banking Academy with substantial support have included: In September, 2024, The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, administered by the International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank), provided the first gift of $100,000 earmarked to benefit the newly established Banking Academy. Dennis E. Nixon, CEO of IBC Bank, said the Trust was steadfast in its commitment to realizing the late philanthropist’s dream for his Trust. “Mr. De Llano directed that the Trust continue his legacy by helping the community he lived in and loved. This special gift expands that
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