TAMIU Fall 2019 Commencement Program

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) Senator Judith Zaffirini is the first recipient of Texas A&M International University’s Innovador Award . Her visionary leadership has guided the University’s development, growth and pursuit of excellence, and continues to do so. She inspires our TAMIU community to always do our very best and we present this Award with lasting graditude and honor. Senator Zaffirini (D-Laredo) represents the 21st Senatorial District, stretching from the Rio Grande to the Colorado River and the Port of Corpus Christi to the Valley. Re-elected in 2016 in a ninth landslide victory, she is the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Senate, the second highest- ranking senator, and the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator. Her appointments provide countless opportunities to champion priorities of SD 21, the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale, which has generated billions of dollars in economic activity for Texas. As Senate Chair of the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative Caucus, Senator Zaffirini prioritizes the district’s continued prosperity, and as Vice Chair of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee and member of the Energy Council since 2009, she promotes responsible, sustainable development of Texas’ energy resources. She also helps protect and conserve the district’s air, land, and water resources such as the Rio Grande, the Edwards Aquifer, and the Gulf of Mexico. Through the State Affairs Committee, she addresses issues including bond issuances and eminent domain, and through that Committee, and as a member of the Judicial Council and Texas Access to Justice Commission, champions preventing cronyism and corruption in the legal system, promoting access to justice, and protecting persons under guardianship. As a member of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, she advocates for large and small Texas businesses and workers, and as a member of the Senate Administration Committee, prioritizes issues of importance to local governments in SD 21’s 18 counties. Health care is a major district industry, and as an expert in the health and human services policy and funding, Senator Zaffirini advocates for improved health services…especially for the very young, the very old, the very poor, Veterans, and persons with disabilities.