The seventh president of Texas A&M International University
The seventh president of Texas A&M International University
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents
and the Texas A&M International University community
request the honor of your presence at the
Investiture Ceremony of
Christopher Maynard, Ph.D.
as the seventh president of
Texas A&M International University
Friday, the eighteenth of September,
Two thousand twenty-six
Eleven o'clock in the morning
Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, Recital Hall
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, Texas 78041
A celebratory gathering with the University community
will follow at half past twelve o'clock in the afternoon
on the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center Green.
Join us for a week of special events celebrating the investiture of Dr. Christopher Maynard, featuring academic programs, campus traditions, community gatherings, and milestone celebrations across Texas A&M International University.
A Week of Celebration Begins!
The Week of Celebration begins with Maroon Monday, inviting the University community to wear maroon and kick off a week honoring the inauguration. Join us at the Student Center Green at 11:45 a.m. to start the celebration!
TAMIU Student Center Green
11:45 a.m.
The celebration continues with the Student Film Fest, showcasing the talent and creativity of TAMIU student filmmakers. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Student Center Room 236, highlighting original works that reflect various voices and perspectives.
Student Center, Room 236
5:30 p.m.
Guests are invited to explore an art exhibit in the Student Center foyer, featuring works by TAMIU faculty and students.
Student Center Foyer
On display throughout the week
The evening concludes with a curated conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Gómez-Rejón at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
Student Center Ballroom (Second Floor)
7 p.m.
Celebrating Growth and Community
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a light refreshment reception in the building’s lobby, where guests can tour the new space and celebrate this exciting addition to campus.
Western Hemispheric Trade Center
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In the evening, students from all academic disciplines are invited to attend an All Majors Networking Event from 5 to 8 p.m. in WHTC Room 111 and the foyer. The event will provide opportunities to connect with fellow students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals while exploring career pathways and building meaningful professional relationships.
WHTC Room 111 and Foyer
5 - 8 p.m.
The day’s festivities conclude as the Dustdevils take the court for a TAMIU Volleyball game at 6 p.m. in the Kinesiology-Convocation Building (KCB). Fans are encouraged to join the Maroon Mob and show their school spirit, with commemorative rally towels available while supplies last.
Kinesiology-Convocation Building (KCB)
6 p.m.
Ideas, Scholarship, and Campus Traditions
Wednesday’s Week of Celebration programming highlights TAMIU’s commitment to scholarship, dialogue, and student engagement through a full day of academic and cultural events.
Throughout the afternoon, TAMIU Student Organization, Leadership and Engagement will host “el Grito Celebration” event starting at 4 p.m., at the Student Center Patio where the campus community will gather outdoors to celebrate Hispanic heritage and the spirit of Mexican Independence Day through this cherished annual tradition.
Student Center Patio
4 p.m.
The evening continues with a featured lecture by Jack Shaw, bringing distinguished expertise and thought-provoking perspectives to the University community. Both events are open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Student Center Ballroom (Second Floor)
6 p.m.
Advancing the Future of Healthcare Education
The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative learning environments and advanced technology. The building features modern instructional spaces, specialized laboratories, and cutting-edge equipment that will support hands-on education, research, and collaboration across the health sciences disciplines. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments in the building’s lobby, community room, while touring the new facility and learning more about the opportunities it will provide for students, faculty, and the South Texas region.
Health Sciences Building
10 a.m.
Join us for a special dinner celebrating President Christopher Maynard's Investiture and a new era at TAMIU. This signature fundraising event will support student housing, helping reduce financial barriers and provide students with a strong foundation for success.
Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Great Room
Reception: 6 p.m.
Dinner and Program: 7 p.m.
Investiture Ceremony & Celebration of the Future
The Week of Celebration culminates with the Investiture Ceremony, a historic occasion marking the formal installation and recognition of University leadership. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.
Prior to the ceremony, the stage party and faculty procession will gather at the Zaffirini Student Success Center (Room 101) and walk to the Recital Hall, where University leaders, faculty, and distinguished guests will participate in this significant academic tradition.
Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall
11 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the celebration will continue with a formal procession featuring the stage party, faculty, students, and guests accompanying Dr. Maynard from the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts to the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center Green.
The procession will lead into a campus-wide Investiture Celebration Block Party, bringing together the University community and guests for an afternoon of celebration featuring food trucks, entertainment, live music, and dance performances. This culminating event will celebrate TAMIU’s traditions, community, and the exciting future ahead.
Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center Green
12:30 p.m.
Event details and schedule are subject to change.
Dr. Christopher Maynard serves as the seventh President of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Appointed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in August 2025, Dr. Maynard began his tenure on October 1, 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, teaching and scholarship.
The Investiture Ceremony is considered among the oldest traditions in academia. It harkens back to English universities and is thought to be an adaptation of the dignified ceremonies heralding knighthood. The word “investiture” comes from the Latin phrase for “dress in robe,” investitura. Today, utilized in academic circles, it denotes the ceremony accorded to recognize the individual who will don the University's insignia and regalia, figuratively and realistically leading the University forward.
Texas A&M International University traces its origins to August 1970, when the first students were admitted to what was then called Texas A&I University at Laredo. Initially designated as an extension center for Texas A&I University, the institution at Laredo focused on teacher education and business disciplines, offering only junior- and senior-level coursework that enabled local residents to complete bachelor’s degrees close to home. Graduate programs soon followed, expanding educational opportunities and establishing a legacy of higher education for South Texas.
We're so excited to celebrate with you! To help make your travel plans as easy as possible, we've included information about recommended accommodations, flight options, and venue locations.
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