Week-Long Celebration Scheduled for TAMIU's Phase One Opening, 25th Anniversary

A week-long celebration, Nov. 5-11, will accompany the dedication of Phase One of the new Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) campus and the 25th anniversary of the University's founding.

In addition to a formal dedication ceremony, the week will be highlighted by concerts, exhibits, special receptions, an international festival, a barbecue and evening fireworks.

TAMIU President Dr. Leo Sayavedra said organizers wanted the historic event to offer numerous opportunities for public participation.

"We wanted to afford the public a week of opportunities to visit the first new University campus in the State of Texas in over 20 years. I believe we've developed an extensive program that allows our visitors to explore our new campus, learn about our expanded mission as a four-year University, reflect on our past, witness our bright future and, of course, just plain have fun," he said.

The Phase I Dedication and 25th Anniversary Celebration of TAMIU gets underway Sunday, Nov. 5 from 4- 9 p.m.. with Kickoff events including the unveiling of founding presidential portraits, presentation of the University's alma mater and the debut of the University's mascot, "Dusty the Dustdevil." Also scheduled Sunday are the naming of the J.A. Kawas Computer Lab, an International Festival and an evening fireworks display.

Beginning Monday, each of the University's four Colleges will host evening demonstrations, activities or exhibits through Thursday night. On Friday, a special black-tie Gala 25th Anniversary Dinner is scheduled to benefit student scholarships and faculty development. Saturday, Nov. 11 will mark the official Dedication Ceremonies beginning at 1:30 p.m. Ceremonies will conclude with an outdoor barbecue and concert.

Throughout the week, tours of the Campus, Library, Computer and Telecommunications capabilities and the Student Services Offices will be held from 5-7 p.m.. daily.

The Celebration Week's Schedule of Events is as follows:

Sunday

Kickoff Activities

The Phase I Dedication and 25th Anniversary Celebration begins at 4 p.m.. A series of presidential portraits by artist Rosario Azios of the University's founding presidents will be unveiled in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. There will be a brief overview of the week's activities, the first singing of the University's alma mater and the debut of the costumed University mascot, "Dusty the Dustdevil." The costume, designed by The Costume Factory of Napa, Calif., has been underwritten by Mall del Norte.

Also Sunday afternoon is the naming of one of the University's high-tech computer labs in honor of the late J.A. Kawas. Sunday afternoon will also mark the launch of TAMIU's Home Page, its window to the World Wide Web information superhighway designed by TAMIU graduate students in computer information systems.

An afternoon International Festival will feature a variety of music and performances coordinated by TAMIU's Division of Student Affairs. The kickoff day will be capped with a colorful evening fireworks display that has been underwritten by Carlos Mejia of Mejia Engineering and produced by Atlas Pyrotechnics of Fort Worth.

Monday

College of Arts and Humanities Night

Quartet Concert by the Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School Quartet in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Great Room at 6 p.m..

Lecture by Dr. Norman Sherry, Mitchell Distinguished Professor of Literature at Trinity University, recognized as the foremost authority on Joseph Conrad and author of The Life of Graham Greene, Vol. I and The Life of Graham Greene, Vol. II. Dr. Sherry's lecture, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.. in the Great Room, is entitled "The Wild and Amazing Adventures of a Literary Detective: The Lives of Carroll, the Bronte Sisters and Greene."

Tuesday

College of Business Administration Night

Continuous presentations on the history and future of The College of Business Administration and demonstrations of the College's advanced information technology are scheduled from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m..

The Office for Advancement and External Affairs will host a Scholarship Donor Reception for Scholarship Contributors and TAMIU students who have benefited from scholarships at 7 p.m.. in the Great Room.

Wednesday

College of Education Night

Sessions on the College of Education's programs and a book display and photo exhibit are scheduled from 1-7 p.m..

A Special Reception for Local School Boards and School Administrators is scheduled from 7 - 9 p.m.. Highlight of the Reception will be the presentation of an art piece to the University honoring a member of the University's education faculty.

Thursday

College of Science and Technology

Continuous presentations to include science exhibits, demonstrations, video presentations, computer demonstrations and faculty research reviews are scheduled from 5 - 7 p.m..

Friday

Gala 25th Anniversary Dinner

This invitation-only event hosted by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Chancellor Barry Thompson and TAMIU President Leo Sayavedra will begin at 5 p.m.. with a Wine and Cheese Hour in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library followed by the Deans' Research Colloquium on US-International Relations featuring the faculty of the University's four Colleges. At 7:30 p.m.., the seated 25th Anniversary Dinner will begin in the Great Room of the Killam Library.

Saturday

Dedication Ceremonies

An invitation-only brunch for TAMUS System, State and Local officials is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Great Room.

The Dedication Ceremony for Phase One of the TAMIU campus will begin at 1:30 p.m.. at the Killam Library North Entrance. Campus Tours and College Departmental Demonstrations will be held beginning at 3 p.m..

An outdoor barbecue will begin at 3:30 p.m.. An outdoor concert hosted by the TAMIU Alumni Association featuring "The Law" will begin at 4:00 p.m..

For 24-hour information on daily events throughout The Phase I Dedication and 25th Anniversary Celebration of TAMIU, please call the Office for Advancement and External Affairs' Special Events Line at (210) - 326 - 2171.

TAMIU office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Monday-Friday.