Texas A&M International University Receives Over $2.3 million in Gifts

Over $2.3 million in gifts to the University will help to secure Texas A&M International University's continued growth and development, said Dr. Leo Sayavedra, University President.

The announcement of the gifts was made at the University's recent 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, a benefit for students scholarships and faculty development held recently.

"We are much honored to have been the recipients of such generosity and know that these gifts will do much to advance the University's emergence as a premier institution of higher education," said TAMIU President Dr. Leo Sayavedra.

"An outstanding university needs outstanding support. While our support from the State of Texas has been generous, the University seeks interested donors to help securing much-needed funding in key areas such as student scholarships, faculty development and the construction of facilities not covered by State formula funding," he explained.

Sayavedra said the recent gifts represent a cross-section of Laredo's citizenry who are united in their support of Texas' newest four-year University.

"These gifts have come from private citizens and corporations that make their home in Laredo. Their support of higher education here is a clear indication of a desire to better the community that many of them choose to work in and live in," he said.

A gift of $2 million comes from Transportation Services, Inc. And Anthony J. Pellegrino, President, and Georgia A. Pellegrino. In recognition of the gift, a Phase II classroom building will be named the Anthony and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall. The gift was presented at the Gala Dinner by Anthony J. Pellegrino and his son, Kenneth Pellegrino.

A gift of $25,000 was provided by the Ford Motor Company to award scholarships to students pursuing their Masters degree in the College of Business Administration and the Graduate School of International Trade and Business Administration at TAMIU. The gift, presented by Robert Talton, Plant Manager, will be known as The Ford Motor Company Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Business and International Trade Scholarship Fund.

Anzon Division, Cookson Specialty Additives provided two gifts of $15,000 and $35,000 to fund student scholarships. The gift of $15,000 will be known as the Anzon Division, Cookson Specialty Additives Scholarship Fund. The $35,000 gift will be known as the Anzon Division, Cookson Specialty Additives Endowed Scholarship Fund. Both gifts were presented to the University by Dr. Paul Bridges, Plant Manager of Anzon Division.

Dr. Jose and Mrs. Garcia have provided a Scholarship Fund in the amount of $12,500 for student scholarships. The gift, presented in the memory of Laredo police officer J. C. Davila, Dr. Garcia's father-in-law, will be known as the Captain J. C. Davila Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship. Dr. Garcia presented the gift at the Gala function.

A gift of $25,000 for student scholarships has been presented by Pan American Express, Inc. Arturo Volpe, President. This scholarship gift will be known as the Pan American Express, Inc. Four Year Scholarship Fund. The gift was presented to the University at the Gala by Arturo Volpe.

For more information on opportunities which support Texas A&M International University, please contact Dr. Janet K. Black, Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs, at 326-2175.

As the tax year comes to a close, donors to the University can realize tax benefits with gifts, which measurably better the University's growth and development.

TAMIU office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. TAMIU will close for the holidays on Thursday, Dec. 22 and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 1996.