'95 Texas A&M International University Highlights
JANUARY
A significant gift presented in memory of Dr. F. M. Canseco, a much-loved Laredo physician who devoted his life to healing countless Laredoans throughout a 55-year-long medical practice, was presented to the University. The gift will provide the University with the means to fully implement its Nursing Program. Classroom Building F of Phase II of the new campus will be named the Dr. F. M. Canseco Building. The Nursing Area within will be known as the Dr. F. M. Canseco Nursing Arts Wing. The Nursing Program itself will be known as the Dr. F. M. Canseco Nursing Program.
The J. A. Kawas Trust provided the University with a generous gift to fund the J. A. Kawas Computer Laboratory in the University's Science and Technology Building. The gift was presented by relatives of the late J.A. Kawas, George Kawas and Annette Kawas Salinas on behalf of their uncle who strongly supported furthering education in Laredo. TAMIU Professor of Business Administration Dr. Robert Vichas was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach and conduct research in Lithuania.
The Harold R. Yeary Library initiates an impressive new computer system which streamlines the acquisition, cataloging, circulation and accessing the TAMIU book collection. A TAMIU consortium of Texas universities was selected by the US Customs Service to share a $10 million grant to establish the Center for Western Hemispheric Trade for the study of international trade in the Western Hemisphere.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board gives a favorable evaluation to Phase II of the University's new campus. The cost for Phase II, tagged at $23 million, is funded by Tuition Revenue Bonds proceeds as authorized by HB 2058 of the 73rd Legislature.
FEBRUARY
Over $56,000 in scholarships are awarded to TAMIU students for the Spring Semester. Local dignitaries gathered for the dedication of Building B as Bob Bullock Hall in honor of Lt. Governor Bob Bullock. Two new graduate degrees, the Master of Science in Information Science and the Master of Science in International Logistics, were approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
SONY Magnetic Products Inc. Of America provides $4000 to fund student scholarships through the SONY USA Foundation Inc.
MARCH
TAMIU Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Muhammad M. Islam received the Southwestern Federation of Administrative Disciplines 1995 Irwin Distinguished Paper Award.
Over 75 recruiters participate in the University's annual Career Fair. TAMIU students in a Sociology Class conduct a community needs assessment as part of a study commissioned by the United Way of Laredo, Inc.
Dr. James R. Giermanski, TAMIU Professor of Business Administration, is selected as one of 200 experts nation-wide to attend the National Summit on Truck and Bus Safety sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Motor Carriers.
Fourteen student members of the TAMIU Criminal Justice Scholar's Club present research at the 1995 Annual Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences in Boston.
APRIL
The University initiates its new computerized Student Information System (SIS) for utilization during its Summer and Fall Special Early Registration.
TAMIU's Office of Enrollment Management and School Relations conducts its first on-site registration utilizing laptop computers equipped with modems at local high schools.
TAMIU students Kriztella Lopez, senior Business Administration major, and Rosa Escobedo, a senior Accounting major, are named National Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholars.
TAMIU students and faculty attend meetings of the Southwestern Sociological Association in Dallas. TAMIU students representing four student clubs, the Student Congress, Criminal Justice Scholars' Club, Marketing Association and the Baptist Ministry, assist in the Third Annual Paint-A-Thon Campaign coordinated by the Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing Services.
MAY
TAMIU Professor of English Norma Elia Cantu conducts a public reading from her new book, Canicula: Snapshots of A Girlhood en la Frontera, from the University of New Mexico Press, at the Laredo Center for the Arts. TAMIU's Alumni Association awards scholarships to four TAMIU students: Robert Russell Morris, Mary Lou Vorhees, Juan Carlos Vasquez and Jorge Verdiguel.
Graduation for the Spring Class of 1995 is held at the Laredo Civic Center. 151 students graduate. TAMIU students are selected as recipients of the University's competitive International Trade Fellowships for Fall 1995.
The Harold R. Yeary Library begins to close in preparations for the University's move to its new campus in northeast Laredo. TAMIU launches a Summer Academy for teens to be presented by the University's College of Arts and Humanities.
TAMIU names 17 local high school students as recipients of $1000 scholarships known as the University Scholars Awards. TAMIU Professor of History Dr. Jerry Thompson signs copies of his latest book on the history of the Texas-Mexico border at Book Mark Store.
TAMIU Criminal Justice Scholars' Club members hosted their Fourth Annual Awards Banquet honoring University staff and administrators, and community supporters.
TAMIU's Student Systems Group receives a Chapter Charter from the Data Processing Management Association.
JUNE
Central Power and Light Company presents TAMIU President Dr. Leo Sayavedra with a gift of $20,000 to be dedicated to the planning, design and construction of TAMIU's new campus in northeast Laredo.
TAMIU students present papers at the Southwestern Federation of Administrative Disciplines (SWFAD) in Houston.
The Union Pacific Foundation provides a gift of $20,000 to support scholarships for students studying transportation and international logistics at TAMIU.
TAMIU reports a 12% increase in Summer Session I enrollment. Students in TAMIU's Social Gerontology Course taught by Dr. Marjorie Coppock are feted by the residents of Regent Care Center for their semester-long project with elderly residents.
TAMIU Sociology students of Dr. Marjorie Coppock work with at-risk school students at H. Ochoa Elementary School in a unique mentoring program.
TAMIU International Banking students Yafu Geo and Arthur Bourque were named recipients of the South Texas National Bank Outstanding International Banking Student Award.
TAMIU offices begin preparation for their move to the new campus. TAMIU student members of the Student Ambassadors, a new student service group, travel to Spain to study at the Colegio de Espana in Salamanca.
JULY
TAMIU announces concurrent enrollment availability for qualified high school seniors. Prairie View A&M University President Dr. Charles Alphonso Hines provides the 1995 Summer Commencement Address for over 100 graduating students.
TAMIU Admissions and Financial Aid Offices close in preparation for the move to the new campus. TAMIU Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Miroslava B. Vargas returns from participation as a Citizen Ambassador in Russia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic.
Laredo's Brand Family provides a generous gift in memory of the late businessman community leader Joe Brand to provide much-needed scholarship funds for students.
TAMIU s move to its new campus is scheduled July 31.
AUGUST
TAMIU offices of Admission and Financial Aid offices open at the University's new campus in northeast Laredo. TAMIU s School of Nursing awards two students, Alfredo Vela and Ana Laura Diaz with scholarships provided by the Lamar Bruni-Vergara Trust.
TAMIU announces the availability of a new scholarship program geared to local student transferring to the new University. TAMIU's new student service group, the Student Ambassadors, is initiated in a first meeting.
TAMIU's first "Dusty Fun Run" is held benefitting student scholarships in a run from the former campus to the new campus featuring students, alumni and administrators. 27 runners participated in the competitive portion of the run while alumni members of classes from 1970-1995 also participated.
TAMIU's first Freshman Orientation is held at Alexander High School. TAMIU's Fall Registration is set Aug. 29-31. Bus service to the University is initiated by Laredo Municipal Transit System.
SEPTEMBER
A First Day ceremony marking the University's First Day of classes features a flag ceremony with flags representing approximately 30 countries represented in the Fall student body.
The Education Center Parents Advisory Council provides a $500 Loan Fund Gift to TAMIU.
Jose G. Garcia, M.D., and his wife, Yolanda D. Garcia, provide a scholarship of $20,000 for TAMIU students choosing a career in mental health.
TAMIU, the Texas Transportation Institute, Office of the Attorney General, Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade and Rep. Henry Cuellar host a national three-day conference on the Mexican Presence on US Highways after Dec. 18,1995.
TAMIU hosts a Counselor's Day to provide local and area counselors with information on TAMIU.
TAMIU is named as the host site for the April 1996 meeting of The Texas A&M University System's Chancellor's 21st Century Council of Advisors.
TAMIU participants in a pilot mentor program are feted at a special reception for students and their mentors.
TAMIU's Fall Semester enrollment sees a 28% increase in headcount and a 47% increase in semester credit hours.
TAMIU's Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs, Dr. Janet K. Black, is selected as a participant in the Class XIV of the Governor's 1995-96 Executive Development Program.
OCTOBER
Wyatt's Express Cafeteria opens for service to students and staff.
TAMIU President Dr. Leo Sayavedra opens a Center of Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Public Administration in Panevezy, Lithuania established by TAMIU's Graduate School of International Trade and Business Administration at part of a $2.25 million grant from the US Agency for International Development.
TAMIU biology students canoe on the University's pond as part of a Plant Ecology course.
TAMIU and Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) enter into a cooperative agreement to coordinate services between the University's Psychology Department and SCAN.
The Laredo National Bank is lead sponsor in the first TAMIU "Dusty Golf Tournament." Over 130 players participate in the event, a fundraiser for student scholarships and alumni activities.
TAMIU President Dr. Leo Sayavedra is promoted to Deputy Chancellor for Academic Institutions and Agencies for The Texas A&M University System effective Jan. 1, 1996. The appointment makes Sayavedra the highest ranking Hispanic in higher education in Texas. Interim President will be Jose Garcia, currently Vice President for Finance and Administration.
NOVEMBER
TAMIU announces its week-long schedule for its Phase One Grand Opening and Dedication and 25th Anniversary Celebration. TAMIU launches its presence on the World Wide Web with a TAMIU Home Page on the Internet information superhighway.
The 50+ Club awards a scholarship to TAMIU freshman Juan Jose Gonzalez.
Dr. Norman Sherry, Mitchell Distinguished Professor of Literature at Trinity University in San Antonio, is presented in lecture by the College of Arts and Humanities as part of the University's Grand Opening and Dedication.
Preliminary research from a TAMIU faculty member, Dr. Muhammad M. Islam, reveals a projected economic impact of $63 million with the University's presence in Laredo.
Phase II Construction of TAMIU's campus is underway with contractor Bartlett-Cocke in charge. TAMIU three presidents: Dr. Billy Cowart, Dr. Manuel Pacheco and Dr. Leo Sayavedra are presented in a series of presidential portraits by local artist Rosario Azios.
TAMIU s first costumed mascot, "Dusty the Dustdevil" is introduced to the media and the University's alma mater, penned by faculty member Ray Keck III, is performed.
TAMIU s first Deans' Research Colloquium is presented as part of Grand Opening activities.
Local and community leaders gather for formal dedication ceremonies of Texas' newest university on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Over $15,000 in scholarships is awarded to 20 TAMIU students majoring in mathematics, science and computer information systems from the Texas Alliance for Minority Participation.
Over 50 community members and businesses are named as participants in the TAMIU Mentor Program.
TAMIU s Professor of Educational Administration Dr. Leo G. Mahoney receives a "Lamp of Knowledge" Award and painting from former student, Sandra Hinojosa, and artist Armando Hinojosa.
DECEMBER
TAMIU Campus police will start enforcing the University's parking regulations Dec. 4.
TAMIU is named the Host University for the South Texas Writing Project, a collaborative project geared at improving student writing and teaching of writing in the Laredo area. Both Laredo Community College and TAMIU will develop the project.
TAMIU's latest of new traditions, the lighting of a Holiday Tree in the South Plaza, is held.
A memorial for longtime TAMIU Professor of Education Dr. Irene Rodriguez is held.
TAMIU receives over $2.3 million in gifts to the University from Transportation Services, Inc., Ford Motor Company, the Anzon Division, Cookson Specialty Additives, Dr. And Mrs. Jose Garcia and Pan American Express, Inc.
TAMIU earns reaffirmation for full accreditation for the next 10 years from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
TAMIU faculty and staff honor Dr. Leo Sayavedra, outgoing President at the University's Holiday Party.
185 students are candidates for graduation for the Fall Semester 1995 at Texas A&M International University.