Texas A&M International University Receives Approximately $5 million in Gifts

Approximately $5 million in gifts to Texas A&M International University will help to secure the University's continued growth and development, said Joe Garcia, Interim President.

The donations include almost $3 million in gifts received and additional signed gift agreements of $2 million, he said.

"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," Garcia said.

"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.

Dr. Janet K. Black, Vice President of the Office of Advancement and External Affairs concurred, noting the 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," she 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 University's Gala Dinner last November by Anthony J. Pellegrino and his son, Kenneth Pellegrino.

Another Phase II classroom building is the result of a generous gift from the Canseco family and provides for the Dr. F. M. Canseco Nursing Building housing the Dr. F. M. Canseco Nursing Wing and the Dr. F. M. Canseco Nursing Program.

The Bruni-Vergara Trust provided the University with $650,000 that was pivotal to the development of the University's Nursing Program. Additional support has come from CP&L, $100,000, and the Laredo Manufacturer's Association, $100,000. Generous gifts have also been received from the Brand and Kawas families.

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.

Over $15,000 was raised through University Special Events that included the First Annual Dusty Golf Tournament, The First Annual Dusty Fun Run and the 25th Anniversary Gala.

Most recently, the University was provided $250,000 in scholarship money by Time-Warner Inc.

Announcement of additional gifts to the University will be forthcoming, Dr. Black said.

For more information on opportunities which support Texas A&M International University, please contact Dr. Black at 326 -2175.

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