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Posted: 2/13/97

Phase II Dedication of A&M International's Campus Set Feb. 21, 1997

 

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At 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 1997 the skyline at Texas A&M International University will grow by over 60 percent with the formal addition of Phase II to the campus.

Four new buildings at Texas' newest four-year University will form the backdrop for formal dedication ceremonies that are part of the George Washington's Birthday Celebration Activities.

State Comptroller John Sharp will be among those providing remarks as will State Senator Judith Zaffirini and State Representatives Henry Cuellar and Tracy King.

The Phase II addition will include four new buildings: a Kinesiology building (55,682 gross square feet); Business Administration building (44,685); a Science and Technology and Nursing complex, (44,755) and a physical plant building (17,272). The total square footage for Phase II is 162,394.

"Phase II will enable us to support the tremendous program growth we have experienced here at the University," said president J. Charles Jennett, "These are top-notch facilities which extend the technological standard enjoyed at the University to include distance instruction and multi-media capabilities."

Two Phase II buildings are named in recognition of the generous support provided by University donors.

Canseco Hall, named in honor of the late Dr. F. M. Canseco, will include the University's School of Nursing.

Pellegrino Hall, named in honor of Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino, will house the University's College of Business Administration.

Architects for the project are Ford, Powell and Carson, Inc. and Kell Muñoz Wigodsky, a joint venture firm based in San Antonio and also responsible for Phase One of the new campus.

Contractor for the project is San Antonio-based Bartlett Cocke, Inc. The project cost is $25 million. Martin J. Garza is Project Manager.

Architect's Project manager is Bruce Sasse. Project architect is Ronnie Biediger. Members of the Facilities Planning Division, Texas A&M University System complete the team.

The University's sights are set on Phases III and IV, the centerpiece of its Legislative Agenda for the 75th Legislature, president Jennett said.

Phases III and IV will include completion of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library collection, construction of a Student Development Center and intramural fields and courts, additional student scholarship and financial aid packages, and development of a fine arts/auditorium complex.

"Each of these critical needs presents unique dimensions in securing state funding and many will require private support initiatives," he explained.

Jennett said the University's administrative team is looking forward to working with the 75th Legislature to secure the University's growth and development with the support of Laredo's veteran legislators, State Sen. Judith Zaffirini and State Rep. Henry Cuellar.

"The University has benefited tremendously from the support of our legislators and we will continue to work with them to make our case for continued support of the South Texas initiative and our University. Our pledge of responsible stewardship of state resources will be maintained and expanded. We will continue to strengthen our linkages to The Texas A&M University System, our agencies and the communities we serve," he said.

"With the help of our legislators, we will continue to seek and mobilize community support for Texas A&M International University as we provide a new tradition in higher education for South Texas and beyond," he said.

Also scheduled for completion later this year is a privatized student housing initiative known as University Village.

The $5.1 million complex will include four housing buildings and a commons building that will provide housing for 250-plus students in an apartment-style setting. They will be located on the west side of the campus in a private wooded area.

For additional information, contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at (210) - 326 - 2180. Office hours are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu