University Unveils Plaque Honoring Lamar Bruni Vergara

The generosity of the late Lamar Bruni Vergara will be recognized with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque Friday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in The Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library at Texas A&M International University.

The strong support of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust was critical in the development of the University's baccalaureate nursing program at its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing.

"We are delighted to be able to honor the memory of Lamar Bruni Vergara in this lasting way and hope that others may follow her sterling example of caring for community present and future," said A&M International president Dr. J. Charles Jennett.

A special program will precede the plaque unveiling ceremony with scheduled remarks from State Senator Judith Zaffirini, State Representatives Henry Cuellar and Tracy King, Judge Mercurio Martinez, Mayor Saul Ramirez and Dr. Leo Sayavedra, Deputy Chancellor for The Texas A&M University System.

Others scheduled to provide comments include Michael Morgan of Mercy Regional Medical Center, Dr. Mary Fenton, president of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, Dr. Edwin Martinez, Dean of the University's College of Science and Technology, John Fuentes, Canseco School of Nursing Class representative and Dr. Susan Scoville Baker, Director of the Canseco School of Nursing.

Providing a response will be Trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Fund, Judge Solomon Casseb Jr. And former mayor J. C. Martin Jr. Tours of the Canseco School of Nursing and a reception are scheduled following the unveiling ceremonies.

Bruni Vergara was born, raised and educated in Laredo. Her great affection for her city was expressed in her ongoing support of the Catholic Church and numerous local social service organizations.

As her health deteriorated in later years, she sought to insure that her care for her home community would continue. Following her wishes, her friends J. C. Martin Jr. and Solomon Casseb formed a trust to provide continuous support of the social, religious, health and educational initiatives of the community.

For additional information on Friday's event, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 210. 326. 2180.

University 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