Bruni Vergara Trust Pledges Renewed Support of Canseco School of Nursing

Texas A&M International University's Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing received a healthy shot in the arm Friday, April 4 with the announcement by trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust that the Trust has renewed and extended its support.

The announcement was made at an unveiling ceremony for a commemorative plaque honoring the late community supporter and the trustees of the Foundation for their visionary support.

Judge Solomon Casseb Jr., Bruni Vergara Trust spokesperson, said the gift will help to further speed the program's growth and development.

"This significant gift will substantially fund this program for the next five years. Funding will begin in 1998 and continue through 2003,"Casseb said.

Dr. J. Charles Jennett, University president, said the University is most appreciative of the generosity and support provided by the Trust in memory of Lamar Bruni Vergara.

"Mere words cannot express our gratitude. Today, the trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust have not only enabled her legacy of giving to live on, but have also helped make dreams come true. The realities that will come from this gift are beyond measure,"he said.

He noted the phenomenal growth of the local medical community and the tremendous need for qualified baccalaureate degree nurses here and nationwide.

The strong support of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust was critical in the development of the University's unique transcultural baccalaureate nursing program at its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. In addition to program development, the Trust has continued to support tuition reimbursement and special study opportunities for students.

The renewed funding will speed program development and expansion, said Dr. Susan Scoville Baker, Director of the Canseco School of Nursing.

"This support will be a catalyst to our development of a much needed Master of Science degree in Nursing. It will also help to support our plans to expand the program to incorporate an international component with Mexico and beyond,"she explained.

Providing remarks for the Great Room ceremonies were State Representative Henry Cuellar, Mayor Saul Ramirez, Michael Morgan of Mercy Regional Medical Center, Dr. Edwin Martinez, Dean of the University's College of Science and Technology, John Fuentes, Canseco School of Nursing Class representative and Dr. Baker.

A reception and tour of the facilities of the Canseco School of Nursing followed. Bruni Vergara was 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.

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