A&M International Awards $42,000 in Scholarships to Students

Scholarship gifts totalling $42,000 have been provided to Texas A&M International University students.

The generosity of Laredoans and private and public corporations have helped to make these scholarship awards possible, said A&M International president Dr. J. Charles Jennett.

"We salute their support of our University and of the students who will begin their higher education pursuits here. Their vision will help these student to secure a much brighter future," Dr. Jennett said.

Jennett said that while the State of Texas has been kind to the University in its funding requests, the need for student scholarship funding is always crucial. Over 80% of University students seek financial aid. He said the University has worked diligently to help secure scholarship funding from a broad-range of caring individuals and groups interested in helping students to better themselves.

Rebecca Sepulveda, Director of Development, said scholarship gifts to the University have proven popular with local, area and national supporters.

"Scholarships gifts are an enduring way of providing students with access to their future through education. We have been fortunate to find many individuals, groups and corporations who are eager to help students to reach their goals," she explained.

The awards range from one year to four-year and from $1000 to $5,000.

Dr. M. Stephen Brown, Dean of Student Affairs, said the scholarship awards are highly competitive with criteria including academic performance, SAT/ACT scores, community service and responses to essay questions.

"These students receiving these awards represent the best and brightest of their generation. These awards will allow them an opportunity to proceed to their next level of self- betterment," he said.

Students, their scholarship providers and respective awards include:

J. W. Nixon High School

Kathryn A. Dunn, API, $1,250.

Linda A. Garza, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

Maria L. Innocencio, Anzon Inc., $1,000.

Melissa Rodriguez, Daybreak Rotary Club, $1,000.

Martin High School

Jaime Garcia, SONY, $1,000.

Jessica O. Orduna, Anzon Inc, $1,000.

Roberto C. Trevino, Coca-Cola Company, $2,500.

Alexander High School

Graciela Cabriales, Daybreak Rotary Club, $1,000.

Ediza Garcia, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

Adriana Juarez, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

Teresita Lezama, Daybreak Rotary Club, $1,000.

Jose U. Parra, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

Veronica A. Ramos, Coca-Cola Company, $2,500.

Jesus A. Sanchez, Anzon, Inc., $1,000.

Gilberto Cardenas, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

Cigarroa High School

Aracely Gonzalez, Daybreak Rotary Club and SONY, $2,000.

Rolando Vela, Pan American Express, Inc., $5,000.

United High School

Araceli Elizondo, Coca-Cola Company, $2,500.

Wendy Ornelas, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

United South High School

Jessica Guerra, Texas A&M International University, $1,000.

Leticia Vasquez, Anzon, Inc., $1,000.

Zapata High School

Elaine M. Botello, Anzon, Inc., $1,000.

Alexis Gonzales, Galo Garcia, $1,000.

Hebbronville High School

Alice Benavides, Mall del Norte, $1,000.

Benjamin Morales, Jr., Killam Oil Company, $1,500.

Roma High School

Brandy Gonzalez, Texas A&M International University, $2,250.

Cotulla High School

Juventino J. Arce, Texas A&M International University, $1,000.

Marsha Martinez, Texas A&M International University, $1,000.

West Allis Central High School, WI

Rebecca Jadin, Coca-Cola Company, $2,500.

Students needing additional information on financial aid and scholarships available at A&M International, may contact the Office of Financial Aid at 326 - 2225.

Individuals or groups wishing to support University students with scholarship gifts may do so by calling Sepulveda at 326 - 2175.

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