A&M International Symposium Here Focuses on Building Community

A conference hosted by Texas A&M International University and The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) will look at building community through international trade education partnerships Sept. 11 - 13.

"Towards Seamless Borders: Building Community Through International Trade Education Partnerships," will bring together industry and academic professionals to forge a greater understanding of the issues facing international trade and education, organizers said.

Daniel Hernandez, TAMUS Director of Community Development and Symposium co-chair, said the Symposium is an extension of the System's longstanding commitment to community development in the global economy.

"We hope to strengthen the System's contributions and service by addressing the critical issues of trade, internationalization of education and the political economy of development, " Hernandez explained. "Our goal is to act as a catalyst to greater understanding of collaborative and value-added relationships that address research, teaching and service within the A&M System," he added.

The first-ever Symposium has attracted an impressive program of guest speakers including captains of industry and leaders from government and higher education who will provide opportunities for enlightened exchanges on technology, environment, Third World debt and the expanding global economy.

"These interactive sessions will be held with a goal of providing a meaningful exchange for participants that can result in practical strategies and initiatives that can develop and implement collaborative models and performance-based protocols," said Mary Trevino, Special Assistant to the President at A&M International and Symposium local arrangements chair.

Among guest speakers who will be present are Rick Perry, Texas Land Commissioner; Anne Armstrong, former Ambassador to Great Britain and member of the TAMUS Board of Regents and Erle Nye, president of Texas Utilities Company, Texas Utilities Fuels Company and Texas Utilities Mining Company and member of the TAMUS Board of Regents.

Also scheduled to attend are John H. Atterbury III, president and CEO of SBC International Operations-SBC Communications; John C. Guerra, Jr., vice president for the local service organization responsible for the Southwest Region within AT&T; Don Newquist, Commissioner, International Trade Commission; TAMUS Chancellor Dr. Barry Thompson, Dr. Kerry Cooper, Executive Director of International Business Programs, Texas A&M University (TAMU) Dr. Julian Gaspar, Director, Center for International Business Programs, TAMU and Texas A&M International University president Dr. Charles Jennett.

Major corporate support for the event is being provided by AT&T, the SBC Foundation, Norwest Bank,International Bank of Commerce, ITT Automotive Plant, Laredo Development Foundation, College of Business Administration, TAMU and The Texas A&M University System.

Registration for the conference will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library West Lobby. Opening Luncheon activities will begin at noon with keynote speakers Erle Nye and TAMUS Chancellor Thompson. Registration will be $100 per person. There is no fee for students attending the Symposium. On site registration will be possible Thursday and Friday.

Don Newquist, Commissioner, International Trade Commission, will provide a Washington perspective on Symposium issues followed by a networking break and opportunity to visit exhibit areas. A panel on International Trade will get underway at 3:45 p.m.

At 5:30, bus transportation will be provided for pre-registered Symposium participants to a tour and dinner at the Nuevo Laredo maquiladora operations of the ITT Automotive Plant.

Registration will continue Friday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the West Lobby of Killam Library. Keynote speaker for the morning session will be Anne Armstrong, former Ambassador to Great Britain. International efforts underway at A&M International will be presented by Dean of the College of Business Administration Khosrow Fatemi with an introduction by Dr. Leo Sayavedra, TAMUS Deputy Chancellor.

After a brief networking and exhibit touring, a panel on the internationalization of education will present speaker Dr. Kerry Cooper, Executive Director of International Business Programs, College Station, Dr. John Adams, Norwest Bank-Laredo and Dr. Victor Arispe, Director of the Center for International Studies, TAMU.

A luncheon will include speakers John C. Guerra and John H. Atterbury Texas Land Commissioner Rick Perry will be addressing the group at 2:30 p.m.

A series of three breakout sessions will follow on the internationalization of education. Reports from the break out sessions will be followed by a special student panel with students from throughout The Texas A&M University System. The day will include a special dinner and reception hosted by International Bank of Commerce at its Lago Del Rio complex.

Saturday, the closing day of the Symposium, will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a panel on international trade to feature Dr. Julian Gaspar, Director, Center for International Business Programs, TAMU. Breakout sessions on International Trade will be followed by a final networking opportunity and a chance to tour exhibit areas.

After a report from the break out sessions, a concluding luncheon at the Laredo Country Club will feature keynote remarks by Dr. Charles Jennett, A&M International president.

For registration information or additional details, contact the Office of the President at Texas A&M International University, (956) 326. 2320.

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