A&M International Haunts LPD Goblin Fest

Members of the Texas A&M International community including students, faculty, staff, and alumni worked as volunteers at the Halloween Haunted House and Goblin Fest sponsored recently by the Laredo Police Department at the Main Boys and Girls Club, 500 Moctezuma.

Over 1000 children participated in the event. Over 30 representatives of the A&M International community joined the event including students, faculty, administration, staff, and alumni.

Arthur Sanchez III, Student Government Association president, said the effort was part of a challenge organized by the SGA to encourage the University community to become involved in their community.

"Basically, we wanted to challenge our student organizations and members of the University's faculty and staff to join us in helping to make this an enjoyable evening for the children in attendance," he said.

Sanchez said the SGA is a strong advocate of community involvement and hopes that the Halloween effort with the Laredo Police Department will serve as a catalyst for future endeavors.

"As students we are being afforded an opportunity to better ourselves with higher education. We would like to be able to return some of our good fortune to the community that many of us call home. When Captain Blasa Bluhm asked us to participate, we were eager to give something back, " he explained.

He said University participants were involved in running a booth and serving refreshments to children. They distributed candies donated by HEB and the University's costumed mascot, Dusty the Dustdevil, danced and participated in the costume contest.

"We want to thank HEB for their donation; Rebecca Sepulveda of the Office for Advancement and External Affairs and Verla Peterson for booth decorations; the Main Boys and Girls Club for the use of the site and Captain Blasa Bluhm, Hilda Negrete and the LPD for allowing us to join them in this Community Service Project," he said.

Among those joining Sanchez included Student Government Association members Alejandra Diaz, Fred Santos IV, Margie Hernandez, Margie Colon and Eduardo Gonzalez.

Representing the Faculty Senate was Verla Peterson while the Alumni Association was represented by Sue Nichols.

Student Ambassadors present included Juan Gonzalez and Sandra Hernandez. Other clubs and their members included:

Student Accounting Society: Minerva Ayala. High Twisters: Adriana Castillo, Anel Ruiz and Jessica Gamez; R.E.A.L., Agustin Gamez, Jr.; International Business Association, Nelly Uribe, Jose Carranza; Association of International Students, Spyros Charalambous; Office of Student Development, David VerMilyea and Gabriela Mendoza and students, Sandra A. Haynes and Gloria E. Madrigal.

For additional information, contact Sanchez or the SGA at the Kinesiology-Convocation Building Room 107 or call 326-2265.

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