"College Night" Gears Up for December 1 Presentation

An opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to consider the rich possibilities of higher education will be held Wednesday, December 1 with the presentation of "College Night" from 7-9 p.m. at Texas A&M International University.

The event is coordinated by Laredo Independent School District, United Independent School District and St. Augustine High School, hosted by A&M International and co-hosted by Laredo Community College. It is free of charge and will be held in the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Ramiro Ramirez, LISD Director of Guidance and At-Risk Coordinator and organizer of "College Night," said the event is designed to allow students a rare opportunity to meet with a number of colleges and University representatives to discuss their higher education options.

"In addition to LCC and A&M International, we'll be joined by over 50 different college and university representatives. We think it's a great opportunity for students to gather information, ask pressing questions and consider the possibilities that are available to them," Ramirez explained.

Veronica Gonzalez, acting director of Enrollment Management at A&M International, is coordinating the University's efforts.

She noted that this year the event will also include the participation of lending institutions which assist students in securing assistance to finance their education.

"This is another great opportunity for students to get a headstart on a brighter future through higher education. We're delighted to partner with our colleagues at LISD, LCC, UISD and the Webb Consolidated School District to be able to bring these critical messages to our youth. We're all united in wanting to let our students know that higher education is available to everyone," she said.

Among colleges and universities scheduled to be on hand are the University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Southwest Texas University, Yale University and the University of the Incarnate Word, to name a few.

"College Night" has been offered locally for over 25 years. The popular event now alternates locations from LCC to A&M International annually.

Ramirez said parental support of the effort has always helped to insure a successful project.

"We strongly encourage parents to help their sons and daughters take advantage of this opportunity to plan for a better future through higher education, " Ramirez concluded.

For more information, interested students can contact their high school counselor.

Information is also available by calling the following numbers:

At Laredo Community College: 721-5860.

At LISD, 795-4186

At A&M International, 326-2270

At UISD, 717-6272.

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