A&M International Students Receive Mr. South Texas Support

Laredo and area students wishing to attend Texas A&M International University for undergraduate or graduate study can count on a scholarship intended to facilitate the education of future South Texas leaders.

The Mr. South Texas Scholarship, initiated by State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (Mr. South Texas 1999) and awarded by the Mr. South Texas Foundation, supports the journey "from scholarship to leadership." Beneficiaries include college applicants, undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-graduate students interested in law, health or medicine.

Sen. Zaffirini, who serves as the Mr. South Texas Foundation Board president, said the $1,000 scholarships symbolize the mission of the Mr. South Texas Foundation.

"The mission of the Mr. South Texas Foundation is reflected in our slogan, 'From Scholarship to Leadership', for we are providing scholarships for Laredo area students who reflect leadership potential and who plan to return to South Texas," she said, "I am so pleased that 10 additional outstanding students will be awarded scholarships during the 2000 selectionprocess."

Students applying for the scholarship must be high school graduates or GED recipients. They must have earned at least a "B" average in high school and have a 90 percent attendance in their classes. In addition, they must have been Laredo area residents for at least two years, have been accepted into an accredited institution of higher education and pledge to return to South Texas after graduation. Students must also demonstrate exemplary character and leadership history and potential.

Since the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association that provides the Mr. South Texas designation is in Laredo, targeted scholarship recipients will be Laredo area residents attending the college, university or post-graduate school of their choice.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who are bilingual, computer literate and who appreciate the legacy of leadership personified by Mr. South Texas honorees.

Dr. Ray Keck, A&M International provost and vice president for academic affairs, said A&M International is grateful to Zaffirini and the Mr. South Texas Foundation for its continued support of students.

"Although the State of Texas has been generous in its support of A&M International, we cannot have enough scholarships to encourage our youths to excel in their education," he said, "A&M International is fortunate to have a partner in the Mr. South Texas Foundation, and we look forward to a continued joint collaboration for the future leaders of our community."

For further information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 326-2225. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through 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