Mayor to Sign A&M International's 30th Anniversary Proclamation

Texas A&M International University's lasting legacy as Laredo and South Texas' premier higher education institution will be observed during a proclamation ceremony noting its 30th Anniversary on Friday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. in City Council Chambers.

Local and state dignitaries will join Laredo Mayor Betty Flores for the official start of the year-long celebration of a long-cherished higher education dream come true, said A&M International President Dr. Charles Jennett. In addition to the City proclamation, state proclamations will be presented during this ceremony by both State Sen. Dr. Judith Zaffirini and State Rep. Dr. Henry Cuellar.

"We are happy to join with our partners to celebrate the University's role as a community catalyst to bring dreams to reality. We also take this opportunity to invite community members to participate in the numerous events that we have planned throughout the year to celebrate this memorable time in our history," Jennett said.

The University's 30th Anniversary Celebration will be called "Dreams

to Reality" and will include a year of special events, lectures, activities, exhibits and opportunities for the community to celebrate A&M International's service to higher education in South Texas.

The first event is a fundraising Gala, "Swinging on a Dream," at the Laredo Country Club Sept. 15 featuring the Glenn Miller Band. The event is a shared initiative between the University and the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra with proceeds supporting the University's Student Scholarship Fund and the LPO Program Fund. Tickets and tables can be secured by calling the University at 326-2175.

Other events scheduled include The A.R. Sanchez Distinguished Lecture Series, the presentation of a special exhibit at the Laredo Center for the Arts, the University's Dusty Fun Run and Walk, a special WBCA Pops Concert, a day-long Fiesta de Mariachi, various student concerts, and the 6th Annual Dusty Golf Tournament.

Additional events will be added throughout the year, including a closing 30th Anniversary Picnic scheduled in August, 2001.

Helping to organize the year-long Celebration is the 30th Anniversary Celebration Committee co-chaired by sisters Dody and Susan Foster.

For further information on the proclamation signing ceremony and the 30th Anniversary Celebration, please contact the Office for Institutional Advancement at 326-2175. 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