'Dream' Gala Starts University's Year-long 30th Anniversary Celebration

Drums will roll and heels will tap to the rhythm of Swing as Texas A&M International University's 30th Anniversary Gala opens Friday, Sept. 15 from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. at the Laredo Country Club to celebrate the University's long-lasting service to higher education in South Texas.

Dubbed "Swingin' on a Dream" the event serves to initiate A&M International's year-long celebration and is an opportunity to celebrate the lasting legacy of dreams realized by Laredo's hometown University.

Lisa Morales, director of development, said numerous University partners have joined A&M International to ensure a successful evening.

"We have received overwhelming support from our partners who have expressed their joy in witnessing our University's continued accomplishments. Some of these partners include AEP-Central Power and Light; B.P. Newman Investment Co.; Delphi Automotive Systems; International Bank of Commerce-Laredo; Elmo Lopez; Anita Martin; Mejia Engineering Company; Hortense Offerle; Person, Whitworth, Ramos, Borchers, & Morales; Irene Saldaña, SOL Communications; and Wells Fargo Bank Texas," she said.

Featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the event will also present the Jerry Quintero Ensemble.

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 for the event cost $100 per person and will cover dinner and music.

In addition to individual tickets, participants can also consider a number of sponsorship levels that include the following:

* Golden Baton ($5,000) - Table for ten at the Gala in the first tier,

* Conductor's Circle ($2,500) - Table for ten at the Gala in the second tier,

* Encore Circle ($1,000) - Table for ten at the Gala in the third tier.

Morales said the Gala will include a silent auction, scheduled from 7p.m. - 11p.m.

"Over 80 items will be included, such as a trip to Las Vegas, stays at Colorado condominiums, a 'Mother and Child' statue, catering services, an autographed Spurs Team basketball, University courses, oak and ficus trees, music and dance lessons, free car washes, a DVD player, jewelry, cosmetic products, books, state and county memorabilia and much more," said Morales.

She thanked members of the Gala Committee, chaired by sisters Dody and Susan Foster, for their tireless efforts in helping to bring the event to life.

"These University supporters have taken time from their busy schedules to commit countless hours to this event," Morales said, "They exemplify the volunteer spirit that has always made our community proud."

Gala Subcommittee members include Dr. Charles and Linda Jennett. Committee members include Celita Borchers, Randy Blair, Gabriel C. Castillo, Altagracia Garcia, Shirley Greenblum, Maria J. Hermann, Dr. Ray and Patricia Keck, Elmo and Connie Lopez, Margaret Martin, Marissa Martinez, Hortense Offerle, Toni Ruiz and Gabriela Valentin.

For further information on the "Swingin' on a Dream" Gala, ticket purchase or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lisa Morales at 326-2175 or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library 262. 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