A&M International's A.R. Sanchez Series Bows Fourth Year

Texas A&M International University's A.R. Sanchez Distinguished Lecture Series will mark its fourth year of presenting renowned lecturers ranging in expertise from aeronautics and Mexico's muralists to America's attitudes on science and religion.

The Sanchez Distinguished Lecture Series hosted by the University's College of Arts and Humanities, is one of the highlight events in A&M International's 30th Anniversary celebration.

The 2000-2001 Sanchez Series will include six lectures and the community is invited to attend the events free of charge. Each lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. The Sanchez Series begins September 21.

Dr. Jerry Thompson, dean of the sponsoring College of Arts and Humanities, said the presenters nourish minds and expand horizons for people of all ages and backgrounds.

"Ever since the introduction of the Sanchez Series, we have been fortunate to receive lecturers of exceptional caliber in numerous fields. This lecture series is presented through the vision and generosity of Mr. And Mrs. A.R. Sanchez Jr. I encourage A&M International students and alumni as well as the community in general to attend all lectures and experience a journey few have the privilege of sharing," Thompson said.

The lecturers, their scheduled date of appearance and topics are as follows:

1. Thursday, September 21, 2000 - Dr. Sheila Widnall, Abby Rockefeller Mauze Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; "An Academic Goes to Washington."

2. Wednesday, October 11, 2000 - Dr. John Silber, Chancellor, Boston University; "Cowboys, Oil Tycoons, and Buffalo Chips: An Exploration of the Texas Character."

3. Thursday, November 2, 2000 - Dr. Victoria H. Cummins, Professor of History, Austin College; "Art and Revolution in Mexico: Diego Rivera and the Mexican Muralists."

4. Monday, February 5, 2001 - Dr. Dennis J. Pogue, Associate Director of Preservation, Mount Vernon; "The Undiscovered George Washington."

5. Monday, March 5, 2001 - Dr. Jesus F. De La Teja, Associate Professor of History, Southwest Texas State University; "Juan N. Seguin: Hero of the Texas Revolution."

6. Monday April 2, 2001 - Dr. Michael Lienesch, Bowman and Gordon Gray Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; "The Scopes Trial: Science, Religion, and American Politics."

The A.R. Sanchez Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series at A&M International honors Antonio R. Sanchez Sr. (1916-1992). In the 1960s, after 20 years as the owner of an office equipment business, Sanchez began buying oil and gas leases and used his earnings to establish a bank. In 1974, Sanchez and his son, A.R. Sanchez Jr., along with geologist Brian O'Brien, established the Sanchez-O'Brien Oil and Gas Corporation (now the Sanchez Oil and Gas Corporation). The same year, the father and son team discovered the largest natural gas field in Webb and Zapata Counties to that point in history.

A.R. Sanchez Sr. is best remembered in Laredo for his philanthropic efforts. Known for his work ethic and generosity, he was a major crusader for a four-year University in Laredo and a supporter of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. He was also a legendary Texas entrepreneur with a down-to-earth sense of humor.

For further information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. 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