"Come Home to Your University" Presentations Begin Thurs., Jan. 18

January 18 will mark the first community outreach presentation in a series designed by Texas A&M International University to bring the importance of higher education into the homes and hearts of Laredoans.

Dubbed "Come Home to Your University," the presentations aim to let citizens know that higher education is an affordable and accessible necessity.

University faculty, students, alumni and staff will participate in the lively, informative presentations at various community centers.

University personnel will provide bilingual information about the University, and assist attendees with financial aid information and admissions applications.

Current students and graduates from each neighborhood center area will offer their individual perspective on the University and higher education. The events will also feature entertainment by University performance groups and an opportunity for informal visits with University faculty and staff.

Refreshments will be provided at each event, which are completely free of charge.

Now in its third year, "Come Home to Your University" has proven successful and helps to bridge an information gap, said Mary Treviño, associate vice president for Student Services at A&M International.

"We believe that efforts like this and our upcoming area-wide Financial Aid Fair Feb. 1 help to bridge an unfortunate information gap about higher education. 'Come Home to Your University' lets our citizens know that higher education is an affordable and accessible necessity. Last year's programs were enormously successful and we're looking forward to getting out and visiting with our neighbors and helping to bring the University home to them," she explained.

This year's schedule for the "Come Home to Your University" presentations is as follows. Registration begins at 6:30 with the presentation to start at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 18 - Cigarroa Community Center, 2201 Zacatecas, 795-3050.

Tuesday, Jan. 23 - Farias Community Center, 1601 Farias, 795-3040

Thursday, Jan. 25 - K. Tarver Community Center, 2902 Tilden, 795-3055.

Tuesday, Feb. 6 - Northeast Hillside Community Center, 320 Wyoming, 795-3045.

For more information, please contact the University's Office of Enrollment Management at 326-2270, or email to enroll@tamiu.edu.

Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 am.- 5 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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