A&M International Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Rio Grande as Part of Week-Long Día Del Río Observance

Texas A&M International University will host a round table discussion on "Growth and Water: A Relationship of Needs," on Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m. in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. Preceding the discussion will be performances by the University's Chamber Ensemble and the Classical Ensemble. This event is free of charge and open to the public.

The event is part of the Seventh Annual Laredo Día Del Río Celebration Week. This event is organized by the Rio Grande International Study Center and the City of Laredo, A&M International and Laredo Community College.

The roundtable discussion panelists will be Dr. Mohamed Ben-Ruwin, A&M International assistant professor of political science; Marybeth Eby, director of the Tejada Center, San Antonio; Keith Sellman of the City of Laredo Planning Department. Fernando Román, of the North American Development Bank and former director of Waterworks for the City of Laredo, and Arthur Zuniga, of Zuniga Development. Discussion moderator will be Dr. Michael Yoder, A&M International associate professor of geography.

The reception preceding the discussion will feature the University's Chamber Ensemble which will perform Corelli's "Concerto Gross No. 8," Dvorjak's "String Quartet" (first movement) and Max Reger's "Trio for Flute, Viola, and Violin." The Classical Ensemble will also perform an array of songs from Bianchieri's "Fantasia," Antonio Vivaldi's "Largo in G," and Francisco Tórrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra." Some of these pieces being performed feature water themes.

Dr. Tom Vaughan, A&M International associate professor of biology, said the event's panel will explore the critical role water plays in a community and region's growth and development.

"This year's panel will be discussing 'Growth and Water Issues.' The goal is to explore the prospects for growth and development in the region and the role that water will play in that growth," Dr. Vaughan said.

For further information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268 or go online: www.tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. -5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For information about the Rio Grande International Study Center and its programs, contact Dr. Jim Earhart at 956.764.5701 or email jearhart@laredo.cc.tx.us

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