Treviño to Receive Honorary Doctorate At TAMIU Spring Commencement May 11

A long-time Laredo educator and leader will be presented with an honorary doctorate at Spring Commencement Exercises at Texas A&M International University Saturday, May 11 at 9 a.m.

Vidal M. Treviño will receive the honor in outdoor services held in front of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. Commencement Speaker is Dr. Billy F. Cowart, the University's first president. Dr. Rafael Lecuona, member of the University's founding faculty, will be named Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said the honor for Treviño recognizes a life lived for education.

"Vidal M. Treviño's name is synomous with education in Laredo. Throughout his lifetime, he has been directly or indirectly involved in the education of tens of thousands of Laredoans. In recognition of his legacy to education in our community and region, we believe this honor is most deserved," Dr. Keck said.

Trevino's career in education spans being a classroom teacher, principal, district superintendent and member of the Texas House of Representatives.

Currently Treviño is executive director of the D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust, operated by The Laredo National Bank.

Named for its late forebear, D. D. Hachar, a successful Laredo businessman, the D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust has assisted over 10,000 Laredo area students with more than $7 million in scholarships for higher education, and provided over $7.5 million in grants to various non-profit organizations in the Laredo area.

It also provided funding support which initiated the University's creation of the D. D. Hachar Honors Program at TAMIU in Fall 2000. This dynamic partnership has provided over $300,000 of scholarship support, making it possible for over 100 students to pursue their higher education dreams at TAMIU.

A native Laredoan and Martin High School graduate, Treviño holds bachelors and masters degrees from the former Texas A&I University-Kingsville.

In addition to his 22-year service as superintendent of Laredo Independent School District (LISD), Treviño was assistant superintendent for instruction, federal projects and administration.

His tenure at LISD brought the development of the Early Childhood Center Program, the Fine Arts and Communications Magnet School and the establishment of the Laredo Education Foundation.

Treviño's service to the community is equally impressive and he has received local, regional, statewide and national recognition for service to groups as diverse as League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the United Way, Jaycees and many others.

Former President Lyndon Johnson named Treviño to serve on the National Advisory Committee for the handicapped and he was named by the University of Maryland to form part of a bi-national committee to address human rights and immigrants.

He is the recipient of American Educators Medal by Freedoms Foundation, the Washington's Birthday Celebration's President's Meritorious Award and Mr. South Texas Award, LULAC Council No. 12's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Boy Scouts' Aztec Distinguished Citizen Award.

For additional information, contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at TAMIU, 326.2180,visit offices located in Killam Library 268, or email pais@tamiu.edu.

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

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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