TAMIU Grad Accepted to George Bush School of Government and Public Service

Texas A&M International University graduate Juan Gerardo Alfaro has something to celebrate this summer as he was recently accepted by Texas A&M University's George Bush School of Government and Public Service in College Station to pursue a master's degree in international affairs in the Fall.

Alfaro, who in May graduated with an MBA in International Trade from TAMIU, was one of 20 students selected from throughout the country based on prior academic performance, public service activities, work experience, student statements and recommendations, as well as personal characteristics such as motivation and leadership potential. His coursework will include international politics, global economics, international law, world geography, diplomatic history, national security, conflict resolution, and crisis management.

The master's program in international affairs at the Bush School is characterized by small classes, close interaction with faculty, and communication with many distinguished policymakers and visitors. Professors and instructors are drawn from a wide array of fields and agencies including the White House, the Central Information Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Treasury Department, the National Security Council, the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Texas A&M University Graduate School of Business, and other departments at Texas A&M University.

In addition, Alfaro has been named recipient of a President George H. W. Bush Fellowship. These fellowships are awarded to students who best exemplify the combination of academic ability, commitment to public service and leadership potential. They were established in 1996 by an Act of Congress as a tribute to the 41st President of the United States.

Alfaro is a native Laredoan who graduated from Mary Help of Christians School, and J. W. Nixon High School. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Stanford University prior to receiving an MBA from TAMIU.

While at TAMIU, he was a recipient of the Ford Motor Co. Fellowship for studies in international trade, recipient of both a General University Fund Scholarship and a TPEG Resident Scholarship, and was selected as a 2002-2003 Hispanic Scholarship Fund/Lilly Endowment, Inc./New America Alliance scholar.

He is currently a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, the Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Society, the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus where he has served as Grand Knight, District Deputy, and Faithful Navigator.

Alfaro is the son of the late Mr. Adelfo Juan Alfaro, Sr., and Mrs. Brigida R. Alfaro. He cites his parents and his brothers, Dr. Pedro F. Alfaro, Tito H. Alfaro, Esq., and Fernando R. Alfaro, as his source of inspiration.

For further information on Alfaro, please contact Dr. Carlos Cuéllar, assistant professor of history, at 326-2626, e-mail ccuellar@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 421C.

University summer office hours are 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Offices will be closed on Fridays.

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