A.R. Sánchez Lecture Series Brings Nation's Top Experts to TAMIU

Whether you enjoy politics or literature, Texas A&M International University's 2003-2004 A.R.Sánchez Distinguished Lecture Series promises to stimulate minds with intriguing lectures by nationally recognized top experts.

All lectures are free and open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

The lecture dates, lecturers and their topics are the following:

* Monday, Oct. 13, 2003 -- Dr. Edwin Stanton, professor of Spanish, University of Kentucky -- "Pilgrimage

* Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003 - Gov. Ann Richards, former governor of Texas - "Texas Politics in the 21st Century"

* Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - Dr. Don Graham, J. Frank Dobie Regents Professor of American and English Literature, University of Texas at Austin, "The Kings of Texas"

* Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - Dr. Robert Richardson, "Emerson and Thoreau: Concord's Most Famous Friendship"

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

Under his leadership as chairman, the International Bank of Commerce grew to become the International Bancshares Corporation, with banks in Laredo, Zapata, Houston, San Antonio, the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and the Gulf Coast.

Today, the bank employs more Hispanic men and women in leadership positions than all other Texas banks combined.

A.R. Sánchez 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.

This lecture series is presented through the vision and generosity of Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Sánchez Jr.

For further information on the A.R. Sánchez Distinguished Lecture Series, please contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at 326-2460 or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 429.

With State budget cuts, the University is observing a four-day, 10-hour a day schedule this summer with office hours from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Offices are closed Fridays.