2004 - 2005 Sánchez Lecture Series Begins Monday, Sept. 20

The 2004-2005 A.R. Sánchez Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series, presented by Texas A&M International University's College of Arts and Sciences, will begin Monday with a discussion of Homeland Security, presented by a uniquely qualified individual.

Funded by the A.R. Sánchez Foundation, the four lectures in the series are free and open to the public and will take place on their respective evenings at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

Dr. Robert M. Gates, 22nd president of Texas A&M University-College Station, will discuss "Homeland Security in the 21st Century." Dr. Gates was the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1991 to 1993 and is the only career officer in the Central Intelligence Agency's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director.

He joined the CIA in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional, serving six presidents. He was Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at The White House under President George H.W. Bush.

Dr. Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal and the Presidential Citizen's Medal; has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal; and has three times received CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

The remaining schedule is as follows:

October 21, 2004 Dr. Rodolfo O. de la Garza "The Latino Vote in the United States."

March 29, 2005 Dr. Kenneth Miller "Finding Darwin's God."

April 12, 2005 Dr. Firouz Naderi "Exploring Mars."

For additional information on the A. R. Sánchez, Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series, please contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at 956.326.2460.

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