TAMIU Benefits from $500,000 Gift from De Llano Trust

Texas A&M International University's Ph.D. program in International Trade, TAMIU's first, is the primary beneficiary of the first major gift from the Matias De Llano Charitable Trust administered by International Bank of Commerce in Laredo (IBC).

The De Llano Charitable Trust pledged $500,000 for an endowment for the University's Ph.D. program and presented the first $100,000 installment in ceremonies at TAMIU Wednesday.

University representatives were joined by IBC and Trust officers as well as current students in the Ph.D. program which launched this Fall. The income from the endowed gift will be used for student scholarships.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, lauded the Trust's initial gift and thanked Trust representatives.

"For any University considering a new program of this magnitude, funding is a tremendous concern. This remarkable initial gift from the Trust will truly help this program and our students to reach their goals," Dr. Keck said.

IBC president Dennis Nixon, on behalf of the Trust committee, said that the Trust is keenly interested in the success of the program and its students because it defines Laredo's role as a leading international trade community.

"We are proud to be able to honor the life and legacy of Laredo-born businessman and philanthropist Matias De Llano by providing support to a program which we feel has profound relevance in a city and region that flourishes through international trade. The Trust's commitment to this program and its students is a powerful endorsement of the program. We believe this gift truly honors his legacy," Nixon said.

Matias de Llano was born in Laredo, Texas in 1918 to Mr. and Mrs. Matias de Llano. One of eight children, he attended Laredo Schools, as well as New Mexico Military Academy. A veteran of World War II, he was married early in his life for a brief period.

His father was the founder of the Texas Hat Company, at one time one of the largest manufacturers of straw hats in the country. De Llano was employed by the Hat Company for many years. He had a zest for life, and for helping the disadvantaged. He contributed to many causes, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Catholic Diocese, and many other charitable organizations. Laredo's Matias de Llano Elementary School was built and named in his honor.

De Llano enjoyed many close friendships, including his beloved nieces and nephews, and others. He often claimed his favorite sport was being with his friends and enjoying life. The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust was established on April 1, 2003, under the Last Will and Testament of Matias De Llano. De Llano appointed IBC as sole Trustee of his Trust.

De Llano directed that the Trust continue his legacy by helping the community that he lived in and loved. He was especially interested in the Trust assisting the needy, children and the less fortunate.

The Trust intends to maintain the corpus of the Trust while distributing the annual income to charitable organizations in the Laredo area for many years to come.

On hand for the announcement from IBC and the Trust were Nixon, Imelda Navarro (TAMIU '81), Dan Hastings, Jr., Peggy Newman, Leonardo Salinas, Eddie Farias (TAMIU '73) and Eliza Gonzalez.

University representatives included Dr. Keck, Dr. Dan Jones, vice president and provost; Dr. Jacky So, dean, College of Business Administration; Dr. Tagi Sagafi-nejad, director of the Ph.D. program; and local Ph.D. students Alicia Cavazos and Eli Gonzalez-Trejo.

For additional information, contact Candy Hein at 326.2175, visit offices in the Killam Library 262 or e-mail chein@tamiu.edu

IBC is a $9.3 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with over 160 facilities and over 250 ATMs serving more than 70 communities in Texas and Oklahoma.