Scholarships for TAMIU Graduate Students Now Made Available By LBV Educational Fund

Texas A&M International University graduate students now have the opportunity to apply for scholarships thanks to the Lamar Bruni Vergara Educational Fund. The LBV Educational Fund provides scholarships, assistantships and GRE/GMAT reimbursements to students who qualify.

The Educational Fund plans to award nearly $300,000 next school year, said Dr. Jeffrey Brown, director of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and associate professor of Psychology.

“That amount breaks down to more than 250 GRE/GMAT reimbursements, up to 96 scholarships for $1,500 and seven assistantships. After 2005 – 2006, the Fund will award roughly $472,000. That amount will provide approximately 325 GRE/GMAT reimbursements, 66 scholarships and 26 assistantships,” he explained.

Scholarships pay tuition up to $1,500 a year ($500 per semester, including summer). To qualify for a scholarship, students must be a fully admitted graduate student working towards a master’s or doctoral degree, enroll in six graduate hours each semester (or summer) that scholarship is awarded and maintain a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5. Application deadline is July 1.

In addition to scholarships, the Fund also provides money for assistantships.

An assistantship is a financial award to a graduate student for part-time work (15 or 19 hours per week) in teaching or research while pursuing an advanced degree. Graduate Assistant awards provide up to $9,100 per year.

To be eligible, students must be fully admitted graduate students working towards a master’s or doctoral degree, enroll in six graduate hours each semester (or summer) while employed as a graduate assistant, and maintain an overall GPA of 3.5. Application deadline is July 1.

GRE/GMAT reimbursements are also available to prospective TAMIU students, but recipients are required to pay for the initial cost.

Once enrolled at TAMIU, the Office of Graduate Studies will reimburse the student for the GRE/GMAT expenses. To qualify for reimbursement, the student must be a fully admitted graduate student working towards a master’s or doctoral degree.

To download an application, visit the Office of Graduate Studies at tamiu.edu/gradschool.

The Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust was established in 1989. The legacy of its namesake continues through the enhancement of the Catholic Church, education and health institutions, and numerous local social service organizations.

After the Laredoan’s death, a Trust was formed to provide continuous support of the social, religious, health and educational initiatives of the community. It has provided gifts and support for the Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing and its programs, student scholarships, faculty research, the Lamar Bruni Vergara Memorial Garden, and most recently, the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium. Trustees are Joe Martin Jr. and Judge Solomon Casseb Jr.

For additional information, contact Dr. Brown at 326.3020, e-mail graduateschool@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library 332.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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