Brain Power: City, Region’s Best and Brightest Choosing TAMIU for Fall

Laredo - They're among the city's and region's brightest minds, but they have something in common: they're enrolling this Fall at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

This Fall, the University has successfully attracted salutatorians and valedictorians from eight city and area high schools, a record TAMIU administrators say.

Gina González, TAMIU director of Recruitment and School Relations, said she believes this is indicative of the quality programs, scholarships and learning experience the regional University offers for all students.

"We welcome all students to our campus and pride ourselves on the diversity of students we assemble here. This group of students is truly exemplary and forms a student core that will impact our programs and our campus in many ways," González said.

On average, the students are receiving four-year scholarship packages totaling $16,000 or $4000 per year and are also participating in University honors programs such as the D. D. Hachar Program, Sanchez Scholars or President's Scholars.

The students and their high schools are:

Alexander High School

       Daniel Flores- Salutatorian

Bruni High School

       Diana Lynette Soto - Salutatorian

Carrizo Springs High School

       Eliezer Castaneda- Salutatorian

Hebbronville High School

       Eric Montalvo- Valedictorian

Lyndon B. Johnson High School

       Delta Pantoja- Valedictorian

Martin High School

       Rodolfo Morales- Salutatorian

       Oscar Widales- Valedictorian

Nixon High School

       Valerie M. Martínez- Salutatorian

Zapata High School

       Crystal Bustamante- Valedictorian

Eric Montalvo, Hebbronville High School valedictorian and soon to be TAMIU chemistry major, said information provided by a TAMIU dean was critical in his decision.

"I was interested in TAMIU from the beginning but, when Dr. Humberto González (TAMIU Dean, College of Education) went to talk at my school for our National Honor Society ceremonies, he gave us a lot of  information about TAMIU. When he talked about the pre-dental program that TAMIU offered, that's when I knew that I wanted to go to TAMIU," Montalvo said.

Montalvo, the first in his family to seek a Bachelor's degree, said he is looking forward to broadening his self.

"What I'm really looking forward to is broadening myself as a person by learning new things, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures," he said.

Dr. González said students like Montalvo elevate the entire campus experience for all students.

"These students are clearly remarkable minds, but we find they're also remarkably giving, often working with other students in mentoring or other role-modeling capacities to help others. We believe they add an exemplary element that enriches our campus and all our students," González noted.

Fall registration continues through Tuesday, Aug. 30 and classes start Wednesday, Aug. 24. Tuition and fees are due Tuesday, Aug. 23.

An Open House will be held Thursday, Aug. 11 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, room 203. Information will be available on admission requirements, financial aid, graduate programs, degrees and catalog.

Transfer Orientation will be held Monday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Student Center Rotunda.

New Student Orientation will be held Aug. 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Center Rotunda. For more information on transfer and new student orientation, please contact the Office of Student Activities at 326.2280.

Welcome Week will begin Wednesday, Aug. 24 and will run through Friday, Sept. 2. Activities include free Planetarium shows, novelty giveaways, a fashion walk, a magic show, movie night, organizational fairs and intramural fun day.

International Student Orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 12 - 6 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHTC), room 111. Contact the Office of International Student Services at 326.2282 for more information on international student orientation.

For more information on Fall classes at TAMIU, please contact the Registrar's Office at 326.2255, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 168, or click on tamiu.edu/affairs/registrar.

For current schedule information and to register and/or pay online, please visit lasso.tamiu.edu to the Registrar's Office through Friday, July 22.

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