TAMIU Launches International Fellows with Gift from Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation

Texas A&M International University students will have an opportunity to study abroad thanks to a generous gift from the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation.

Shirley Gonzalez, Foundation Board member, explained that the $150,000 gift represents an especially strong interest to assist TAMIU students by the late Guadalupe Martinez. Martinez passed away this Spring after a lifelong tradition of local and regional philanthropy. (photo)

“This was an especially dear initiative to him and he was very focused on its creation for TAMIU students.  While he believed in education at all levels, he thought this program would offer Webb and Zapata County residents attending TAMIU a remarkable opportunity to see and study the world and bring back their learnings for the benefit of the local communities,” Gonzalez said.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said the University was honored to be able to help the Foundation to realize the Martinez’ wishes.

“We are, of course, saddened that Mr. Martinez and his wife did not have an opportunity to meet these students and hear of their journeys. Some of them are already realizing the possibilities that their Foundation’s gift has made real.  We are confident that the Martinez’ would be very happy for them and the students who will follow them,” Dr. Keck said.

This summer, eight students were named Guadalupie and Lila Martinez International Fellows.  Four are already abroad in France.

The Fellows are:
         Abby Ayala, senior, College of Business Administration (France)
         Omar Garcia, sophomore, College of Arts and Sciences (France)
         Marco Hernandez, senior, College of Business Administration (France)
         Mary Koch, senior, College of Arts and Sciences (United Kingdom)
         Gustavo Martinez, junior, College of Business Administration (France)
         Luz Martinez, junior, College of Arts and Sciences (France)
         Viridiana Paramo, senior, College of Business Administration (France)
         Brittany Witt, senior, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing (Mexico).

The Gift, administered by the Foundation, provides funding for three years.  At TAMIU, it is directed by University faculty and the Division of International Programs.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jaime Ortiz, assistant vice president for international programs, in the Division of International Programs at 956.326.3068, visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall 303, e-mail jortiz@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu/dip

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

Registration for Summer Session II and Fall 2006 classes is underway. Summer Session II Classes begin Monday, July 10, 2006.

Fall Classes begin Monday, August 28.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu