New TAMIU Business Technology Center Gift of the A. R. “Tony” And Maria J. Sanchez Family Foundation

Texas A&M International University’s new Business Technology Center, dedicated in ceremonies Thursday, places the world of financial information at students' fingertips in milliseconds, bringing business pedagogy to a new level at TAMIU’s College of Business Administration.

The Center, located in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, is a gift of The A. R. “Tony“ and Maria J. Sanchez Family Foundation.

“It's phenomenal,” enthused Dr. Jack So, dean of the College of Business Administration, “the Center is a state-of-the-art virtual and digital 'smart' classroom that strategically deploys technology in innovative learning and research applications. The technology and its use provides access to rich, real-time business data that supports global business pedagogy,” Dr. So explained.

TAMIU’s Dr. Jorge Brusa, assistant professor of finance, and Prasad Vemall, a TAMIU Ph.D. student, demonstrated the Center’s capabilities for visitors.

TAMIU provost and vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Dan Jones, said the Gift makes possible the College’s growth in teaching, learning, and research arenas.

“With this Center, we now apply e-learning principles to business education, make possible a remote-access educational facility for our online business programs, such as those we have developed with Egypt and China; better prepare our students for job opportunities in the business sector and enhance our faculty research and professional development programs,” Dr. Jones said.

Tony Sanchez, on hand for the opening, said the Gift is an extension of the A. R. “Tony" and Maria J. Sanchez Family Foundation's commitment to effecting social change and improving the quality of life for south Texas border residents.

“Our Foundation does this by dedicating time and resources to strengthening our state, and nation, through the advancement of higher education for Hispanic-Americans along the border.  This Business Technology Center is an extension of that commitment. We are happy to be able to support TAMIU student and faculty research, through this state-of-the-art facility,” Sanchez said.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said this latest Gift from the Sanchez Foundation also extends a legacy of partnership with the University.

“This is yet another example of their generosity and visionary support for our campus and programs.  The Family Foundation has made possible remarkable opportunities for our students and the University community, as a whole, through their support of the A. R. Sánchez Distinguished Lecture Series, now in its 10th year; the Sanchez Scholars program and on-going scholarship and program support.  We are truly blessed by this Gift and our students and faculty will benefit for years to come,” Keck noted.

The Business Technology Center (BTC) is equipped with an impressive variety of computer and telecommunications software including three plasma flat-screen monitors, 36 wireless laptop computers, 18 microphones for audience and students, three sensors that track speakers on local and distant sites and 3 Bloomberg-linked workstations.

Among courses that the BTC will impact are offerings in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, Marketing, MIS and Production.

For additional information on the Business Technology Center, contact the Office of the Dean, Dr. Jacky So, at 956.326.2480, visit offices in the WHTC 203, or e-mail jso@tamiu.edu

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