‘Our Stories, Our Journeys’ Coming to End at TAMIU

Over 4,000 Laredoans and visitors have had a chance to learn about a future president, a revered labor leader and a Nobel-Prize-winning chemist by experiencing “Our Journeys, Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement,” a special exhibition now underway at Texas A&M International University’s Student Center.

The Exhibition, which comes to a close May 12, was developed by the Smithsonian Latino Center. It is open to the public and free of charge. Viewing is possible Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Large group tours can be scheduled at 326.2175.

The Exhibition has proven especially popular with TAMIU students, as well as local high school students. The University’s observance of Latin American Studies Week and its Wednesday presentation of “La Vida Latina,” a campus cultural fair, brought additional visitors to the campus.

The Exhibition includes narratives and portraits of 24 individuals and one extended family that provide a look at the experiences of U.S. Latinos who have made significant contributions to American life.

The exhibition, its national tour and related programs are made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund. Ford Motor Company Fund has also provided support for the exhibition’s presentation in Laredo and for related education programs scheduled at TAMIU and in its service community.

Among the exhibition’s portraits are astronaut Ellen Ochoa, athlete Rebecca Lobo, artist Pepón Osorio, labor leader Dolores Huerta and folklorist Teodoro Vidal. A biographical narrative that includes excerpts from recent oral history interviews complements the portraits.

Others include Nobel Prize-winning chemist Mario Molina and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who recently announced his formation of an exploratory committee to weigh a possible presidential future.

In addition, the Exhibition features the portraits of some of the University’s most accomplished Hispanic Alumni and outlines their contributions to their home community and beyond.

The Smithsonian Latino Center’s mission is to foster understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture using the vast resources of the Smithsonian’s collections, research and public programs, both in Washington and across the United States.

The exhibition’s tour is coordinated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), which has been sharing the wealth of the Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside of Washington, D.C. for more than 50 years.

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 268, click on tamiu.edu or e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu

University office hours are from 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 Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu