Salinas Gift Brings $2 Million to TAMIU

The first large response to a matching challenge grant at Texas A&M International University will see a new $1 million gift to the University doubled to $2 million.

The gift is from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust and will support the University’s A. R. Sánchez Jr. School of Business’ programming, activities and improvements and includes three naming opportunities for classrooms that will honor Roberto M. and Beatriz S. Benavides.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said the gift is a catalyst for improvement.

“This gift will act as a catalyst, accelerating the University’s growth and its move to its next level of excellence. With the matching challenge further powering this gift, the University’s greatness can continue for generations to come,” Dr. Keck explained.

Javier Santos, Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust spokesperson, said the Trust was fortunate to be able to help Laredo’s University to grow and excel.

“The Trust feels fortunate to be able to help our hometown University to grow and accelerate its excellence. Laredo is blessed to have this higher education avenue available to all and we are happy to be able to help our University succeed. The ability to match our gift and double its impact was especially attractive to us,” Santos explained.

The match was made possible by The A.R. “Tony” and María J. Sánchez Family Foundation which effectively doubles donations made to the University over $25,000. For example, a $500,000 gift would become $1 million, a $1 million gift $2 million, etc.

Keck said an investment in TAMIU is an investment in a brighter future for Laredo that helps to maximize State and other philanthropic support.

“Through strategic program delivery, research and service this University lights the way to our community’s economic, intellectual and physical growth. While the University is aggressively assisted by the State of Texas and graciously supported by many private philanthropists, like the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust and The Sánchez Family Foundation, its growth brings unfunded needs. We greatly appreciate the philanthropic partnerships which help us to address these needs,” he explained.

The Sánchez Family has played a pivotal role in the University’s development and has underwritten a number of initiatives that have greatly improved the quality of life for numerous South Texas residents.

For additional information on the University’s challenge matching grant, contact the University’s Office for Institutional Advancement at 956.326.2175, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 261, click on www.tamiu.edu/adminis/vpia/ or e-mail chein@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