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Posted: 11/25/08

Cong. Chet Edwards to Address TAMIU Grads Dec. 13

 

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Two Fall Commencement Exercises for Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will be held Saturday, Dec. 13.

With one of the largest graduating classes in TAMIU’s history, the ceremony will be divided—one ceremony at 10 a.m. for students graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education, and a second taking place at 3 p.m. for the A. R. Sanchez School of Business and College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Both will take place outdoors on the University green. In the event of inclement weather, ceremonies will move into the Kinesiology and Convocation Building.

The morning Exercise will feature a Commencement Address by Congressman Chet Edwards (D)-17th District.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, who commanded group troops in Iraq from 2003-2004, will provide the Commencement Address for the afternoon ceremony.

Congressman Edwards represents portions of North Texas, Central Texas and the Brazos Valley in Washington. Since first elected to the United States Congress in 1990, Cong. Edwards has gained seniority and influence and is now one of only 8 House members to serve as a senior member on both the powerful House Budget and the Appropriations Committees. He also serves on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, co-chair of the House Army Caucus, and the USO Congressional Caucus.

As Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Edwards is known as a national champion for America’s veterans, troops, and their families. Since 2007, he has authored an historic $16.3 billion increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the history of the Veterans Administration, and a larger increase in two years than the previous 12 years combined in Congress. This year, both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars recognized Edwards’ leadership with national awards given to only one member of Congress.

During his 18-year tenure in Congress, including 11 years of seniority on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Edwards has developed a reputation for working hard and effectively for his Central Texas constituents. This is the result of his commitment to protecting jobs and the local economy by making vital federal investments in key education, health, transportation, and water programs in his District. Securing important federal investments for Fort Hood, the Central Texas Veterans’ Health Care System, and university research programs at Baylor and Texas A&M universities are also a primary focus of his work in Washington.

A native of Rio Grande City, Lt. Gen. Sanchez rose from humble beginnings to become the Army’s highest-ranking Hispanic officer.

Since retirement, he has written “Wiser in Battle: A Soldier's Story,” that details his rise from an impoverished Texas childhood to highest-ranking Hispanic officer in the Army. The autobiography also offers his blunt and eye-opening assessment of the war in Iraq.

For additional information on Fall Commencement at TAMIU, call the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu, or click on tamiu.edu.

A comprehensive micro Web site for University students specific to TAMIU 2008 Commencement is available at tamiu.edu/commencement


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