Children, Families Focus of TAMIU’s 40th Birthday Bash Saturday

“Dusty” is having a party and you’re invited!

The popular mascot for Texas A&M International University is encouraging children and their families to attend TAMIU’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Birthday Party Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the University campus.

Enjoy carnival-style games and activities including face painting, moonwalks, a Guitar Hero Competition and Nintendo Wii games. TAMIU’s Athletic Department will also provide soccer and basketball games for children.

Most activities are free. The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium will present “Ice Worlds” for $4 per person.

Gerardo Pérez, chair of the TAMIU Birthday Party organizing committee, said that the event, open to the community, serves as an opportunity for families to visit TAMIU and celebrate the University’s 40th Anniversary.

“We welcome the entire community to the TAMIU Birthday Party, especially families so that they can visit our campus and experience what we have to offer,” Pérez said, “Dusty will be celebrating with a special birthday cake and we will also make several presentations on how to prepare children for University. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion.”

The schedule of events is as follows:

• 10 a.m. – Start of all activities (soccer, basketball, softball, moonwalks, Wii, Rock Band). Also, Planetarium show, “The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather.”
• 10:30 a.m. – “How to Prepare Kids for University” presentation and picture opportunity with Dusty. Also, Planetarium show, “Ice Worlds.”
• 11 a.m. – “How to Prepare Kids for University” presentation and picture opportunity with Dusty. Also, Planetarium show, “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.”
• 11:30 a.m. – “How to Prepare Kids for University” presentation and picture opportunity with Dusty. Also, Planetarium show, “Ice Worlds.”
• 12 p.m. – “How to Prepare Kids for University” presentation and picture opportunity with Dusty. Also, Planetarium show, “Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef.”
• 12:30 p.m. – Soccer, basketball, softball and parade with TAMIU Dustdevil Band, mascots and kids.
• 12:45 p.m. – Group picture of children with Dusty and cake.
• 1 p.m. – Mascot Challenge Tug-of-War.
• 1:15 p.m. – Piñata Breaking. Kids will be given goody bags after they hit piñata.
• 1:30 p.m. – Planetarium show, “Ice Worlds.”
• 2 p.m. – Planetarium show, “Ice Worlds.”
• 2:30 p.m. – Planetarium show, “Ice Worlds.”

For more information, please contact Pérez at 326.2606, e-mail gaperez@tamiu.edu or visit Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, room 385A.

University office hours are 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