TAMIU’s Keck Named Honorary Chair of March for Babies

More than one in seven Laredo babies will be born premature this year, and higher education leader Dr. Ray M. Keck is working with the March of Dimes’ March for Babies to change this, one step at a time.

Dr. Keck, president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), is the 2010 March for Babies Honorary Chair and will lead the March, scheduled Saturday, May 22 at TAMIU. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and walk starts at 9 a.m.

As both a parent and recent grandparent, Keck has taken on the role to raise awareness and important funding to provide for babies who are born premature or with birth defects. He said he is committed to helping Laredo raise $150,000 for this year’s event.

“The March for Babies, the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, helps fund life-saving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Last year’s event raised over $175,000. We hope to raise even more by focusing on new revenue and helping to raise awareness in the area,” Keck said.

Anyone interested in starting a team with co-workers, family or friends and being a part of the 2010 March for Babies can do so by visiting www.marchforbabies.org. Last year, more than 800 people participated.

Keck noted that the opportunity to lead the March as Honorary Chair is especially dear to his heart as a father, grandfather and Laredoan.

“As a proud Laredoan, this campaign provides a special opportunity to help the community that I love. As both father and grandfather, I can’t think of a more important cause than our babies. Too many of our children are born premature and that’s just not acceptable. Our goal is that every one of our babies is born healthy – it can be a reality, but it takes all leaders in our community working together to make it happen,” he explained.

In addition to being president at one of Texas’ fastest growing universities, Keck is an accomplished organist, author and Spanish language researcher and has a passion for local history and culture. Active in the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, he served as “George Washington” in 2009 and was also named honorary President of the Republic of the Rio Grande by the Webb County Heritage Foundation in 2002 and 2003.

Luís García, Division Director for the March of Dimes’ Texas Chapter, said the group is excited to have the partnership of Dr. Keck in this year’s event.

“We’re so excited to have Dr. Keck on board to help us at a local level,” said, “His passion for the cause and commitment to helping our babies will be a huge driving factor in the success of our event. We are grateful for the time and support he’s able to lend us.”

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

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