TAMIU SIFE Named Regional Champs, Advance to National

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) took top honors in two regional competitions and are preparing to represent the University at two upcoming national competitions.

Earlier this week, the group competed in the SIFE regional competition held in Dallas and were named regional champion, beating out 50 other groups.

“SIFE presented seven projects which focused on the 2009/10 academic year. The goal was to implement sustainable programs which focused on market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, environmental sustainability and business ethics,” explained Gerardo Alva, director, Office of Student Affairs.

For those seven projects, TAMIU SIFE invested more than 1,500 hours and impacted more than 62,000 individuals.

Students who competed in Dallas include Miguel Chávez, Holly Herrera, Edwin Martínez, Linda Mercado, Kesia B. Rodríguez and Yuri Robles. Sponsors include Sam Walton Fellows Dr. Andres Rivas and Dr. Robert Evans and Juan G. Garcia Jr.

The group will compete in Minneapolis, Minn., in May for the national championship.

TAMIU SIFE was also named regional champion at the “Sam’s Environmental Challenge,” sponsored by Sam’s Club – Laredo.

“SIFE worked with El Mesón de San Agustín and Alicia Ruiz Elementary for the ‘I-TransGreen Project.’ The Project focused on helping the two groups become more environmentally friendly and adopt cost-saving measures.

“SIFE spent more than 200 volunteer hours on the project and assisted in a cost savings of more than $500 a month for El Mesón and an average of $25 a month for families participating through Alicia Ruiz Elementary,” added Alva.

The group will compete in the national championship April 22-23 in Bentonville, Ark., at Sam’s World headquarters.

TAMIU SIFE was founded in 2004 with seven charter members. Today the team is comprised of 21 members representing eight different majors and four countries, with a business advisory board which includes 14 community leaders and executives.

TAMIU SIFE prepares its members for leadership roles through participation in equality programs that make use of Laredo’s border location to create innovative projects that empower, educate, and enhance the quality of life of our culturally diverse community.

For more information on TAMIU SIFE, contact Dr. Rivas at arivas@tamiu.edu or 326.2484.

For more information on student organizations at TAMIU, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 326.2280 or student_activities@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Student Center, room 226.

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