x
  
  
Posted: 5/06/10

TAMIU’s D. D. Hachar Honors Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Student Successes

 

TAMIU Logo
 

The 10th Anniversary of the D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust’s support of the Texas A&M International University Honors Program that bears his name is being celebrated with the most fitting measure of his legacy: the May 2010 graduation of 15 Program students.

Graduating in May 14 or 15 Commencement Exercises are: Carlos Cantú, Sandra Contreras, Cindy Cruz, Daniel García, Eric Garza, Maria Gomez, Alissa González, Claudia Guevara, Alejandra Lascurain, Cristina Martínez, Manuel Montes, Sandra Prado, Rosa Ramon, Gabriela Ramos and Nancy Zavala.

Prior to their graduation, the D. D. Hachar Honors Program candidates were honored with a TAMIU reception and an opportunity to welcome new freshman students to the Hachar Honors Program.

The D. D. Hachar Trust has been a longtime partner with TAMIU, establishing the D. D. Hachar Honors Program in Fall of 2000 as the University’s first undergraduate honors experience for gifted students. The competitive program awards qualified students a four-year scholarship including tuition, books, and fees. It is administered by Dr. Carlos E. Cuéllar, TAMIU associate professor of history. He maintains the program’s focus on mentoring bright students as part of a team effort has been crucial.

“The program works because it is a team effort involving BBVA Compass Bank; TAMIU administration and professors that are willing to mentor the dedication and hard work of program students,” Cuéllar noted.

Demetrio David (D.D.) Hachar was a Lebanese immigrant to Laredo whose dedicated worth ethic helped him to overcame early financial disadvantages and attain multiple business successes. To further his generosity and affection for Laredo, he created a trust to provide financial support to educational institutions in the Laredo area.

Since his death in 1978, the Hachar Trust has become one of the largest philanthropic efforts devoted to health and educational opportunities in South Texas. It is managed by Trust members and BBVA Compass Bank and has provided more than $10 million in scholarships to deserving Laredo students.

“Mr. Hachar said it best when he said, ‘with education people do not need outside help. They can help themselves,’ “ said Joaquín Romero, senior vice president with BBVA Compass Bank.

Incoming D. D. Hachar Honors Freshman Class members include Nohemi Basurto, Angela Benavides, Ediel Bernal, Sonia Chapa, Oscar Cortez, Ashley García, Clarissa García, Karime García, Rosario Garza, Roy Gonzales, Sarah Laurel, Lillian Lopez, Armando Molina, Benjamin Morales, Ricardo Pedraza, Gladys Plasencia, Enrique Ramírez, Jessica Rojas, Erika Salazar, Melissa Saucedo, Monica Stahl, Rebecca Soto, Belinda Sotelo, May Tumonong and Mario Vargas.

For more information, contact the University’s Office for Institutional Advancement at 326.GIVE (4483), e-mail candy.hein@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Kilam Library, room 260.

For additional information on the D. D. Hachar Honors program, contact associate director Gerri Laurel at 326.2133, visit offices in Killam Library, room 418, e-mail glaurel@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu/coas/honors

Related Links:
http://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/02-04-10/article2.shtml

Click here for more stories focusing on the service and research accomplishments of the administration, faculty and staff of Texas A&M International University.


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