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Posted: 9/10/10

Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, Sen. Zaffirini, Dignitaries Dedicate TAMIU's $25 Million University Success Center

 

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Texas A&M International University gave a Texas-size welcome to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Texas A&M University System Chancellor Michael McKinney as they visited the University Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, to dedicate its brand new, $25 million University Success Center (USC).

The dignitaries joined TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck in a special dedication ceremony, which also celebrated TAMIU’s enrollment growth over the last 10 years. The event was also attended by Rep. Ryan Guillen, community leaders as well as University faculty, administrators, students and staff.

The USC, made possible by a State funding initiated by Sen. Zaffirini in the 2006 Legislative Session and approved by Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, centralizes essential student services areas under one roof.

Dewhurst said he is pleased to have helped the University accomplish major objectives.

“Each year, Texas A&M International University is helping more and more Texans create a better future for themselves and for our State by providing them a world-class higher education,” Dewhurst said, “With record enrollment and a new University Success Center, TAMIU is poised to provide even greater opportunities for students and I’m proud to have helped the University achieve these important milestones.”

Sen. Zaffirini said she is excited to see the USC come to reality.

"I was delighted to work with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst to secure the $25 million that has made the University Success Center a reality," said Sen. Zaffirini, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, "This facility will allow Texas A&M International University to continue to prioritize student success and excellence in higher education."

Dr. Keck thanked both Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and Sen. Zaffirini for their unyielding support of TAMIU.

“For many years, the State of Texas has pressed all universities to ‘Close the Gaps’ to make education and the great American dream a reality for all Texans,” Dr. Keck said, “The magnificent new University Success Center at TAMIU houses the departments which have already become the gold standard for all student success initiatives.”

“This building and these programs, conceived to assist freshmen make the difficult transition to University life, are both the work of Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.   The building was a tuition revenue bond authorized by the Legislature in 2006, the First Year Success Program a Special Item request by Sen. Zaffirini of our Lieutenant Governor, approved by him at the close of the Legislative Session, 2009.   And in the first year of operation, TAMIU’s Freshman Experience has increased retention of First-Time Freshmen from 63% to 75%. David Dewhurst has proven to be the enduring and steadfast friend to all South Texans,” Dr. Keck said.

The USC will serve as a one-stop shop for current and prospective students who will be able to access needed services to apply for admission, take placement exams, register for classes, apply for financial aid, request transcripts, pay for classes, buy books and obtain academic counseling services all in one location.

Units housed in the Center will include Recruitment and School Relations, Testing Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, Advising and Mentoring Center, University College, Campus Card Services, Bursar’s office, Student Counseling Services, Student Success and Bookstore.

Building architects were PBS&J Architects and the contractor SpawGlass Construction Company.

TAMIU has recently celebrated its 15th anniversary on the campus and its 40th anniversary as an institution of higher learning.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180.


 

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