TAMIU Readies to Name ‘Mr. and Ms. TAMIU’

In an effort to better recognize Texas A&M International University students who embody “Dustdevil” spirit, two TAMIU students will be selected by their peers as “Mr. and Ms. TAMIU” this spring.

Jerry Alva, director of Student Affairs, who helped students to develop the initiative, explained the effort’s process and goal.

“Our group worked hand-in-hand with various on-campus departments and student organizations to develop a ‘Mr. and Ms. TAMIU.’ Students agreed from the inception that this would not be a contest focused on appearance, but rather on two students who best exemplify a commitment to the Institution, and have an interest in promoting the University through academic excellence, student involvement and school pride,” Alva explained.

This past fall, students were nominated by faculty, staff or student organizations to participate in the selection. Nominees completed an intensive interview process with a University-wide panel including alumni, faculty, staff and students. Six finalists advanced to ballot selection. An online election takes place Jan. 24-Jan. 26 for currently enrolled students.

Student finalists selected are Alvaro Aguirre, junior political science major; Andrea Beattie, senior political science; Diana Galindo, junior communication disorders major; Triana Gonzalez, junior English major; Juan Ortiz, junior business administration major and Erik Villa, sophomore business administration major.

The election of “Mr. and Ms. TAMIU” will coincide with the launch of TAMIU’s Spirit Week, dedicated to the celebration of student life and school pride.

Students elected for the honor will be announced in a special ceremony taking place on Jan. 27, 2011, between scheduled Men’s and Women’s Dustdevil Basketball games in the Kinesiology-Convocation Building.

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 956.326.2280, or visit www.tamiu.edu/studentaffairs

Classes for the Spring Semester begin Jan. 18. Registration information is available online, 24/7 at tamiu.edu

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