300+ Students Expected at TAMIU for ‘STEM’ Day
Over 300 local and area middle and high school students will glimpse into their possible futures at the first Texas A&M International University Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Day this Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. at TAMIU’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium.
Hosted by honorary sponsor Congressman Henry Cuellar (’82, MBA) and the University’s Office of Academic Affairs, the day-long program is designed to introduce students from Laredo, Carrizo Springs, Cotulla and Crystal City to the critical need for future scientists and engineers through a series of STEM-focused activities, exhibits, presentations and workshops at the University.
The event is made possible by generous gifts from gold sponsor Chesapeake Energy Company, bronze sponsor AEP and patron sponsors ConocoPhillips, Toyota and Union Pacific.
In-kind support was provided by the US Department of Education’s STEM-RRG Grant, GEAR Up III and the Educational Excellence Project Title V Cooperative Grant.
Cong. Cuellar said activities like STEM Day are an important investment in the country’s future.
“One of our country’s best guarantees of a vibrant future is a population well educated in the STEM fields. This will help sustain our country’s growth, fuel our entrepreneurship and secure our continued success in the global economy. This gives students from Laredo and our surrounding area a chance to see how they can certainly be a part of that success,” Cuellar said, “I also thank TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck for hosting this event.”
Dr. Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the University was honored to be selected by Cong. Cuellar to host Laredo’s first STEM Day.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for our area’s young people to get hands-on experience in engineering and science and to hear from practicing engineers. We’re honored that Cong. Cuellar has afforded us the opportunity to show students what’s available here at the University, meet our faculty and tour learning and research facilities, and afford them a chance to explore a brighter future through STEM study,” Dr. Arenaz said.
The day begins with students viewing exhibits from 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. in the Student Center (SC) Rotunda. Cong. Cuellar and Arenaz will welcome students with opening ceremonies in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre at 9:30 a.m.
Workshop activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium. Lunch will be provided for students, volunteers and STEM Day organizers from 1-1:45 p.m. in the SC Ballroom.
Exhibits, Planetarium visits and other activities will follow the luncheon with STEM Day ending at 3:50 p.m.
For additional information, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu , visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268 or click on tamiu.edu
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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