TAMIU Professor’s Volunteer Efforts Recognized by Special Olympics

The volunteer Special Olympics efforts of Dr. Randel D. Brown, Texas A&M International University associate professor and director of Special Education, were recently spotlighted by Special Olympics Texas.  Dr. Brown has volunteered for the group since 1998.

“It’s not fair that only I receive recognition for helping with the Special Olympics; really it’s the volunteers that are the big help. I’m just supporting the idea behind all these caring people; they’re the ones that put in all the work,” Brown said modestly.

“Dr. Brown’s commitment and to Special Olympics Texas is something that is evident every competition and we continue to thank him for his dedication to our organization,” said Maribel Santoya, local Special Olympics director.

Through Dr. Brown’s recruitment efforts, 70 volunteers assisted in the three-day spring event, leading to his selection in the Program’s Volunteer Spotlight.

“I don’t coerce the students to volunteer with extra credit of any sort. I believe it’s important for us as a society to think about giving back, and I remind them of this. They then show up and bring their friends to help,” Brown said.

Also interim chair of his department, Brown has instilled the value of helping others to such degree that his students are now participating in fundraising for Special Olympics Texas through the annual Polar Plunge.

The Polar Plunge is held every February to help fundraise for Special Olympics Texas. Participants dive into cold water for the pledges donated to Special Olympics Texas.

Brown’s group of volunteers raised approximately $700 from the past Polar Plunge and he is challenging his volunteers and Laredo to raise more through the upcoming Polar Plunge scheduled for Feb. 16, 2013.

For more information about Special Olympics Texas or to volunteer, call Maribel Santoya at 956.712.2144 or e-mail at msantoya@sotx.org

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