State Leaders Coming to TAMIU’s Zaffirini Center Dedication Next Thursday

The State’s top leaders will come to Laredo Thursday, Sept. 20  to celebrate the formal dedication of Texas A&M International University’s Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center.

Scheduled to attend are Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.  The Texas A&M University System Chancellor, John Sharp, will be joined by members of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.  They will be welcomed by TAMIIU students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the building’s lobby.  The public is welcome to attend.

TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck has said that the dedication is most fitting in light of Senator Zaffirini’s legacy of supporting higher education at TAMIU and across the State.

“She knows education.  She is herself a product of a remarkable education. She maintains a laser-focus on TAMIU and is deeply engaged in the life of our institution and our students.  From helping to secure legislative funding to helping us to attract critical student scholarship support, she is front and center.  Her tireless advocacy and leadership have been pivotal in TAMIU becoming a major regional university of choice.  

“Likewise, her role on the Senate’s Higher Education Committee has given her a substantial responsibility for education statewide which she discharges with deep commitment and resolve.  What better building to have her name associated with than one that dedicates itself, like her, to student success?,” he has observed.

A&M Chancellor Sharp, both a former colleague and friend of the Senator, said he was honored to help celebrate the naming of the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center.

“There is no bigger champion of higher education in our State than Senator Zaffirini and certainly no larger influence on the campus of Texas A&M International University. This recognition is a tribute to her work for students and our immense gratitude to her,”  Chancellor Sharp has said.

Made possible by State funding initiated by Sen. Zaffirini in the 2006 Legislative Session and approved by Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, the Zaffirini Student Success Center centralizes essential student services areas under one roof.

Current and prospective students can apply for admission, take placement exams, register for classes, explore financial aid, request transcripts, pay for classes, buy books and obtain academic counseling services, all in one location. 

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

The light-filled information mall with storefront-style offices is also one of the area’s leading examples of energy efficient design and architecture.  It was constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.  The Center features solar panels and electric car charging stations.

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 268 or click on tamiu.edu

University information is also available on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and via free download of the University’s smartphone and tablet app from 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