TAMIU Launches Memorial Scholarship Honoring Late Alum, Educator Buckley

The life of beloved local science educator Esther Buckley, who recently passed away in a tragic car accident, will be honored with a special Memorial Scholarship in her name at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), where she earned her Master’s degree in 1975.

TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck said that University administrators and faculty members met this week and recalled Buckley’s passion for education and her commitment to her students.

“We thought it would be a fitting way to honor a remarkable educator and, in turn, help to make an important difference in the lives of other students seeking to complete their higher education at TAMIU.  Esther was a Lifetime Member of the TAMIU Alumni Association and was our 3000th student to enroll in 1998.  She was a role model to so many students and fellow educators.  Her passing leaves a tremendous void, ” Dr. Keck said.

Keck also noted that many of her and late husband Elmer Buckley’s children also earned degrees at TAMIU.

Candy Hein, TAMIU vice president for institutional advancement, said the Esther Buckley Memorial Scholarship helps to recognize and extend the educator’s legacy.

 “Hers is a legacy that should be recognized and, through this Memorial Gift, carried forward,”  Hein observed.

Buckley graduated from Martin High School in 1963 and attended the University of Texas at Austin, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude. In 1975, she earned a Masters of Science in Secondary Education with a certificate in Supervision from then-Texas A&I University at Laredo. At the time of her death, she was in progress on a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University at College Station.

Donations to the Esther Buckley Memorial Scholarship can be made in any amount and can be accomplished entirely online at https://secure.touchnet.com/C20208_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=611

Gifts can also be provided in cash or check and directed to Candy Hein, TAMIU, 5201 University Boulevard, KL-261, Laredo, TX 78041.

For additional information, contact Hein at 956.326.GIVE (4483) or email candy.hein@tamiu.edu

University information is also online at tamiu.edu, on Facebook and Twitter and via the University’s free smartphone and tablet app, available for free download 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