TAMIU Students Receive Special Olympics of TX Outstanding Service Award

Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) College of Education students added a new accomplishment to the University students’ growing number of volunteer service hours as they recently received special recognition from the Special Olympics of Texas (SOTX).

The students, primarily those in the TAMIU Special Education and Communication Disorders programs, were selected for the Outstanding Service Award from a Civic or Service Organization for SOTX.

The students will be recognized during an SOTX Banquet in College Station Oct. 17.

“Our students have won several local awards, including first place in fundraising at the Polar Plunge and outstanding service awards over the past three years,” said Dr. Randel Brown, TAMIU associate professor of education and long-time Special Olympics volunteer.

The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser for SOTX-Laredo and monies raised provide year-round sports training and competitions for 1,409 Special Olympics athletes here.
 Students worked hard to support Special Olympics during the past several years, Dr. Brown said.

“They were involved in many different events including the Special Olympics fall and spring games,” he said, “This past year alone, they raised over $3,000 to assist local Special Olympics athletes attending state games events.”

Brown said the recent Award brings recognition to TAMIU at the state level.

“I’m very proud of what they (students) have done,” he said, “We were nominated by our local Area 21 Special Olympics office. There were over 140 nominations in this completion and our students were selected at the top.”

TAMIU, an SOTX supporter since 1997, earned its second Outstanding Service from a Civic-Service Organization Award (2012) from the Organization. Over the last 17 years, the University has provided numerous volunteers and fundraising support for SOTX in the Laredo area. TAMIU professors encourage students to give back to the athletes in the community by embracing their talents and showing support through volunteer hours.

SOTX is a privately funded, non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 51,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.

The Award comes at the same time TAMIU was named an approved, certifying organization for The President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The Award is the premier volunteer awards program encouraging U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States through presidential recognition to live a life of service.

Since 2010, TAMIU students have given over 50,000 service hours, making a lasting difference in the lives of people of all ages.

For more information, please contact Dr. Brown at 326.2679, e-mail brown@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 432A.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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