D & J Alexander Foundation Awards $125,000 in TAMIU Student Scholarships
Some 55 Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students truly have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: they’re recipients of scholarships totaling $125,000 from the D&J Alexander Foundation of Laredo.
President of the Alexander Foundation, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, presented the Awards in special ceremonies Wednesday in the Academic Innovation Center. She said the Awards were a fitting way to honor her beloved Aunt.
"This investment is a life-changer for these students and their families," Senator Zaffirini said, "Helping such an impressive group of seniors and freshmen complete and begin their education, respectively, is a wonderful way to honor the legacy of our beloved Tía Bebe.”
She said that the scholarships empower impact, just as her Aunt impacted the Gateway City.
"Her impact on our City has been profound. After the opening of Texas A&M International University, her ranch was subdivided. It is now the site not only of D & J Alexander Estates, but also of Alexander High School and a Fire Station. What better way to honor her than to invest in the future of students at our neighboring hometown University?,” Senator Zaffirini noted.
Zaffirini added that she realizes that Wednesday’s Awards’ benefit stretches beyond the student recipients.
"As president of the Alexander Foundation, I speak for my fellow officers when I say that we are thrilled to make this gift that will benefit not only 55 scholarship recipients, but also their families and our community," she concluded.
Dr. Minita Ramírez, TAMIU vice president of Student Success, said all of the students being recognized and receiving scholarship awards have demonstrated financial need.
“They span all levels of TAMIU undergraduate classes, including 30 Freshmen, one Sophomore, three Juniors and 21 Seniors. All were in need of assistance. Some are part of our ‘Closer Than Ever’ initiative, which helps stop-out students complete their undergraduate degree,” Dr. Ramirez explained.
TAMIU senior Nursing major Karina Gutiérrez offered a heartfelt perspective for both herself and her fellow student recipients.
“On behalf of all of the recipients of the D&J Alexander Scholarships, I want to thank the Alexander Foundation and especially Senator Zaffirini for making this possible. So many of us work, take care of family and go to school to try and grow professionally. We could not do it without the generous support of people like Senator Zaffirini and the Board of the Alexander Foundation,” Gutiérrez said.
Joining Senator Zaffirini at the ceremony were Foundation Board members Carlos Zaffirini, Al Chapa and David Arredondo.
For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services, 326.2180, or email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
TAMIU is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and its 25th Anniversary at its north Laredo campus throughout 2019-2020. A dedicated website shares the University’s transformation from a hybrid upper-level university to a full doctoral degree-granting University. It includes a calendar of Anniversary events and more at tamiu.edu/50.
For more on the University’s story, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu, follow social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
