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Posted: 12/03/20

Love of Music and Art Nurtures New Endowment Gift at TAMIU

 

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A lifelong love of art and music and a desire to support programs at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) has prompted the initiation of a new Endowment at TAMIU.

 Named for its benefactor, the $25,000 Rosanne Palacios Endowment offers a way to extend that love of art and music to others, Palacios said.

“I grew up in a home filled with music and art and both have always been core values I proudly share with my family.  No family gathering is complete without someone at the piano, someone on the guitar …and all of us singing along to the wee hours.  Art and artists are also very special to me and in this especially challenging time, I think we all find art to be of comfort.  With this Endowment, I’m hoping to make it possible for others to share in my love of both art and music through programs supporting both at TAMIU,” she explained.

Palacios, who leads the University’s Advancement efforts, has always wanted to create an Endowment.  The passing this summer of her beloved mother, Josette Kahn Palacios, seemed to offer a special way to extend their shared affection for art and music.

“I am a reflection of my family. My mother was a gifted pianist and guitarist, multi-lingual and the absolute life of every party. She was also an alum of the former Laredo State University… and I’m now a part of the TAMIU family, so extending this shared connection with an Endowment seemed like  providence,” Palacios said.

Five years ago, she and her family also created a scholarship fund in their parents’ honor to help TAMIU students.

Dr. James Moyer, associate professor and chair of the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of Fine and Performing Arts, said the Endowment is much appreciated.

“Targeted endowments like this for the fine and performing arts are rare and truly treasured by those fortunate to receive them. We’re looking forward to expanding Rosanne’s vision here through program support that will benefit our students and our community,”  Dr. Moyer explained.

Palacios said that as the year comes to an end, many look for opportunities to give to, honor or recognize others.

“It’s been a year of tremendous challenge for all of us, but we must all look forward in hope.  Whether it’s the gift of an Endowment or any sort of  contribution to benefit others, many feel drawn to give,” she said.

She noted that the end of the year also affords tax advantages for many taxpayers.         

“For example, the Internal Revenue Service has announced a special new provision that allows the deduction of  up to $300 in donations to qualifying charities this year that’s deductible on 2021 taxes,” Palacios said.

IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig shared more on the opportunity recently on the IRS website.

“Our nation's charities are struggling to help those suffering from COVID-19, and many deserving organizations can use all the help they can get. We encourage people to explore this option to help deserving tax-exempt organizations – and the people and causes they serve, " Commissioner Rettig  wrote.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted last spring, includes several temporary tax changes helping charities, including the special $300 deduction designed for those who choose to take the standard deduction, rather than itemize deductions.

For additional information, contact TAMIU’s Office for Institutional Advancement at 956.326.2178.  University office are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

 

Palacios Endowment Gift
Dr. James Moyer, chair of TAMIU's Department of Fine and Performing Arts, meets with Rosanne Palacios in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall to discuss her new Endowment.