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Posted: 12/02/21

TAMIU Students, Faculty and Staff Recognized at First-Ever Celebration of Community Engagement

 

Mayra Hernandez
Mayra Hernandez, director, Student Conduct and Community Engagement  

Texas A&M International’s (TAMIU) Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement hosted its first-ever Celebration of Community Engagement, recognizing the achievements of TAMIU students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

The in-person recognition ceremony initially took place Nov. 18 and was also livestreamed. Individuals can view the event livestream at hhttps://go.tamiu.edu/community-engage-live. A photo gallery of the event is also available at https://go.tamiu.edu/community-engage-photo

The following individuals were honored during the ceremony:  

Receiving their Trailblazer patches were Mel Arambula, Juan Barrera and Jose Pérez. Trailblazer patches are given to students after completing several engagement opportunities in five different learning dimensions, including Career Development, Civic Leadership, Global Perspective, Health & Wellness and Personal Enrichment.  

This year’s Outstanding Community Engagement Leaders were Martha Laura Medina, financial specialist II and Dr. Lourdes Viloria, associate professor of Education.  

The University’s Athletics Department coaches also nominated a student-athlete from each sport who exemplified service to their community. This year’s Outstanding Community Engagement Leaders were Briana Arredondo (Softball), Mackenzie Catalina (Volleyball), Aurora Chapa (Dance), Sierra Clarke (Women’s Soccer), Jose Esqueda Jr. (Men’s Cross Country), Gabriel Gacovicaj (Men’s Soccer), Robert Steven Grimes (Baseball), Eva Langton (Women’s Basketball), Carolina Mendez (Women’s Golf), Grey Parrish (Men’s Basketball) and Faith Kiprotich (Women’s Cross Country).  

Several student organizations and departments were also lauded for their efforts in assisting Dusty’s Food Pantry, the University’s resource for students facing food insecurity. Through the food pantry, students can receive a temporary supplemental supply of non-perishable goods.  

Lauded for their support of Dusty’s Food Pantry were the American Medical Student Association, Global Medical Brigades, Omega Delta Phi, Sigma Delta Lambda, Student Government Association (SGA) L.O.V.E. Committee, and the Office of Student Counseling Services. 

Additionally, Dusty’s Food Pantry Advocates who were instrumental to the success of the Pantry were also recognized, and included Dr. Peter F. Haruna, professor of Public Administration; Mario López, student; and Diana Valdez, International Engagement program director (Staff). 

Students participating in this semester’s Community Work-Study Program were also commemorated. These students were Michelle Canales (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo), Jatziry García (NeighborWorks Laredo), Leslie Garza (Children’s Advocacy Center), Karina González (Dusty’s Food Pantry), Miriam Jimenez (Junior Achievement of Laredo), Lucia Macias (Keep Laredo Beautiful), Rosa Salinas (Laredo Crime Stoppers), Cynthia San Miguel (Cultural Institute of Mexico) and Daniela Vargas (United Way of Laredo). 

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes students for earning over 100+ community service hours. This year’s honorees are Amanda Amador, Mel Arambula, Jay Arriaga, Juan Barrera, Alynna Benavidez, Jose Chong, Dalia Esquivel, Angelica García, Katia Gómez, Abigail Jimenez, Vanessa Kennion, Lucia Macias, Alyssa Martínez, Yaritza Mendoza, Nancy Ramos, Juan Rocha, Corina Rodríguez, Sara Rodríguez, Alyssa Salazar, Anahi Saldaña, Destiny Sanchez, Maria Vasquez, Astrid Veliz, Ashly Villareal and Nurya Villasenor.  

Also receiving this special recognition was Stephanie Martínez, academic success coordinator. 

Student organizations whose members collectively earned over 100+ community service hours also received a special commendation. This semester’s recipients were the A.R. Sanchez School of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Council, Gen One, the Pre-Law Chapter of the Laredo Webb County Bar Association, Student Conquering Unlimited Achievements through Determination, SGA L.O.V.E Committee and the TAMIU Psychology Organization.  

Earning this semester’s Lifetime Achievement Award was Yaritza Mendoza, a senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. 

As part of the University’s annual “Make A Difference Day,” several individuals who were crucial to the success of the University’s annual day of service received special recognition. These students were Outstanding Civic Leader, Vanessa Kennion and Lucia Macias; Outstanding Team Leader, Jose Chong; and People’s Choice Award, Araceli Vasquez. 

Community partnerships were also celebrated throughout the event. These included existing partnerships with the following organizations: the City of Laredo Manager’s Office, the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Laredo Public Works, the City of Laredo Solid Waste Services, the City of Laredo Environmental Services Department, Keep Laredo Beautiful, the Laredo Rotary Club and the Rio Grande International Study Center. 

For additional information, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement at 956.326.2265, email scce@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Student Center, Suite 226.

To read TAMIU’s 2021 Annual Report or access a downloadable PDF file, go to: https://www.tamiu.edu/annualreport/

 

To preview the Spring Semester at TAMIU, visit: https://go.tamiu.edu/springpreview

Spring Semester face to face classes begin Monday, Jan. 24. Late Registration continues through Jan. 28, 2022.  To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at https://go.tamiu.edu/registration.