CenterPoint Energy Foundation Gift Will Help TAMIU’s Engineering Students Forge the Future of South Texas

A generous gift by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation will help Texas A&M International University  (TAMIU) Engineering students forge the future of South Texas through access to specialized, high-performance laptops and robotic training kits.

In a presentation last week, CenterPoint Energy Foundation presented its gift totaling over $56,000 to the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Engineering students and trusted partner and gift steward, the TAMIU Alumni Association.

June Deadrick, CenterPoint Energy Vice President, Community Relations, said that CenterPoint considers this gift an investment in students and an investment in the future of South Texas.

“Education is vitally important to all our futures. We want to open up windows of opportunity, to help students chart a well-lit path to the future, and for these TAMIU engineering students to walk into brighter futures of purpose... in the most dynamic growth industries that will power the future,” Deadrick said.

TAMIU Engineering students at the announcement showed that they’re already keen on that future, demonstrating their newly acquired robotic dog with moves showcasing programming prowess. 

Dr. Christopher Maynard, TAMIU president, lauded the generosity shown by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation.

“Alongside our trusted partners and gift stewards, the TAMIU Alumni Association, we’re enormously proud that the CenterPoint Foundation shares our vision of futures powered by TAMIU. With this generous support, we will provide students with laptops with the powerful processing, high-resolution graphics, and multi-tasking abilities they need to be ready for that brighter future Ms. Deadrick envisions,” Dr. Maynard said.

Deadrick said she was especially impressed by the School of Engineering’s vibrant outreach efforts to young students.

“As part of their commitment to future engineers in South Texas, TAMIU students are actively engaged in Webb County outreach efforts including Laredo Independent School District (LISD), United ISD (UISD) and Boys and Girls Clubs.  They host and participate in regular Robotics Days, Career and Science Fairs, leading robot-building and coding initiatives to help encourage young people to consider and pursue an education or career in STEM studies. We’re delighted to help empower that connection and encourage positive student role models for kids who will no doubt lead the workforce of the future -- and make the communities we proudly serve stronger,” Deadrick said.

Maynard observed that Engineering is an increasingly popular program of study at TAMIU and a key economic driver for the region. 

“Engineering is vital to South Texas and at TAMIU we have seen a dramatic upsurge in student interest, with over 600 students enrolled in the School of Engineering. Just last week, the School announced its first graduate degree program in Engineering, the Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MS SENG), scheduled to begin in Fall 2026,” he noted.

The degree is a 30-credit-hour program that develops advanced technical and analytical expertise in systems design, optimization, and management. Students can pursue one of two concentrations, Data Analytics or Automation, each designed to meet the growing demand for engineers to integrate data, technology, and systems thinking across complex operations. Prospective students and community members can learn more about the Master of Science in Systems Engineering and the application process by visiting the TAMIU Graduate School website.

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities, like Laredo and the South Texas region where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found online at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

Headquartered in Houston the company is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About TAMIU

Texas A&M International University is a nationally ranked, regionally focused University with a rich and proud history of delivering transformative educational opportunities that change the trajectory of its students, their families, and South Texas. Its impactful force is delivered daily by a gifted and global faculty leading 55-degree programs at bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels...all on a dynamic 300-acre residential campus.

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