TAMIU Junior Chosen for Prestigious Student Scholars Program by the World Affairs Councils of America

A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) student has recently been selected to participate in an upcoming national conference. 

Adalberto González, a junior political science major and current 2025 – 2026 president of the TAMIU Student Government Association (SGA) was chosen to participate in the 2025 World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and National Conference, happening Nov. 18 – 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C. 

González was nominated by Dr. James O’Meara, dean of Global and Community Engagement at the University. 

“I nominated Adalberto because he embodies the very values that define Texas A&M International University: respect for others and their ideas; integrity in thought and action; service to community and world; and excellence in every endeavor. These values are not simply words on a page, they are lived through students like Adalberto, whose leadership and courage reflect the best of who we are. Through the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program, he will engage with national and global thinkers and return with new perspectives that inspire others to think globally and impact locally. This is the essence of our mission at TAMIU: to prepare leaders who see the world not as it is, but as it can be,” said O’Meara. 

The Student Scholars Program offers only 25 undergraduate students from Council communities the opportunity to attend the National Conference at no cost. While in Washington, D.C., students will also attend Scholar Day, an excursion that includes visits to think tanks, embassies, international organizations and more. Through these experiences, students can consider the next steps in both their education and careers.

For González, the opportunity of being chosen as a student scholar is both an honor and privilege. 

“I feel incredibly honored and grateful. Being chosen as a student scholar for the World Affairs Council of America is not just a personal achievement; it feels like a powerful opportunity to continue developing my skills in something I’m passionate about, especially cross-border relations and public policy. It’s very humbling and rewarding to be selected for a program designed to build and connect the next generation of global leaders. This opportunity propels my motivation to represent TAMIU and my community of Laredo at a national level, and I am genuinely excited to network and learn from peers who share this same passion for world affairs,” said González.

González importantly notes that he hopes to learn more about leadership and how that is seen in action.

“I want to learn how leaders are tackling major challenges such as international trade, migration and different issues that I see firsthand every day on our border. I am eager to learn from policymakers and diplomats about their work ethic and strategies that end up changing lives. I hope to bring learning that I can apply directly into my role as the Student Government Association president and in my future professional career,” González emphasized.

In addition to serving as the University’s SGA president, González is a representative on the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a distinguished body within The Texas A&M University System established to represent and advocate for the collective interests of the student body.

González interests focus on advancing initiatives that strengthen student engagement and institutional growth, community service, public speaking, and student leadership.

For more information on the 2025 World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program, visit https://worldaffairscouncils.org/

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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