TAMIU Celebrates Upcoming Investiture of President Maynard with Inauguration Week Festivities

Join the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) community for a week of celebration marking the historic Investiture of Dr. Christopher Maynard as TAMIU’s seventh President. Inauguration Week runs from Sept. 14–18, 2026, and features academic, cultural, athletic, and community events across campus.

Activities are free and open to students, faculty, staff and the public. Upcoming events include:

Monday, Sept. 14

• Kickoff Ceremony at 11:45 a.m., Student Center (STC) Green – Join members of our campus community for Maroon Monday and help launch the festivities.
• Student Film Festival at 5:30 p.m., STC, room 236 – The celebration continues with a student film fest showcasing the talent and creativity of University filmmakers and original works reflecting varied voices and perspectives.
• Stories That Shape Us: A Celebration of Storytelling through the Arts at 7 p.m., STC Ballroom - The evening concludes with a curated conversation with filmmaker Alfonso Gómez-Rejón. Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, on the US/Mexico border, he received his BFA from NYU and his MFA from the American Film Institute. His directorial debut was The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014), followed by Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) and The Current War (2017). His television credits include Glee (2010-2012), American Horror Story (2011-2014), and Hunters (2020).

Tuesday, Sept. 15

• The Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHTC) Building Extension at 3 p.m. – The extension, home to the University’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, adds approximately 26,000 square feet of office, classroom, instructional, and research laboratory space.
• All Majors Networking Event, 5–8 p.m., WHTC, Room 111 and Foyer - Students from all academic disciplines are invited to connect with alumni, faculty, and industry professionals and explore career pathways and professional relationships.
• Dustdevils Volleyball Match, 6 p.m. in the Kinesiology-Convocation Building – Dustdevils will take the court in a spirited game against Dallas Baptist University. Fans are encouraged to join the Maroon Mob and show their school spirit. Commemorative rally towels are available while supplies last.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

• El Grito Celebration, 4 p.m. in the STC Patio – Join our campus community in celebrating Hispanic heritage and the spirit of Mexican Independence Day during this cherished campus tradition. The event includes music, food, and fun for all.
• IBC Bank and Commerce Bank Keynote Speaker Series: “AI and the Future of Work: What It Means for Laredo - and for You” by Jack Shaw, 6 p.m., STC Ballroom - Shaw helps leaders and emerging professionals understand what artificial intelligence can do now, where it is headed, and how to turn it into practical advantage. His work spans nearly four decades in technology and AI.

Thursday, Sept. 17

• The Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Clinical Health Sciences Building at 10 a.m. – The inauguration celebrates the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative learning environments and advanced technology. The building features modern instructional spaces, specialized laboratories, and cutting-edge equipment supporting hands-on education, research, and collaboration across health sciences disciplines.

Friday, Sept. 18

• The Investiture Ceremony of Christopher Maynard, Ph.D., as Seventh President of Texas A&M International University will be held at 11 a.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. The Week of Celebration culminates with the Investiture Ceremony, a historic occasion marking the formal installation and recognition of the University President. Before the ceremony, the stage party and faculty procession will gather at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center and walk to the Recital Hall, where University leaders, faculty, and distinguished guests will participate in this academic tradition.
• Investiture Celebration Block Party, 12:30 p.m., Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center (ZSC) Green - After the ceremony, a formal procession featuring the stage party, faculty, students, and guests will lead into a campus-wide Investiture Celebration Block Party with food trucks, entertainment, music and dance performances.

All Week

• Student and Faculty Art Exhibit, STC Foyer - Throughout the entirety of Inauguration Week, festivity attendees are invited to explore an art exhibit in the featuring works by University faculty and students.

In addition to the celebratory events throughout the week, a Presidential Investiture Dinner is scheduled. The Presidential Investiture Dinner, the signature event of the week, transforms this historic milestone into an opportunity to change lives.

Proceeds from the Presidential Investiture Dinner will benefit the Presidential Housing Scholarship Initiative, providing much-needed housing and dining support and assistance to students whose academic success depends on access to stable housing, nutritious meals, and the resources needed to thrive.

The Dinner is scheduled on the eve of the Investiture Ceremony, and is happening Thursday, Sept. 17, with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner thereafter. For more information on potential sponsorship opportunities, visit tamiu.edu/investiture/gift or contact the University’s Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement by calling 956.326.4483.

To learn more about the University’s Inauguration and Investiture Ceremony, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/investiture.

A proud member of The Texas A&M University System, TAMIU provides a world-class educational experience to students from throughout South Texas, Northern Mexico, and beyond.

For more on the University’s story, visit tamiu.edu or follow its social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X.