Killam Library, Rm. 261 • (TEL) 956.326.2175 • (FAX) 956.326.2174 • alumni@tamiu.edu

Alumni Relations Home | Alumni Association | Alumni Achievers | E-News | Events | Prospective Graduates | Walk of Fame
Be Informed | Get Connected | Give Back | Request Banner ID & Email | Stay Involved | Update Info | Volunteer
Alumni Relations Staff | Institutional Advancement | Career Services | TAMIU Alma Mater | TAMIU Calendar

Dr. Laura Cruz-Garza ‘00, BA
Professor
Texas A&M University-Kingsville

“Ganas” is a Spanish word that is used to describe the desire to achieve. Laura Cruz Garza used those “ganas” to overcome many obstacles in her life that many would have seen as a barrier to achieving higher education. One of these was racial discrimination, which she experienced while pursuing her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology.

Growing up in Laredo, she was never exposed to issues of racial diversity. Once outside her beloved hometown, however, she found discrimination against Mexicans still existed. Not one to let negative attitudes get in her way, Cruz-Garza worked to further her education and “achieve the impossible”. That is what was instilled in her by her parents. Her love of education is reflected in her teaching. She was named as one of the Outstanding Hispanic Faculty at Texas A&M-Kingsville, received a fellowship from the Teaching Effectiveness and Career Enhancement Program, and was awarded the Outstanding Professor Award from Pi Beta Phi.

Cruz Garza has achieved much since earning her bachelor’s degree at TAMIU, but she always remains humble. Her father taught her to be proud of who she was and where she came from.