Former SG Senator receives honor, works with lawmakers

During the last regular meeting of the Fall 2008 semester, the TAMIU Student Government named then Senator Rodolfo Morales III as their first-ever Senator Emeritus in recognition of his work with the organization. Morales served as Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) and student body Vice President. He coordinated the Rock the Vote Project, which highlights the importance of youth participation in the democratic process, and he was awarded the 2008 Senator Judith Zaffirini Leadership Scholarship. He remains most proud, though, of starting Student Government’s annual Cover Laredo Project as a freshman senator in 2006. “Since its inception, Student Government has coordinated with local high schools to collect clothing items and blankets for the Laredo community,” Morales stated via e-mail. “Not only did we increase our outreach efforts with local high schools, but Student Government collected over 3,000 items over the three years.”But beyond that, the honor represents something more than his own work. “I accept this recognition on behalf of my parents, Rodolfo Morales Jr. and Marissa Morales; both have dedicated and sacrificed so much for my sister and me.”After graduating sigma cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science last December, Morales is now learning the ropes in Austin. He and fellow TAMIU graduate Adan Arriaga are among sixteen graduates selected from across the state for the Senator Gregory Luna Legislative Scholar Fellows Program, according to TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services. Named for Gregory Luna (1932-1999), a San Antonio city prosecutor who went on to become a prominent Texas senator, the program is an initiative of the Texas Senate Hispanic Research Council. Fellows are selected based on academic record, writing and critical thinking skills and are each assigned to a state lawmaker.Currently, Morales interns with Sen. Mario Gallegos (D-Houston). “I am charged with a variety of legislative tasks, including bill research, bill tracking, constituent correspondence, and drafting floor statements and press releases,” Morales stated via e-mail. Morales encourages all TAMIU students to settle for no less than the very best they can do and to always seek ways to serve. As for his own future, Morales says he wants to go where he can best serve.”My aim is to become a legislator, whether at the local, state, or national level. If I am fortunate enough, I may even be able to do all three.”