Letter to the editor: More on marketing

Texas A & M International University is one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. While there are larger universities, I am especially proud to call TAMIU my home because it is Laredo’s only university, and it is growing at a fast pace. Throughout the years I have been attending, I have seen it change right before my eyes. Everything seems to be growing, from the student population, to the number of buildings. But there is one thing I believe is hindering us greatly: effective marketing. In the previous issue, Professor Paul Niemeyer explained how he believed that there is no TAMIU memorabilia found at our local Wal-Mart, and the only merchandise available can only be found at the TAMIU bookstore. Not only is most of this merchandise overpriced, but it is not displayed in a major public market. How many people are going to drive to our campus just to purchase a TAMIU cap or t-shirt? Aside from that, there is another issue I feel we as a university are facing: event marketing methods are limited by administration. Currently, student organizations are only allowed to post flyers on our bulletin boards found at several locations on campus. While some might argue that putting up a flyer is enough, who really stops to read our overcrowded bulletin boards? The number might not be as high we would like. Putting up sandwich boards might seem like a clever idea, but I’ve seen most students walk around them instead of stopping to read them. Most student organizations have complained of a lack of student attendance at their programming events. Assumptions have been made that this might be due to the fact that TAMIU is primarily a commuter campus. Most students don’t live on campus, and for various reasons, leave right after their class is over instead of staying for a documentary, play, or festival that one of our many student organizations may be hosting that night. But if we find better ways of targeting students and our community, this is certain to change. If TAMIU truly desires recognition, the University must let go of its conservative roots. We as a University must adopt new innovative methods of marketing if we want to make TAMIU a household name throughout Laredo and the state. A good number of our student organizations have shown interest in expanding our marketing ideas, and it is my wish to see these take place. We need administration to be on our side and help us in this plan, since we only have the best interest of the university in mind. It has long been said that, “He who has a thing to sell, and goes and whispers in a well, is not so apt to get the dollars, as he who climbs a tree and hollers.” TAMIU must realize this if we are to succeed in this task. Much like a Ferris wheel, everything comes full circle. If we have a positive attendance at our programming events, it shows positive recognition for our campus, gives students a better sense of campus life, allows our student organizations the limelight they deserve, and informs the community that TAMIU does have student life. When the public realizes TAMIU is active, curiosity will arise. Then, we will be proud when we see Laredoans sporting TAMIU memorabilia. Laredo will definitely be proud to show off that we TRULY are a college town.