Texas Leaders Celebrate Zaffirini

Rarely does one reject the opportunity to have the state's most distinguished elected officials grace an event with their presence when it just comes knocking at the door. On Thursday, Sept. 20, Texas A&M International University's students, faculty, and staff welcomed Texas Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and Texas Senator and Chair of the Senate of Higher Education Committee Judith Zaffirini. This reunion came about in honor of the official unveiling of the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, a tribute to the Laredo native senator and the entry point for incoming freshmen to acquaint themselves with the university.

The ceremony began as the Matias de Llano Elementary School's choir sang the national anthem in unison. TAMIU's President, Dr. Ray Keck, formally introduced the guests of honor of the day. Amongst the most prominent attendees were Mayor Raul Salinas; President of the Texas A&M University System, John Sharp; Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Richard Box; and some of South Texas' most renowned academic elites. According to Keck, Zaffirini has played a pivotal role in the advancement of higher education in Laredo and she is well deserving of having a building named after her.

Perry was the first to address the audience, and had nothing but words of praise for the senator, stating, "I can't think of a better description of a great public servant, an individual who has made an extraordinary mark on the state, particularly on higher education, than Judith Zaffirini." Later adding that since her early days in Austin, Zaffirini has made it one of her goals to further the lives of students by improving institutions of higher learning.

After ending his speech on a high note, Perry introduced Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who praised TAMIU for their decision to put Zaffirini's name on one of their buildings. "Student success building; that sums up Judith Zaffirini. She's all about wanting to make sure that all young people from anywhere have the chance to have success, to have opportunity," Dewhurst stated. He admitted that although they have had their differences in the past, and will probably continue to not see eye to eye on certain issues due to different party affiliations, he holds tremendous respect and admiration for Zaffirini and her years of dedication to improving the lives of Texans. In addition, he affirmed, "higher education is her passion...she's dedicated to ensuring that Texas maintains a university and a community college system that is accessible and affordable to anyone who wants to unlock the door of opportunity."

Zaffirini's climactic and long awaited speech was delivered at the end. As she took the stage, applauses overwhelmed the crowded room. Zaffirini recognized the combined effort that is required to make things possible in the Senate. She said, "If we take these two gold standards: excellence and enthusiasm; and embrace them and adopt them as our mantra for higher education, and for Laredo in particular....we can do even more for our beloved university."

Judith Zaffirini is an advocate for higher education and has time and again fought to increase the availability and improve the quality of education offered to students across South Texas. A ceremony composed of many memorable moments and humorous one-liners, the symbolic unveiling of the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center was an event graced with the presence of the TAMIU community and Texan leaders.

(Evelyn Camero and Joana Santillana may be reached at evelyn_camero@dusty.tamiu.edu & joana.santillana@dusty.tamiu.edu)