Students Crown Mr. & Ms. TAMIU

Texas A&M International University students crowned their first Mr. and Ms. TAMIU on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011. The coronation was held during halftime of the Women's basketball game at the Kinesiology-Convocation Building among administration, students and alumni. 

The six finalists, who were present at coronation, were chosen after an extensive application and interview process. Mayra Hernandez, Associate Director of the Office of Students Affairs expressed, "We have candidates that surpassed the minimum qualifications, we are excited to have this particular team set the tone for the next generation and so on."

These six finalists, three for Ms. and three for Mr. TAMIU, were Andrea Beattie, senior/graduate political science major; Diana Galindo, junior communications major; Triana Gonzalez; junior English major; Alvaro Aguirre, junior political science major; Juan Ortiz, junior business administration major; and Erik Villa, sophomore business administration major.

Days leading to the coronation, the candidates had the opportunity to inform students about their campaign across campus. Approximately, 1,223 students voted online at TAMIU One Card Services from Jan. 24 through the 26.    

At the coronation, a table displaying four crowns, since each female runner up was crowned as well as Mr. and Ms. TAMIU, was set up. Dr. Ray Keck, President of the University and Dr. Minita Ramirez, Vice President of University Success congratulated and crowned the candidates. The second runner ups, Diana Galindo and Erik Villa, were announced followed by the first runner ups, Andrea Beattie and Juan Ortiz. This led to the announcement of the first Mr. and Mrs. TAMIU winners, Triana Gonzalez and Alvaro Aguirre.

Along with being crowned as Ms. TAMIU, Gonzalez is already involved in numerous campus organizations and committees including Student Government Association Senator-at-Large, TAMIU Forensic Forum-Vice President, and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity International.

Mr. TAMIU, Alvaro Aguirre, is also involved on campus as a Student Government Senator-At-Large, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity International, and Political Science Association.

Gonzalez and Aguirre will be awarded with an alumni ring compliments of the TAMIU Office of Institutional Advancement as well as having the opportunity to attend a special fitness class. The responsibilities and duties of Mr. and Ms. TAMIU include representing the university in academic as well as community functions.

The Bridge had the opportunity to chat with Gonzalez and Aguirre on what motivated them to run for Mr. and Ms. TAMIU.

Gonzalez expressed, "My desire to represent the university to the best of my ability and to expand TAMIU pride even further is what motivated me to run for Ms. TAMIU."

Aguirre stated, "My involvement and relentless effort to promote student success here at TAMIU gave me the confidence to pursue this honor."

Gonzalez and Aguirre were also asked how they planned to represent the TAMIU community as Mr. and Ms. TAMIU.

Gonzalez mentioned, "As Ms. TAMIU, I will represent every student with integrity, responsibility, and most of all, school spirit in order to preserve and maintain the beauty of our institution"

Aguirre continued, "As Mr. TAMIU, I want to promote community involvement from student organizations and further our diversity outside of campus."

Ultimately, Andrea Beattie mentioned that , "Regardless of who wins, we are still going to be involved and we are still going to try to do the things that Mr. and Ms. TAMIU do." Beattie continues, "Honestly, I think that all of us, all six of us, are already Mr. and Ms. TAMIU representatives".

 (Julio Obscura may be reached at Julio.obscura@dusty.tamiu.edu and Nidia Yanez may be reached at nidiayanez@dusty.tamiu.edu)