[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
                      MEMBER MANUEL BENAVIDEZ, JR.

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Manuel 
Benavidez, Jr. for his service to the people of Starr County, the State 
of Texas, and the education community across the country. His life was 
a symbol of what hard work and desire can achieve. He was a respected 
member of his community and of the State of Texas and we will all miss 
him dearly.
  Mr. Benavidez was born in La Grulla, Texas in 1952. A former migrant 
farm worker, he graduated from Rio Grande City High School and later 
attended Pan American University where he received a bachelor's degree 
in bilingual education. Education has been a focal point in Mr. 
Benavidez's life, where he has not just worked to educate himself but 
has dedicated himself to helping others enhance their lives through 
study.
  In 1993, he was appointed to the South Texas College Board of 
Trustees as the representative for Starr County. He worked tirelessly 
to bring the first community college to the area and through the years 
he has been instrumental in bringing millions of dollars to the county 
for STC campuses. His testimony in support of the dual enrollment 
program was key to getting legislation passed that has helped families 
across Texas save millions of dollars on the cost of college tuition. 
His life has revolved around the idea of bettering his community by 
giving the residents of Starr County an equal opportunity to accessing 
higher education.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Manuel Benavidez, Jr. for 
his lifetime of dedicated service to Starr County and to the education 
community across the country. He was a husband, a father, and an 
inspiration for all of us. He will be greatly missed.

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