[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING FRANCISCO MUNOZ III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Francisco Munoz III on the occasion of his retirement. For more than 43 
years, Mr. Munoz served as director of the dance and Ballet Folklorico 
programs at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
  Francisco Munoz graduated from Pan American University--now 
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley--in 1975, double majoring in 
history and health, physical education and recreation. He went on to 
earn multiple graduate degrees at the University. Francisco began 
teaching dance part-time in 1977, and in 1982 became the first full-
time instructor at the school to focus on folklorico.
  On August 31, 2018, Francisco retired from his positions as director 
of both prestigious UTRGV performing arts programs. Francisco and his 
wife, Mary, built the dance program and the internationally recognized 
Ballet Folklorico company from the ground up. His work has forever 
transformed the dance department at UTRGV and enabled students from all 
over the Rio Grande Valley to share their talents on national and 
international stages. Francisco's colleagues and pupils were fortunate 
to receive instruction and encouragement from a leader like him.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent someone as hard-working as 
Mr. Francisco Munoz III. The South Texas community is thankful for his 
work and dedication to enriching our culture. I wish him the best as he 
begins a new chapter of his life. May retirement suit him and his 
family well.

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