[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24894]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the momentous 40th 
anniversary of the Texas A&M International University.
  Texas A&M International University first began as a ``center'' in 
August 1970 under Texas A&I University in Kingsville in order to fill a 
demand in teacher education and business disciplines. Seven years 
later, the name changed to Laredo State University and in 1993, the 
institution became Texas A&M International University. In the fall of 
1995, the Texas Legislature authorized the expansion of a four-year 
undergraduate program status with an eventual authorization for 
doctoral programs. Today, the university has been at the forefront of 
providing higher education and cultural opportunities to students of 
Laredo and surrounding south Texas region.
  Texas A&M International University consists of the College of Arts 
and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the 
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and a NCAA Division II 
Athletics program. Undoubtedly, this university serves as a unique 
asset to the fundamental groundwork for progressive and influential 
Hispanic serving institutions. TAMIU has 92 percent of students 
identifying themselves as minority, including, Hispanic, African-
American, Asian and other. Additionally, a rising number of 
baccalaureate graduates have been first-generation college students. 
This university has seen enrollment growth of approximately 10 percent 
every academic semester and recently welcomed its largest freshman 
class ever. The growth in admission numbers has provided social strides 
towards students attending the highest quality programs built on solid 
academic foundations.
  Over the years, TAMIU has increased success for the development in 
the community, educational achievement, and promising academic 
endeavors. I am happy to have this opportunity to congratulate Texas 
A&M International University on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, 
and I wish all staff and students many more years of success.

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