[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5711]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. SERGIO SHEARER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, on April 4, 2011, San Antonio lost a great 
public servant when Sergio Shearer passed away at the age of 71. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergio Shearer as we celebrate his 
life, which was highlighted by decades of community service, 
philanthropy, and leadership.
  Sergio Shearer was born on December 4, 1939 to Chita Shearer in 
Weslaco, Texas. He later married Lucinda S. Leyva and fathered three 
children, Andrea Rhea Shearer-Lee, Michael Leyva Shearer, and Kara 
Kristine Shearer.
  He graduated from North Texas University with a degree in Psychology, 
while simultaneously attending cosmetology school in Ft. Worth, Texas. 
After serving in the United States Army, Sergio opened a successful and 
prestigious salon in McAllen, Texas which he operated for over 13 
years. In 1976, the Shearer family purchased the Magic Valley College 
in San Juan, Texas. Through his tireless efforts, Sergio expanded Magic 
Valley College to become the University of Cosmetology Arts and 
Science. As a result of Sergio's direction and dedication to educating 
others, he created five campuses in the Rio Grande Valley and San 
Antonio, Texas. His efforts have touched the lives of many.
  As a leader in the cosmetology industry, Sergio was appointed by 
Governor Ann Richards to the Texas Cosmetology Commission. He also 
served as the Vice President of the National Association of Cosmetology 
Schools, Director of the Texas Association of Cosmetology Schools, and 
Regional Director of the Interstate Council of State Boards. In 1989, 
he was inducted into the Pivot Hall of Fame.
  In addition to his dedication to the cosmetology industry, Sergio was 
committed to serving his community. He served as the Chairman of the 
Edinburg Housing Authority, Board Member of the Hidalgo County Special 
Olympics, Honorary Member of the Confederate Air Force and as a member 
of the Order of the Alhambra. Sergio was also an active member of the 
Knights of Columbus, where he achieved the rank of 4th Degree Knight. 
Following the loss of his daughter, Kara Kristine Shearer, Sergio 
cofounded the Kara Shearer Learning Center, which partners with the 
Edinburg Housing Authority to serve underprivileged children.
  Upon his retirement, Sergio moved to the San Antonio area to be 
closer to his family. A lifelong fisherman, hunter, and accomplished 
golfer, Sergio was always happiest when he was outdoors.
  The City of San Antonio and the State of Texas feel a little emptier 
now, but we have all lived richer, better lives because of the life of 
Sergio Shearer. His life may have ended, but his contributions will 
live on and generations shall enjoy the fruits of his labor.

                          ____________________