TAMIU Initiates Academic Conference
Written by admin, Apr 18, 2009, 0 Comments
Nearly 250 Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students will initiate a new tradition in highlighting undergraduate and graduate research, scholarly and creative activity with the first presentation of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Academic Conference Monday – Thursday, April 20-23.
TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the Conference represents an exciting juncture in the University’s history.“As a young institution, we’re developing academic traditions that will carry on for decades to come. The Conference has grown from its origins as the Guillermo Benavides Z. College of Arts and Sciences Academic Conference to now include all TAMIU Colleges and Schools and generous partial support from the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust. It will showcase the work of many very talented students. Cash prizes are provided for the best student presentations in their disciplines. Student work is drawn from all areas of the arts, sciences, business, education, humanities and health sciences,” Dr. Arenaz explained.
He noted that TAMIU students have long excelled at distinguishing themselves as among some of the strongest academically prepared students in The Texas A&M University System.
TAMIU president Ray Keck said forums like the Conference underscore the University’s broad promise.
“This forum and the student presentations it will frame attest that TAMIU’s promise of fostering intellectual growth and developing learning communities is being fulfilled. When our institution was created, it was with the promise of enriching the intellectual and economic lives of South Texas. TAMIU lights a million fires in the minds of all who pass through our halls. This initiative spreads that fire, that light throughout our city, region and world and our students are the able bearers of that flame,” he explained.
Student presentations will be organized according to College or School, with a broad range of topics explored in each. Monday’s opening session will include a presentation by University of Texas at San Antonio professor, former TAMIU faculty and native Laredoan Dr. Norma Cantú. Tuesday’s session will include a piano recital, and insight about Texas A&M University’s “Pathways to the Doctorate Program” provided by Dr. Robert C. Webb, interim dean, Office of Graduate Studies, at TAMU.
Additional Conference presentations on Wednesday will include College of Education Scholar of the Year 2008, Dr. Suhko Lee and A. R. Sanchez School of Business Scholar of the Year 2008, Dr. Richard Hicks.
The effort has been coordinated by the University’s Office of Graduate Studies and Research and directed by a Conference Committee co-chaired by faculty members Dr. David L. Beck, Dr. Jacqueline Mayfield, Dr. Milton Mayfield and Dr. Alfredo R. Ramirez Jr.
The community at large has an opportunity to meet students selected as award recipients and attend the Lamar Bruni Vergara Academic Conference 2009 Closing Lecture by TAMIU Scholar of the Year Dr. Christopher Ferguson on
Thursday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, room 203.
Dr. Ferguson is an outstanding psychologist who examines the impact of evolution and genetics on the differences in behavior between the sexes – differences in mating choice and sexual behavior as well as aggression.
