TAMIU Annual Report 2019

2019 Annual Report / AWORLDOF DIFFERENCE 13 News/ DIFFERENCE $2.3 Million Grant Awarded TAMIU’s Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program TAMIU’s Online FamilyNurse Practitioner Programwas awarded a $2,330,291 grant to help ensure more Hispanic students have the opportunity tobecome nurses andhelp address the nursing shortage in Texas. Congressman Henry Cuellar (’82) shared news of the Award from the Department of Education’s Title V, Part B, Promoting Post- baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program. “Our nurses are the front line of our health care system, but with the growing number of staffing shortages across the country, it is becomingdifficult tomeet the needs of our patients,” saidCongressman Cuellar, “This fundingwill help createmore opportunities forHispanic students to studymedicine and increase thenumber of nurses in underservedpopulations in the region. I want to thank TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz, InterimDeanof the College of Nursing andHealth Sciences Dr.Marivic Torregosa, and the rest of theUniversity staff for their dedication to advancing the education experience of Hispanic and low-income students in the region.” Dr. Arenaz noted the fundingbuilds on theUniversity’s established strengths. “We are deeply appreciative of the leadership and partnership in delivering this grant provided by Congressman Cuellar. We’re especially pleased that this grant recognizes andbuilds on the success of our FNP program. TAMIU FNP students have earned an enviable 100%pass rate on the national certification examination for the last four years…on their first attempt. “Most importantly,” Arenaz added, “students completing this programhave the potential to impact over 600,000patients every year. Throughout this, our 50thAnniversary year, we have been celebrating the transformative impact of this University. With the support that this grant provides, we ensure that our legacy of transformation continues forward.” ThanksgivingMemorable for 55 TAMIU Students,Recipients of D&J Alexander Foundation Scholarships Fifty-five TAMIU students truly had something to be thankful for this past Thanksgiving: theywere all named recipients of scholarships totaling $125,000 from the D&J Alexander Foundation of Laredo. President of the Alexander Foundation, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, presented theAwards in special ceremonies in theAcademic Innovation Center. She said the Awards were a fitting way to honor her beloved Aunt, Mrs. Fred Alexander. "This investment is a life-changer for these students and their families," Senator Zaffirini said, "Helping such an impressive groupof seniors and freshmen complete andbegin their education, respectively, is a wonderful way to honor the legacy of our beloved Tía Bebe.” She said that the scholarships empower impact, just as her Aunt impacted the Gateway City.