Binational Education Week at TAMIU Sees Laptop Gifts to IME-Becas Students

This week, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) celebrates the observance of Binational Education Week, launched last year by the Consulate of México in Laredo. This year, a select group of TAMIU students have something special to celebrate.

The members of this Fall’s Institute of Mexicans in the Exterior (IME) Becas Scholarship Program at TAMIU received new laptop computers donated through a generous partnership with the Consulado General de México and Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest.

The students, selected from TAMIU IME-Becas Scholars, received their laptops in a ceremony held in TAMIU’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library with Consul General of México in Laredo Juan Carlos Mendoza Sánchez and Hugo Audiffred, Laredo General Manager, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest.  

The students receiving the computers are Daniela Mussot Angulo, Cristian Córdova, Dulce Córdova, Ingrid Herrera, Erika Moreno, Katia Moreno, and Mario Sánchez Vázquez.  The IME Becas Program supports Mexican students residing abroad and studying in the United States by providing them with additional educational resources that contribute to their advancement and development.

Audiffred said the laptop initiative underscores Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest’s commitment to the community.

“One of the most important priorities for Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest is to be a trusted and valued community partner. This commitment is at the forefront of our business operations. Throughout our operations in Texas and parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas, we have an ongoing involvement with local and statewide organizations that are working hard to address community issues and needs. Today, as part of our commitment in partnership with the Consulate General of México in Laredo, we are donating seven laptops to TAMIU,” he said.

 Also on hand for the celebration were Miguel Conchas, president of the Mexican Cultural Institute of Laredo, and Consulate General of México representatives Jimena Morales, Monserrat Gutiérrez and Jazmín Castillo.

TAMIU Dean of the College of Education Dr. James O'Meara thanked the donors for their support of the IME-Becas students and the transformative impact their support makes real. 

“Binational Education Week at TAMIU serves as a testament to the bridge that education creates between our two great nations. It fosters cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and unity, reminding us that learning knows no borders. It is a reminder of the shared values and dreams that unite our communities, regardless of where we reside. The IME-BECAS Scholarship, a shining example of educational empowerment, exemplifies the commitment to providing opportunities to learners of Mexican origin.  Partnership support like this underscores a shared commitment to the future of our communities and nurtures the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” Dr. O’Meara said.

Last month, the IME-Becas program named 36 TAMIU students recipients of IME-Becas Scholarships. TAMIU received a total of $7,500 in scholarship funds from the IME Becas Program which was matched by TAMIU. Additional funding included $5,000 from Ermilo Richer, CEO of Richer Agencia Aduanal, and $10,000 from Uni-Trade Forwarding through the Mexican Cultural Institute.

Each year, the IME-Becas scholarship is made available to currently enrolled TAMIU undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must submit proof of Mexican citizenship, be enrolled full-time, and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or greater. Incoming freshman students must submit a high school GPA of 3.0 or greater. 

For more information, contact the TAMIU Office of Institutional Advancement at 956.326.4483, email gobeyond@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. 

Registration for Fall 2023 at TAMIU is underway. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration, processes, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/reghub/.  Classes for the Fall 2023 semester begin Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Late registration ends Friday, Sept. 1.

Take a sneak peek at Fall@TAMIU at go.tamiu.edu/fallpreview.

University news and information can also be found online at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.