Welcome Dustdevils!

Good Afternoon Dustdevils,

• Last week, I was honored to accept on behalf of the University an Economic Development Industry Award from the Laredo Economic Development Corporation recognizing TAMIU’s transformational role in bettering the lives of its graduates and its overall economic impact on the City of Laredo. We were joined by fellow Award recipient former Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, who was recognized for his model-setting service to Texas and TAMIU.
• We also recognized the impact of our Master of Public Administration program and marked the program’s 25th Anniversary with a special reception for program alumni, faculty, and students.
• We’ve got a busy week ahead...it’s time for Maroon Madness, our cherished traditional launch of the basketball season at TAMIU happening Tuesday. Free and open to the public, it begins with Pre-Madness at 5:30 p.m. outside the Kinesiology Convocation Building (KCB). Food will be provided by Aramark and activities hosted by TAMIU student organizations and Dustdevil Athletics teams while DJ Cynthia spins Pre-Madness sounds.
• The full-on Maroon Madness experience begins at 7:30 p.m. The first 1,300 guests receive free T-shirts and tickets for prize opportunities, including a chance for free tuition.
• Learn about the Rec Fee Referendum at an Information Session Thursday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. in the Student Center Rotunda. Voting is Tuesday, Oct. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 30.
• On Friday, “Bloom,” an exhibition of the colorful works of artist Carlos Rosales-Silva, will blossom at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery with an opening reception from 6 – 9 p.m. It includes a performance by TAMIU Dance students inspired by Rosales-Silva’s artworks. The reception is free of charge and open to all.
• On Saturday, some 450+ volunteers from TAMIU and Laredo College will roll up their sleeves and create a lasting impact on Laredo during Make a Difference Day 2025 from 7 a.m. to noon. The community-wide initiative focuses on improving and beautifying public spaces across Laredo.
• Did you know our students’ research goes global? TAMIU Criminal Justice Ph.D. students presented their research findings at the annual European Society of Criminology meeting held in Athens, Greece. Find out more.

Next week:

• The Office of International Experiences will host a Dia De Los Muertos Altar in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center lobby Oct. 27 – 31. Students, faculty, and staff can place photos of loved ones on the Altar. For more, reach out at international@tamiu.edu.
• The IBC Bank and Commerce Bank 2025-2026 Keynote Speaker Series on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in the TAMIU Student Center Ballroom features Jason Marczak, an expert on U.S-Latin American relations, presenting a lecture titled “A Turning Point in the U.S.–Latin America Relationship: What Might Be on the Horizon?” It is free and open to the public.
• Halloween Fest returns Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. on the ZSC Green. This popular event is free and open to the public. TAMIU’s SOLE and Campus Activities Board are offering a haunted house, games, food, fun, and a pumpkin patch.
• This boundless array of activities, events, and initiatives continues to highlight the transformative University experience TAMIU offers all. Be part of the experience!
• Here’s to a great week ahead. If you see me around campus, please introduce yourself. I’m always up for a selfie with @txamiuprez

Let’s Go Dustdevils!

- Dr. Christopher Maynard | President

TAMIU Signs MOUs with Nuevo Laredo Schools to Affirm Longstanding, Beneficial Collaborations

Fast on the heels of an historic Fall 2025 enrollment of 9,000+ students, TAMIU has further underscored the International element of its name with the signing of a renewed series of Memorandums of Understanding with a select group of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, México-based English language high schools.

The three schools: Colegio Royal, Instituto América de Estudios Superiores, and the Irish International Institute of Nuevo Laredo, were recognized in signing ceremonies held at TAMIU.

TAMIU Rec Fee Referendum Info Sessions Happening Thursday, Next Monday

A TAMIU Rec Fee Referendum vote is coming. Info session are happening Thursday, Oct. 23 and Monday, Oct. 27.

Don't Be Self-Conchas About Financial Aid Kicks Off Bread-Themed Campaign

FAFSA isn’t just paperwork. It’s the dough you need for financial help! Thanks for joining out at our inaugural, Let’s Get this Bread concha-themed event at the Breezeway. We hope you enjoyed your concha and had your financial aid questions answered. Our sincerest thanks to Cakeland for supporting our students and donating today’s maroon conchas!

Remember, the 2026 – 2027 Financial Aid application is now open. Apply early and don’t be self-conchas about financial aid. We’re here to help!

Head over to https://go.tamiu.edu/finaid-news for more info on the application and upcoming financial aid info drives. 🥐