June 2024 EDITION
Spring Semester: Look Back
Spring Semester was a time for the creation of new memories, life changing experiences and milestones to be reached! Students, family and faculty participated in the Sarape Stole Ceremony on May 2nd, where students were able to honor not only their roots, but their hard work and those who supported them on their journey thus far leading up to commencement.
University News
Grant Awarded to Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives
Texas A&M-Kingsville's Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives (IRMHI) is working to help local schools and their non-academic staff learn how to identify signs of possible mental health concerns of students and how to go about reporting it.
The institute has received $50,000 from the King Ranch Family Trust and $18,000 from the Coastal Bend Community Foundation to offer "First Contact" training to rural schools.
Institute director Dr. Steve Bain spoke with the Corpus Christi Caller Times about how IRMHI plans to support school districts to best help young students.
Santa Barraza Featured on Texas Country Reporter
Former TAMUK professor and Kingsville native Santa Contreras Barraza shared how her upbringing, experiences and passion led her to feel connected to contemporary Chicana/Tejana history through art. In an episode that aired earlier this spring, Barraza opened up about what inspires her work and how she hopes her art is impactful.
Happy Birthday Javelina Nation!
On June 8th, 1925, was Javelina Nation's first day of classes. This month we are celebrating 99 years of growth, history and community. Here's to many more years!
Tap the button below to watch a fun video of our favorite mascot, Porky, celebrate with incoming students at Hoggie Days.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumna Honored at H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Melba Tijerina '82, a teacher at Weslaco High School in Weslaco ISD, was honored at the 2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards as the Lifetime Achievement Secondary winner.
As a Teacher Category winner, she received $25,000 for herself and $25,000 for her school. This award rightfully acknowledges her dedicated efforts, hard work and endless passion that she has for her profession. Congratulations from your Javelina Family, Melba!
In the News: Alumna Speaks at New Teacher Workshop
Earlier this month, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi held a workshop for new teachers.
During this workshop Dr. Linda Villarreal ’79, ’86, ’03, Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance, talked about her experiences when starting out in this field.
She advised new teachers starting their first year to remain strong, and to lean on the support around them. Reminding them that educators make a difference, "not only in someone's life, but we do change the world."
Writing the News: Clara Sandoval '95
Passionate alumna Clara Sandoval ’95 is a contributing writer for the Laredo Morning Times. Her Javelina Pride shines through in an article she wrote this month about a softball team from the Rio Grande Valley. Tap the button below to check it out!
Distinguished Alumnus Chosen for Army ROTC Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Distinguished Alumnus Col. (Ret.) Richard Waterhouse '75, who was chosen to be a 2024 inductee of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Hall of Fame. The Army ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016. The first class inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
Waterhouse joins two other Javelinas in the Hall of Fame, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ricardo S. Sanchez and the late Col. (Ret.) Edward J. Preston Jr. were both part of the inaugural 2016 class.
Spotted on Social Media
Special Agent Evan Firmin '09
Alumnus Evan Firmin '09 was recognized by the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico with an Excellence in Law Enforcement Award. Your unwavering leadership and initiative is admirable!
Alumni Resources
Texas A&M-Kingsville Career Engagement has partnered with the world’s #1 job site and hiring platform, Indeed, to provide Javelina Alumni with skills and knowledge required for successful job searches.
Alumni are encouraged to contact Career Engagement to schedule a virtual appointment if they wish to receive job search assistance beyond Indeed's Job Search Academy.
Engineering Alumni
Submit Engineering Hall of Fame Nominations Now
The Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering seeks Engineering Hall of Fame nominations as well as nominations for a new category of recognition--Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna.
The Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna designation recognizes graduates of Texas A&M-Kingsville who have experienced professional success and who are within 15 years of their graduation from the university.
Submit your nominations for Hall of Fame or Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna using the link below. Nominations will be accepted until August 2, 2024.
Alumni Travel
Trot the Globe with Fellow Javelinas!
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Africa this December, led by Dr. Nirmal Goswami. Alumni trips help make global experiences possible for students at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Get Involved
PeopleGrove is Now a Community of 1,000+ Javelinas!
We all have something in common: a desire to connect and help each other. Join the 1,000+ Javelinas on PeopleGrove to help students access unique job opportunities, career support and countless resources by signing up as a mentor. Just click the button below to get started.