The Collegian  ONLINE
         April 28, 2008

Enrique Rivera/Collegian

Diamantina La Press (left), who is pursuing a bachelorr’s in kinesiology EC-12, receives a certificate from Zelma Mata, chair of the Health and Human Performance Department, during the April 21 Scholastic Excellence Awards ceremony.

Seventy-one students, Cisneros Young and old and from all walks of life, were recognized April 21 at the Scholastic Excellence Awards Ceremony.

The students were honored for their “demonstrated exceptional scholastic ability and perseverance,” said Charles Dameron, vice president for Academic Affairs.

“Tonight, as we celebrate your gifts, we also celebrate the responsibility that has come with that,” UTB/TSC President Juliet V. García told the students gathered in the Student Union’s Gran Salon. “Figure out, maybe not tonight and maybe not in its entirety … how it is that you’re going to be able to use those talents that you have been given, for yourselves, for your family, but also for the common good, not only here in our community, but worldwide, because the world depends on us getting this right today.”

The keynote address was given by James Mills, an assistant master technical instructor in History Department who is the recipient of the 2008 Chancellor’s Council Teaching Excellence Award.

 Mills is an adviser for history education majors, the facilitator for the Texas Examination of Education Standards (TEXES) and a member of the board of directors of the Brownsville Historical Association. He is also a recipient of the ASPIRE teaching award and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development award.

“Today, I try to work as a conduit, conducting students dreams to becoming realities, just like my teachers served as a bridge for my dreams,” Mills said. “I encourage you to immerse yourself in your field of study, be it physics, English composition, speech, engineering, music, or whatever your passion may be. Today, we honor your achievements and dedication, and we commend your diligence, creativity and hard work.”

After the keynote speech, the students received certificates from the dean and the chair of their respective college or school.

The students were thrilled at being recognized.

“It’s nice to see that all our hard work is paying off,” said Alexis Mata, a junior communication major. “It’s nice to get recognition from the professors.”

“It means a lot,” said Maria Esther de Garza, a graduate student in the School of Education, “because it has cost me a lot of effort. You sacrifice your family, your kids, and your husband, everything. I never dreamt about it, nor did I imagine it or hope for it.”

The following students were honored:

School of Business: Efren Montenegro, pursuing a master of business administration; Luz Quezada, bachelor’s of accounting; David Lopez, bachelor of finance; Mayra Urteaga, bachelor of marketing; Omar Oropeza, bachelor of management; Matthew M. Kendall, bachelor in international business; and Priscilla Chavez, associate’s in business administration;

School of Health Sciences: Jose Alfredo Garcia, pursuing an associate’s in radiologic technology; Leticia Atkinson, associate’s in medical laboratory technology; Oscar L. Garza, associate’s in emergency medical science; Danny Gutierrez, associate’s in diagnostic medical sonography; Ruby Byrd, master of science in nursing; Todd Teulon, bachelor of science in nursing; and Tammy Benavidez, associate’s in associate degree nursing;

College of Applied Technology and General Studies: Betzabe Hernandez-Miranda, pursuing an associate’s in administrative software specialist; Lidia Benavides, associate’s in accounting technology; Raul F. Gonzalez, associate’s in medical office management; Erika M. Vanegas, associate’s in paralegal studies; Edgar Benavides, certificate in air-conditioning and refrigeration; Javier Perez, certificate in computer-aided design technology; Augustine Garza, certificate in automotive technology; Francisco Sanchez, certificate in construction technology; Terrence Mowers, bachelor’s in computer information systems technology; and Armando Ruiz, bachelor’s in technology application/training;

School of Education: Sharlene R. Garcia, pursuing a master’s in curriculum and instruction; Maria E. de Garza, master’s in English and English as a second language; Diana A. Gonzalez, master’s in bilingual education; Marla J. Kimmel, master’s in educational technology; Johanna L. Esparza, bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies-teaching; Maria G. Cedillo, associate’s in early childhood-fourth grade; Diamantina La Press, bachelor’s in kinesiology EC-12; Janie Lopez, master’s in counseling and guidance; Orlando D. Rodriguez, master’s in educational leadership; Della F. Ray, master’s in special education; December E. McMahon, bachelor’s in special education; and Flor E. Franco, certificate in childcare and development;

College of Science, Mathematics and Technology: Israel Pena Jr., pursuing a bachelor’s in biology; Kevin Paul Osmers, bachelor’s in chemistry; Joseph Lemen, bachelor’s in environmental science; Pavel Hinev, master’s in computer science; Adriana Gonzalez, bachelor’s in computer science; Heriberto Reynoso, associate’s in computer science; Ruben Zamarripa, associate’s in computer information systems; Oscar Elias, bachelor’s in engineering physics; Oscar Jimenez, bachelor’s in engineering technology; Wiktor Mogilski, master’s in mathematics; Jose Colon, bachelor’s in mathematics; Ke Jia Li, master’s in physics; Sean Morriss, bachelor’s in physics;

College of Liberal Arts: Michelle Ramirez, pursuing a bachelor’s in sociology; Somer Robb, bachelor’s in psychology; Claudia Guerra, associate’s in social work; Kathleen E. Gambling, bachelor’s in criminal justice; Amy Ferguson Baker, master’s in English; Samuel C. Hernandez, bachelor’s in English; Alexis Mata, bachelor’s in communication; Gabriela S. Zavaleta, master’s in public policy and management; Emmanuel Ponce, bachelor’s in government; Maria Lourdes Garcia-De-Alba, bachelor of art; Salvador Garcia, bachelor’s in art history; Ariadne Nava, associate’s in art; Rocio Del Carmen Molina de Escobedo, master’s in music education; Amanda Daniels, bachelor’s in music; Ruben Rincon, bachelor’s in music education; Cesar Garcia, master’s in history; Arturo S. Jimenez, master’s in Spanish; Miriam Selene Vázquez, bachelor’s in Spanish 6-12; and Lilia V. Garcia, associate’s in Spanish translation;

Intercollegiate Athletics Department: Annette Valdez and Iain McGregor, outstanding student athletes;

Chess Program: Nadya Karolina Ortiz, outstanding chess team member.

The event also featured music by the UTB/TSC String Ensemble.