AUSTIN, Texas —About 200 high school graduates from the Rio Grande Valley who plan to attend The University of Texas at Austin will have an opportunity to meet President Larry R. Faulkner and other University representatives during “Send-Off 2000” celebrations next week in Brownsville and McAllen.
The UT Austin delegation will attend a send-off for about 75 students from Cameron and Willacy counties at the Sheraton-Brownsville Hotel in Brownsville at 5 p.m. Tuesday (June 6). On Wednesday (June 7) at 5:30 p.m., they will help honor about 125 students from Hidalgo and Starr counties at the Embassy Suites Hotel in McAllen.
The traditional send-offs are welcoming events providing UT Austin-bound students and their parents an opportunity to talk with University officials about the transition to campus life. Traveling with Faulkner will be representatives from the offices of admissions, student financial aid, housing and community service as well as from the Texas Ex-Students’ Association.
“The Rio Grande Valley is an important region for UT Austin. Every year some of our brightest students come from South Texas. We look forward to welcoming this year’s entering freshmen and to helping them make the most of the vast educational opportunities available on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin,” said Faulkner.
During his visit to the Rio Grande Valley, Faulkner also will be the luncheon speaker at the Rio Grande Valley’s Annual Summer Academy for School Superintendents, which will be held at the Sheraton Fiesta Hotel on South Padre Island. The luncheon is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday (June 7).
Dr. James Hill, vice president for community and school relations, also will visit with the group of superintendents, said Dr. Bob Galvan, special assistant with the Office of the President for Human Resources and Community Relations.
Galvan said the Valley send-offs began eight years ago as a partnership effort between the University and constituents in the Rio Grande Valley to welcome students and to assure parents that the students are in good hands. The Valley model became so successful that similar send-offs have started in other areas of Texas in recent years.
For additional information, contact Galvan at (512) 475-6061.
Itinerary of key events and interview opportunities Rio Grande Valley Send-Off 2000
June 6 (Tuesday):
5 p.m. President Faulkner and UT Austin delegation arrive at Sheraton-Brownsville Hotel for annual “Send-Off 2000” honoring about 75 students from the Lower Rio Grande Valley. David Vela, president of the Brownsville and Harlingen chapters of the UT Ex-Students’ Association, will serve as master of ceremonies. Faulkner and a current UT Austin student, Sara Gonzalez, will speak to the students. (Editors/Producers:M This is an opportunity for media interviews).
7 p.m. “Longhorn Hook ‘Em Up” for entering freshmen. Students and their parents will have the opportunity to meet UT Austin representatives from the offices of admissions, alumni affairs, student financial aid and housing and food.
June 7 (Wednesday):
11:15 a.m. Faulkner, Dr. James Hill and Dr. Bob Galvan arrive at Sheraton-Fiesta Hotel on South Padre Island to visit superintendents attending the Rio Grande Valley’s Annual Summer Academy for Superintendents. Faulkner will speak during the luncheon, which begins at 11: 30 a.m.
5 p.m. Faulkner and UT Austin delegation arrive at Embassy Suites Hotel in McAllen for the Hidalgo-Starr County “Send-Off 2000.” (Editors/Producers:This is an opportunity for media interviews).
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. “Send-Off 2000” at Embassy Suites Hotel in McAllen for UT Austin incoming freshmen from Upper Rio Grande Valley. Edward Sanchez, president of the Hidalgo/Starr Counties chapter of the Ex-Students’ Association, will be master of ceremonies. Faulkner and a current UT Austin student, Nolan Fields, will speak to the students.
6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. “Longhorn Hook ‘Em-Up” for entering freshmen. Students and their parents will have the opportunity to meet UT Austin representatives from the offices of admissions, alumni affairs, student financial aid and housing and food.
