AUSTIN, Texas—A personal welcome to join The University of Texas at Austin community will be extended by the University’s president to incoming freshmen attending "Send-Off 2001" celebrations in Brownsville on Tuesday (June 26) and McAllen on Wednesday (June 27).
President Larry R. Faulkner and a delegation of UT Austin representatives will talk with the students and their parents about the programs and services available on campus to support academic success in this critical first year of life in a university environment. Traveling with Faulkner will be representatives from the offices of admissions, student financial aid and the division of housing and food. A representative of The Texas Exes alumni organization also will participate in the celebrations, which involve announcements of special scholarships and introduction to UT Austin traditions, such as the singing of The Eyes of Texas.
Faulkner’s visit with students from the Lower Rio Grande Valley will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday (June 26) during a reception in the La Hacienda Restaurant, 840 Paredes Line in Brownsville, sponsored by the Cameron County Texas Exes. Rita Aguilar is president of the local chapter.
The Upper Rio Grande Valley celebration at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday (June 27) will be in the Ruby Red Ballroom of the Renaissance Casa de Palmas Hotel, 101 N. Main St., in McAllen, sponsored by the Hidalgo-Starr County Texas Exes. The chapter president is Fred Farias.
"The Rio Grande Valley has produced some of our finest students and we are pleased to welcome another outstanding group of freshmen to the UT Austin family. Attending the University is a challenging and rewarding adventure. We want to do everything we can to help these students succeed on our campus," said Faulkner.
Dr. Bob Galvan, assistant vice president with the Office of the Vice President for Community and School Relations, said the tradition of "send-off" celebrations began in the Rio Grande Valley several years ago. Alumni chapters in other cities liked the concept and during the past few years’ similar celebrations have been started in Laredo, El Paso, Dallas and other cities.
For additional information, contact Galvan at (512) 475-6061 or Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, (512) 471-3151.
Itinerary
Rio Grande Valley (Brownsville-McAllen) "Send-Off 2001"
June 26-27, 2001
Tuesday, June 26 in Brownsville:
- 3:30 p.m. UT Austin delegation arrives at La Hacienda Restaurant, 840 Paredes Line in Brownsville, for pre- "Send-Off 2001" reception with Economic Development Council members and invited alumni.
- 6 p.m. "Send-Off 2001" celebration with students and parents at La Hacienda Restaurant.
- 6:45 p.m. Closing remarks and singing of The Eyes of Texas.
- 6:50- 7:15 p.m. Longhorn Hook ‘Em Up for entering freshmen providing opportunity for students and parents to meet with UT Austin representatives.
Wednesday, June 27 in McAllen:
- 4:30 p.m. Dr. Faulkner and UT Austin representatives attend pre-"Send-Off 2001" reception at the law offices of Atlas and Hall for invited alumni and guests.
- 6:15 p.m. "Send-Off 2001" celebration with students and parents in the Ruby Red Ballroom of Renaissance Casa del Palmas Hotel, 101 N. Main St., McAllen.
- 7 p.m. Longhorn Hook ‘Em Up for entering freshmen providing opportunity for students and parents to meet with UT Austin representatives.
