2004 Annual Meeting
Que Viva Laredo!
by Dee Royder, Staff Assistant, A&M System
This year’s annual meeting was, according to some members, one of the Chancellor’s Century Council best yet. Located on the banks of the Rio Grande, the La Posada Hotel and Suites team greeted us with courteous and friendly service. The atmosphere was historic and festive, the accommodations were impressive, and the professional staff facilitated in making this a successful event.
Early registration began on March 3rd with a cordial invitation to the Laredo Bucks hockey game by Lauren and Glenn Hart that evening. The Harts are new members and owners of the Laredo “Bucks” hockey team. Their warm and generous hospitality started the pre-annual meeting activities with a swing of the Laredo fiesta spirit. The Bucks won the game that night and went on to clench the Central Hockey League title in April. Way to go Bucks!!!!
The picturesque campus of the Texas A&M International University has come a long way since it’s beginning in 1970. Dr. Ray Keck, III, President of TAMIU, and his wonderful faculty and staff were gracious hosts welcoming the Council with open arms and a warmhearted spirit. It was a delight for the members to view and experience the new buildings and programs on the campus since their last annual meeting visit in 1996.
The music and tours presented by the students, presentations by presidents of A&M institutions and agencies, performances of the Mariachi Internacional and String Quartet, and the wonderful dinner and reception sponsored by the International Bank of Commerce on Thursday night were just part of the flavor of TAMIU’s gracious hospitality during Thursday and Friday’s events.
Friday night’s annual banquet was a night to remember in the Council’s annual meeting history. The night began with the reception located at the beautiful Lamar Bruni Vergara Memorial Garden with entertainment by the Ballet Folkorico. Dinner was held in the Student Center Ballroom. The room was electrified with smiling faces, jovial greetings, warm hugs and handshakes, not to mention the aroma of Chef Mark’s entrée.
Special guest, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, honored us by her appearance and speech to welcome the Council to Laredo. Known very well to the The Texas A&M University System, it was a privilege to have as keynote speaker, Emeritus Anne L. Armstrong. Other special guests attending were state representatives The Honorable Ryan Guillen, and The Honorable Richard Raymond.
The annual meeting came to a close on Saturday night with a casual dinner by moonlight hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Keck at their lovely home. It was appreciated by everyone for the dedication and hard work of the TAMIU faculty and staff in making the CCC 2004 annual meeting a huge success.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the CCC 2005 annual meeting to be held in College Station, March 3-5. Save-a-date cards will be mailed in the Fall.
Hasta la vista!