News and Events

Activities

Dragon Dance Show 

On June 10, 2017 UTRGV students were very excited and proud to present their very first Dragon Dance Show performance at the Brownsville Children's Museum China Event. The student were led by UTRGV professor Xin Zhang who shared with us some of the pictures taken during this colorful and cultural event.

The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is located in the heart of Dean Porter Park in the Mitte Cultural.  The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is hosting the “Children’s China. A Cultural Interactive Exhibit” during summer 2017. The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is the only Museum in Texas to host this exhibit.

To read more about this exhibit hosted by the Children’s Museum of Brownsville please visit: 

http://cmofbrownsville.com/childrens-china/ 

Study Abroad 2017

Sixteen UTRGV students led by Dr. Reto Felix, assistant professor of marketing, participated in a study abroad trip to Lüneburg, Germany. The Topics in Marketing course was designed to introduce students to the many facets of working in a global marketplace. UTRGV students utilized the facilities at Leuphana University, and were immersed in the German lifestyle during excursions and field trips. (UTRGV Courtesy Photo)

Dr. Reto Felix, assistant professor of marketing, was in charge of the study abroad and helped the 16 student travelers submerge themselves in a culture quite different from their own.

One of the most notable differences between the German and U.S. cultures for some of the UTRGV students was the German people’s natural inclination toward a healthy lifestyle, to include diet, activities and conservation efforts. By Vicky Brito.

To read Vicky Brito's full article please visit:

http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/student-experience/study-abroad/2017/june-08-utrgv-students-say-study-abroad-in-germany-opened-their-eyes-to-a-culture-of-living-in-the-moment/index.htm

Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen

This last Veterans War Memorial Day, Monday, May 29^th, 2017 was a very significant day for UTRGV Professor Dr. Victor Alvarado after Mrs. Kathleen Plummer, Retired Col. Frank Plummer’s spouse asked him to follow her to show him a Guardian Paver located in the Circle of Honor of the Spire of Honor. Dr. Alvarado was very surprised and very happy when he saw an engraved statement of gratitude to honor his involvement on this Memorial that according to Dr. Alvarado is “the most spectacular and comprehensive Veterans War Memorial in the Nation”.

Dr. Alvarado’s contribution has consisted on creating a collection of several thousand photos that he started at Col. Plummer’s request since the starting of the excavation of the foundation of the Spire of Honor. Since then, he has attended every single War Veterans Memorials celebrations. The result of this is a large collection of DVDs that include many details about the different occasions and celebrations, the invited personalities attending, the veterans being honored, the public in general and many specifics regarding the monumental War Memorial Park.

The Veterans War Memorial is located in 3129 Galveston Ave, McAllen, TX 7850 this site was donated by the City of McAllen. The purpose of the Veterans War Memorial is to honor all the heroes that have sacrificed their lives in their service to this country.  The focal point of the Veterans War Memorial is the 105-foot-tall American Spire of Honor made out of black granite. This structure is surrounded by a series of memorial walls dedicated to different wars and series of statues of national heroes and figures created by the UTRGV Assistant professor of Art Douglas Clark.

Dr. Alvarado expresses special thanks to the Retired U.SS Army Col. Frank Plummer, President of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen and his wife Kathleen Plummer for their 20 years of dedication and collaboration to the creation of the Veteran War Memorial.

 To learn more about the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen please visit:

http://www.mcallen.net/veterans/default.aspx

Ramadan 2017 

Islam is considered to be the second largest religion in the world after Christianity. Islam was originated in Arabia and has spread all over the world counting currently with more than 1 billion followers.

Ramadan is the holiest month for the people of Islamic faith. The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar beginning the evening of Friday May 26, 2017 and ending Saturday June 24, 2017. Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification and renovation through fasting, introspection and prayers.

Muslims believe Prophet Mohamed received the first holy Quran revelations during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar: Ramadan. Muslims try to recite the as much as the Quran as they can during Ramadan. The end of Ramadan is manifested with a big feast, gift exchanges and family celebrations.

To learn more about the most holy Islamic holiday click on the links below:

 http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/ramadan

 http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/index.htm

Gilman Scholarship enables talented UTRGV students to study abroad this summer

The scholarships, issued by the U.S. Department of State, help students of limited means to study or intern abroad so they can gain skills that will further the United States’ economic competitiveness and/or enhance national security.

The twelve scholarship recipients are from Brownsville, McAllen, Mission, Pharr, Plano, Rio Grande City, Weslaco and Mexico City. Their study abroad courses will take them to China, England, Ireland, Italy, Peru and Spain.

For more information on the Gilman Scholarship, contact Lizette Leal in the Office of International Programs and Partnerships at 956-665-3572 or email lizette.leal01@utrgv.edu.

Please click the following link to view to the whole article: http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/may-18-gilman-scholarship-enables-lucky-utrgv-students-to-study-abroad-this-summer/index.htm

UTRGV hosts an Agreement signing ceremony with Hunan First Normal Univeristy.

On Monday, May 1st, UTRGV President Guy Bailey met with HFNU President Tong and a delegation from Hunan First Normal University from Hunan, China.

The Office of Global Engagement hosted an Agreement of Cooperation signing between Hunan University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Agreement of Cooperation will promote opportunities for the students, faculty, and staff members our two institutions to work together through academic and research exchanges, as well as visits between faculty, researchers, and students.

Hunan First Normal University was originally named the Hunan Faculty of Education, which was one of the only five normal academies in China. Later in 1914, it was renamed the Hunan Provincial First Normal School and eventually became Hunan First Normal School after the foundation of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949. In March, 2000, under the sanction of the PRC Ministry of Education, a three-year normal college in April 2008, achieved the status of a four-year undergraduate-level normal university.

Please click the following link to learn more about Hunan First Normal University:   http://www.hnfnu.edu.cn/eng/ 

Fullbright Scholar to Give Talk at UTRGV

Please click the following link to view more information: http://www.galinakallio.fi/me/

UTRGV's Earth Fest 2017

UTRGV’s Earth Fest 2017 will being held on both the Brownsville (April 19) and Edinburg (April 20) campuses. We encourage you to attend this exciting opportunity!

Included this year is the following roster:

• Dr. Humberto Sanchez, a former NASA engineer, will talk about the connections between space and sustainability on the Earth.
• Dr. Isaac Azuz Adeath, from CETYS University, will speak to the audience about water hydrology and its importance both as a resource and a topic on transboundary environmental issues.
• Dr. Matthew Garcia, from the US Department of Energy, will address the Brownsville audience about the future of energy and advanced manufacturing in the US.  Mr. Abraham Quiroga will speak to the Edinburg audience on this topic.
• We will also be hosting partners from the South Texas Industrial Assessment Center.

Please click the following link to view the flyer: UTRGV's Earth Fest 2017

First Annual J-1 Visiting Scholar Network Event, April 12, 2017.

At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, we welcome and value our international visiting scholars. On Wednesday, April 12th, 2017, OGE hosted the inaugural Visiting Scholar Network event. International visiting scholars around the world had an opportunity to meet with one other and learn more about UTRGV and opportunities open to them. These international visiting scholars are valued members of the OGE family, and they contribute to UTRGV through their research collaborations with faculty and students, and, enhance the university atmosphere of scholarly excellence and globalization.

OGE Supports Model United Nations Trip to the UN

Six UTRGV students attended the annual Model United Nations conference in New York City, March 19-23, as part of a special topics in political science course that focused on the activities of the UN. This was the first out-of-state conference for all six students.

At each conference, there is a focus on three pressing issues relevant to the 21 UN committees in existence. This conference focused on issues in correlation with the World Health Organization, the UN Environmental Assembly and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The students served as delegates representing the Dominican Republic, and had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Caribbean country for a mission briefing before the conference, to learn specifics about the country’s global policies.

To read the full article, please click the following link: http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/april-03-utrgvs-model-united-nations-club-attends-its-first-conference-in-nyc/index.htm

Asian Spring Festival

The 1st Asian Spring Festival is held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 on Chapel Lawn and in the Student Union building on Edinburg campus of UTRGV. Student in Korean & Chinese language courses, and members of Japanese Language Culture Association, Japanese Animation Club, and Indian Student Association are presenting their exciting cultural activities, games, and dances, displaying culture crafts, playing origami, giving away food samples, and more. 

Asian Spring Festival

Come and Try out:

• Hena tattooing (presented by Indian Culture Association)
• Animation books & characters and Dango tasting (prepared by Japanese Animation Club)
• Japanese word sling shot games and origami (offered by Japanese Language & Culture Club)
• Hand-paintings, memory game, and paper lanterns (presented by Chinese Language & Culture Association)
• Korean calligraphy, mask printing, traditional musical instruments, and traditional games (hosted by Korean Studies classes)

Classes of Korean Studies present:

• Korean Percussion Music (Nongak) at 11:00 and 12:00
• Traditional Fan Dance (Buchaechum) at 11:10 and 11:40
• K-pop Dance at 11:20 and 11:50
• K-pop Song and Guitar at 11:30 and 12:40
• Korean Mask Dance(Talchum) at 12:20 and 1:10
• Research posters in the lobby of Student Union

Muslim Students Association at UTRGV presents: Islam Awareness Week from March 27-31

Monday: "My Jihad Is" Kickoff Table, 12-2 PM, Student Union Staircase

Tuesday: Hijabs and Henna, 12-1:30 PM, Student Union South Patio

Wednesday: Calligraphy Workshop, 12:30-2 PM (30 Minute Sessions), STAC 1.112A

Thursday: Interfaith Workshop, 6-8 PM, UC Ballroom

Friday: Dhuhr and Donuts, 1-2 PM, Masjid Arridwan

*FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE. REGARDLESS OF FAITH*

UTRGV political science professor attends the ABS / WSSA Annual Conference

Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera (Ph.D. in Political Science, The New School for Social Research) is Associate Professor at the Department of Public Affairs and Security Studies, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Her areas of expertise are Mexico-U.S. relations, energy policy, border security, immigration, and organized crime. Her teaching fields include comparative politics, Latin American politics, U.S.-Mexico relations, U.S.-Mexico border policy, energy and security policy, comparative public policy and public administration, and Latino politics. Guadalupe’s most recent book is entitled Democracy in “Two Mexicos”: Political Institutions in Oaxaca and Nuevo León (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013). She is also the ABS program chair and coordinator.

For more information, please click the following links below:

http://absborderlands.org/

http://absborderlands.org/studies/annual-meetings/

http://absborderlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2017-ABS-Conference-Program.pdf

For discounted hotel reservation please Click Here

Global Latin America Lecture and Engagement Series presents, Dr. Andres Resendez!

On Monday, April 17, 2017 at 6 PM in the EENGR 1.300, join us for an invited lecture on "The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Slavery in America." Followed by a Roundtable Disucusion on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 6 PM in the UTRGV - Edinburg, ITT Int'l Room.

UTRGV celebrates International Women’s Day on two campuses

On March 8, 2017, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a two-day celebration of International Women’s Day, a global celebration since 1975 of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women past, present and future.

Luncheons on both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses honored an Outstanding International Female Student and an Outstanding International Female Faculty on each campus.  

Roshni Manwani and Perla Frias Perez received the honors on the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, respectively. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

UTRGV to Offer Asian Studies minor in Fall 2017

Beginning fall 2017, UTRGV will offer a minor in Asian Studies, created in response to students’ requests for the interdisciplinary curriculum.

Mijin Oh-Villarreal, Lecturer of Writing and Language Studies at UTRGV, and Minhee Eom, Associate Professor of Writing and Language Studies, helped create the Asian Studies minor.

The founding faculty shares the responsibility of advising students and promoting the minor, which consists of 18 credit hours. There will be two tracks to the minor: language and context. The language track will offer courses in the Korean, Chinese and Japanese languages. The context track will offer interdisciplinary courses in communication, history, philosophy and political science in relation to Asian countries.

UTRGV Hosts Global Leadership Program for Sahmyook University Students

Professor Soojin Yoo of the College of Health Affairs and OGE are hosting five students from Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea. The students will be at UTRGV for one month to attend the Global Leadership Program on Rehabilitation and Health Promotion. As part of the program, the students will attend lectures by various UTRGV faculty members on professional development, leadership, therapeutic practices, and addictive behavior. The program also includes site visits to a range of clinics and hospitals throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The program will end on February 24. 2017. UTRGV and Sahmyook University recently signed an Agreement of Cooperation.

UTRGV Visits Shandong Jianzhu University

In January, 2017, Professor Sibin Wu, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Associate Provost Dennis Hart, OGE, visited Shandong Jianzhu University in Jinan, China. While there, they meet with the president of the university, administrators, various faculty, and students. UTRGV and SJU recently signed an Agreement of Cooperation and scholars will come to conduct research at UTRGV. SJU has strengths in architecture and engineering. Its Civil Engineering department is ranked as a top five program in China.

Faculty Activities

Congratulations to Lizette Leal and Luis Alcocer of International Programs and Partnerships. Lizette and Luis were both chosen to participate in the Diversity Impact Program of NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. The leadership development program involves a mentoring program with senior international educators from member institutions as well as access to learning materials from NAFSA. In addition they will attend the national conference in Los Angeles in May of this year. 

In December, 2016, Associate Professor Yong-Kang Wei  presented a paper on Maoism and Post Modernism at the Center of Mao Zedong Studies at Xiangtan University, Hunan Province, China. Funding for travel was provided by the Office of Global Engagement and the College of Liberal Arts.

In November, 2016, Dr. Aziza Zemrani presented her paper title “Mainstreaming people’s environmental concerns: the missing piece in ongoing political and administrative decentralization in Africa,” at Caddi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco. Funding was provided by the Office of Global Engagement and the College of Liberal Arts.

On November 16 & 17, 2016 Drs. Minhee Eom, Shannon McCrocklin, and Regine Pellicer presented Multilingua Fest at the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses. The event celebrated and promoted multiculturalism at UTRGV. Funding is provided by the Office of Global Engagement, College of Liberal Arts, and Writing and Language Studies.