2012 People Stories
08/20/2012 Julio Cesar Ramos: As a young boy, Julio Cesar Ramos of Brownsville took on the role of caregiver for his mother who was battling breast cancer. That experience inspired him to become a doctor. Play Video
7/23/2012 Paloma Rodriguez: When Paloma Rodriguez was in middle school, she was not even considering college.The BECHS program changed all that. Play Video
7/16/2012 John Hunter: John Hunter says he enjoys putting music to pictures and getting every ounce of emotion out of a scene. A distinguished alumnus, he can now add to his resume: Oscar winning composer.
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07/02/2012 Singing the National Anthem: As the nation celebrates the Fourth of July, UTB music students Victoria Rodriguez and Anthony Ramirez share their thoughts on what it means to sing our national anthem. Play Video
06/18/2012 Juan Longoria: UTB and TSC employee Juan Longoria, his son, Juan III, and father Juan Sr. share the same name and a passion for the accordion. Play Video
05/29/2012 Diego Aleman: For Diego Aleman of Brownsville, Commencement marked the end of one goal and the beginning of a new one. Play Video
05/14/2012 Bianca Farrell : Bianca Farrell’s life is college and family. This single mother juggles classes, work and family. Play Video
04/30/2012 Anthony Ramirez: Anthony Ramirez prepares for his role in a special concert to celebrate the anniversary of the UTB music degree on Thursday, May 3. Play Video
04/23/2012 Imani Winds at UT Brownsville: UTB students get one-on-one interaction from world renown woodwind quintet Imani Winds. Play Video
04/16/2012 UT Brownsville Drumline - Manuel Trevino : UTB freshman Manuel Trevino learned how to play drums in 6th grade and quickly discovered he wanted to turn his passion into a career. Play Video
04/9/2012 UTB Guitar Festival: The student Guitar Ensemble performs “Shiki” with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet to honor the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan. Play Video
03/19/2012 Kevin Rios Weight Loss at UTB REK Center : As a freshman, Kevin Rios weighed 362 pounds. He decided to do something about it. He joined the REK and lost 177 pounds. Now he is dedicated to helping others get moving. Play Video
03/12/2012 UTB Biomedical Research Building: Students who have a desire to pursue a career in medicine or biomedical research have access to life-changing opportunities to help them pursue their dreams in the new Biomedical Research Building on the campus of the University of Texas at Brownsville. Play Video
02/13/2012 Rick Pedraza: Rick Pedraza, an accomplished tuba player, is pursuing his passion of playing music while fulfilling another dream, becoming a member of the U.S. Army. Play Video
01/30/2012 UTB Graduate Oscar Garcia & Glass Cullet Research: Oscar Garcia is a recent University of Texas at Brownsville graduate. For his senior project, he studied a possible solution to beach erosion. He presented his research to the city leaders of South Padre Island. Play Video
01/23/2012 Sam Coats speaks to Business Students: Retired airline and business executive Sam Coats speaks to UTB business students to provide insight and answer any questions about the business world. Play Video
01/17/2012 Vanessa Martinez Graduates UTB with Masters Degree: Vanessa Martinez graduated during Winter Commencement with a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Health and Human Performance. She was the first to graduate to write and defend a thesis. Play Video
2011 People Stories
12/19/2011 UTB Holiday Video 2011: UTB wishes you a happy holiday season. Play Video
10/24/2011 UTB Nursing Simulation Center: Leslie Arnim was a certified public account and was making a good living. In 1994, she decided to make a change...become a nurse. Play Video
9/26/2011 UTB Guitar Ensemble : Student guitarists prepare for a performance with world famous Miro Quartet on Austin City Limits Stage. Play Video
9/19/2011 Profile of Beatriz Von Ohlen : Back in 1997, UTB was only a few years in existence when Beatriz Von Ohlen was one of 9 students to receive the very first bachelor’s degree in nursing. Play Video
8/29/2011 Profile of Muhammad Tahir : Muhammad Tahir is studying engineering physics and serves as a mentor for international students. Play Video
8/15/2011 Profile of Jamie Barnhill : Meet Jamie Barnhill. She shares her love of water sports as Aquatics/Events Coordinator of the REK Center. Play Video
8/8/2011 Profile of Rafael Ortero : The earliest most students graduate from college is around the age of 22, but that is not the case for Rafael Otero of Brownsville. Play Video
7/25/2011 Profile of Leo Garza : Leo Garza found his way to UTB though the music program and helps teach elementary school children how to play the violin. Play Video
7/18/2011 Profile of Hada Martinez : Hada Martinezand Deidre Chaisson search used clothing and thrifts shops for their online business, Vintage Daisy. Play Video
7/12/2011 Profile of Dr. Bill Strong : Dr. Bill Strong brings a little bit of Texas to the airwaves every Sunday on the valley’s public radio station, KMBH. Play Video
06/20/2011 Profile of Ivan Hernandez : Ivan Hernandez is one of only eight clarinetists accepted to attend the prestigious Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, N.C. Play Video
06/06/2011 Aziel Alcocer - Math and Science Academy Graduate : Only 19 years old and just two years out of high school, Aziel Alcocer of San Benito now has two college degrees on her resume. The Math and Science Academy gave her the opportunity to reach this goal. Play Video
05/09/2011 Yanalli and Nerieda Sanchez, Mother & Daughter - UTB/TSC Graduates : Hard work and more importantly, being there for each other helped Yanalli Sanchez and her mother, Nereida achieve their college degrees. Play Video
04/25/2011 Cynthia W. Galvan - Doctoral Graduate : Cynthia W. Galvan-The road to earning a college degree, especially a doctorate degree, can be filled with challenges. Ask Cynthia W. Galvan who went from a GED to an Ed.D. Play Video
04/11/2011 Dr. Rene Corbeil - Social Media Learning : Dr. Rene Corbeil is using social media to connect with students, especially those who live halfway around the world. Play Video
03/27/2011 Judge Reynaldo G. Garza Collection : A personal collection of the late Judge Reynaldo G. Garza, will be available for viewing in April in the Oliveira Library. Play Video
03/13/2011 Dr. Peter Gawenda - “The Children’s War” : Dr. Peter Gawenda grew up in Germany during World War II. His book “The Children’s War” tells what life was like during World War II and it’s told from the eyes of a little boy. Play Video
02/27/2011 Profile of Leo Zamora : Standing ovations and shouts of bravos for the students in the university Master Chorale as they sang their hearts out at the Texas Music Educators Convention. No one was more proud than Leo Zamora, the choir director at Brownsville’s Oliveira Middle School and the first music graduate of UTB/TSC. Play Video
02/13/2011 A Valentines Day Love Story : History and bit of romance surround Gorgas Hall. Back in 1882, the post hospital served as the setting for a romance between William Crawford Gorgas, a young lieutenant and Marie Doughty, the colonels sister in law. Play Video
01/30/2011 Profile of Dianeth Rodriguez, RISE Scholar : Dianeth Rodriguez decided she like research after taking some psychology courses. Working in Dr. Christina Barroso’s lab convinced her she wants to work with children and teenagers. Rodriguez is in the Minority BioMedical Research Support Program at UTB/TSC. Play Video
01/16/2011 Master Chorale Goes to Camp : While students were on holiday break, students in the Master Chorale took part in an intensive five day camp to prepare for a very important concert. In February, they will perform for the first time at the 2011 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. Play Video
01/02/2011 For the Love of Math : Meet twin sisters Liliana and Alejandra Trevino of Brownsville. They were part of a special group of graduates who earned master’s degrees in mathematics at the 16th Winter Commencement. Play Video
2010 People Stories
12/19/2010 First Doctorates : It had been a long academic journey for Norma Ibarra Cantu and Aidee Vasquez of Brownsville. They juggled family, jobs, and their studies to earn the highest academic degree. At the 16th Winter Commencement, they earned the very first doctorates in education from UTB/TSC. Play Video
12/5/2010 A Preview of Handel’s Messiah: The holidays are here and it would not be the same without hearing the thrilling arias and stirring choruses of Handel’s Messiah. And what better place than to experience this seasonal favorite than the brand new Arts Center. Play Video
11/21/2010 Profile of Marilyn Dyer-Whelan: Marilyn Dyer-Whelan was the founding dean of the School of Health Sciences. Her dream was to have a College of Nursing at UTB/TSC. Play Video
11/7/2010 Distinguished Alumnus Profile: Alma Cardenas-Rubio Meet Alma Cardenas Rubio of Brownsville. A school principal she finds herself at the head of the class encouraging students to reach higher no matter what their background. Play Video
10/24/10Ghost Stories: As the university archivist, John Hawthorne gets as many questions about the history of the campus as the ghost tales. Play Video
10/10/2010 Profile of Ray Stewart: A profile of former Broadway and television actor Ray Stewart of San Benito. Back in 1949, Stewart was a freshman attending Texas Southmost College Play Video
9/26/2010 Advance for Distinguished Lecture Series: Kerry Schwartz says he could order TOM’S Shoes everyday and still not have enough to sell at his shop on South Padre Island. The creator of TOM’S Shoes is Blake Mycoskie, featured speaker of the Distinguished Lecture Series. Play Video
9/12/2010 Profile: Jose and Gloria Diaz, Scholarship Recipient Gloria and Joe Diaz of Brownsville are the first in their families to earn a college degree. But they almost had to quit school until they got help from the Prax Orive Memorial Scholarship Endowment. Play Video
8/29/2010 STEPS Endowment: A new public private collaboration is bringing more opportunities for students in science, engineering technology and math. Play Video
8/15/2010 Michael Quantz Profile-UT Regents Teaching Award Winner: Dr. Michael Quantz says its mean a great deal to him to be nominated and selected for the UT Regents Outstanding Teaching award but he says he is most moved by what students had to say about him in their letters of recommendation. Play Video
8/1/2010 Profile of Sonia Cunningham: When Sonia Cunningham’s oldest child died, she turned her tragic loss into something positive. She created an endowment that provides scholarships for students studying criminal justice. Play Video
7/18/2010 Brownsville Gourmet Physicians Gift: They are known as the Brownsville Gourmet Physicians. In 2007, they lost one of their good friends to cancer. And now they have come together to remember Dr. Victor Gonzalez in a gift to The Arts Center. Play Video
6/20/2010 Profile of Dr. Bill Strong and his “Stories from Texas”: Every Sunday afternoon and evening on the valley’s public radio station KMBH. Dr. Bill Strong brings a little bit of Texas to the airwaves. His essays are called “Stories from Texas”. Play Video
6/6/2010 Profile of Lisa Altamirano: Lisa Altimirano says it’s difficult to put into words what it was like to perform on the stage at Carnegie Hall. She represented UTB/TSC at the National Collegiate Wind Ensemble. Play Video
5/23/2010 Profile of Alejandro Cruz: Alejandro Cruz says he feels blessed. He was one of two UTB/TSC students selected for the 65 member National Collegiate Wind Ensemble to perform in Carnegie Hall. Play Video
5/9/2010 Mother and Daughter Graduate: Belia Olivarez and Ana Arevalo of Harlingen not only share the mother-daughter bond but the two also gave each other encouragement to pursue their dreams of a college degree Play Video
4/25/2010 Profile of Michael Callas: Brownsville native Michael Callas is living his dream of becoming a world class opera singer. He recently came home to share what he has learned with some young singers who someday hope to make it on the big stage. Play Video
4/112010 Profile of Oscar Sosa Heads to MIT: Effort and perseverance...sometimes that what it takes to get ahead. Oscar Sosa knows that. He will soon be his way to the Pasteur Institute in Paris to study molecular genetics Play Video
3/28/2010 Profile of Dr. Manuel Medrano: Dr. Manuel Medrano says his book Americo Paredes: In His Own Words is a labor of love and respect for Dr. Americo Paredes, a beloved scholar, musician and poet who established the importance of border studies for generations of Mexican-Americans. Play Video
3/14/2010 Student Prepares for Carnegie Hall: Lisa Altamirano will spend her holiday break getting ready for her debut performance in Carnegie Hall. Play Video
2/28/10 A Preview of the Rio Grande Valley Science Fair: Longtime educator Raul A. Besteiro Jr or “Mr. B”as he was affectionately known was a longtime supporter of science fair, long after he left the school district and up until his death in 2004. Play Video
2/14/10 A Night of Strings Opens The Arts Center : A “Night of Strings opened the brand new Arts Center and featured college and school children and a performance by Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chancellor of The University of Texas System. Play Video
1/31/10 Charro Days in Brownsville: A collaboration between professors Dr. Manuel Medrano and Dr. Anthony Knopp collaboration and the Brownsville Historical Association bring us a wonderful book about the history of Charro Days. Play Video
1/17/10 To Honor Thy Father: When Nancy Cardenas of Brownsville graduated from UTB/TSC in December, she fulfilled her dream and her father’s wish that she and her four sisters would all earn a college degree. Play Video
1/3/2010 Profile of Oscar Casares: The city of Austin has honored Brownsville native son and author Oscar Casares. Casares novel ‘Amigoland” was selected for the “Mayor’s Book Club”. Play Video
2009 People Stories
12/20/09 Profile of Sylvia Casares: Sylvia Casares remembers learning how to make tamales by watching her mother and grandmother . To bring back the tradition, she launched he her first DVD featuring traditional techniques and her carefully tested recipes. Play Video
12/6/09 Profile of Ginger Wheelock: Ginger Wheelock sang the alma mater to her fellow classmates at Commencement. Play Video
11/22/09 Barry Horn Remembered at Steinway Concert: Barry Horn’s legacy lives on in wood and ivory as students and staff play on a beautiful Steinway piano, an instrument that would not have been available if not for his efforts. Play Video
11/08/09 Barry Horn Remembered: Even before becoming the Director of Development in 2001, Barry Horn was touching the lives of students by creating endowments and scholarships. Play Video
*10/25/09 Ghost Stories: “The Ghosts of Fort Brown: An Informal Study of Brownsville Folklore and Parapsychology is a collection of 40 ghost stories. Play Video
10/11/09 Profile of Carlos Rubenstein: Former alumnus, Carlos Rubenstein returns to the campus to be sworn in as the Commissioner for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Play Video
09/27/09 Profile of Herminio Guajardo: Herminio Guajardo became a science student after his mother became very ill in 2002. After conquering the language barrier, this student was well on his way to reaching his goal of obtaining a doctorate in neuro science. Play Video
*09/13/09 20th Anniversary of Challenge for Excellence Program: Michael Camarillo was one of the first students to earn a scholarship thru the Challenge for Excellence Scholarship Fund. Play Video
08/02/09 Profile of Oscar Casares: Oscar Casares says it’s only fitting that he should begin his book tour in his hometown “Amigoland” is his new novel and is a foloup to his successful and much praised collection of short stories called “Brownsville”. Play Video
08/16/09 The Keith A. Ferguson Memorial 5K run/walk in New York City: Almost 1,000 New Yorkers, Brownsville residents and UTB/TSC alumni came to the Big Apple to support criminal justice students and pay tribute to one of the city’s fallen heros. Play Video
07/19/09 "PAWS" Exhibit": Art students tell the story of man's best friend through their photo exhibit entitled "PAWS." Play Video
07/05/09 Study Abroad Program: Eighteen students said goodbye to parents and friends as they get ready to leave for France as part of the Study Abroad Program. Play Video
06/07/09 First Graduates of the Science and Math Academy: Twenty four high school seniors made history at Commencement as they earned their high school diploma and their associate’s degree. Play Video
05/24/09 Profile of John Hunter, 2009 UTB/TSC Distinguished Alumnus: When students sing the alma mater, they feel a sense of pride. It’s the same for John Hunter. Back in 1993, he was comissioned to write the first alma mater for the university. Play Video
05/21/09 Profile of Julio and Julio Alberto Ibarra: At Spring Commencement, Julio Ibarra and his son Julio Alberto walked across the stage to receive their associate’s degrees from UTB/TSC. Play Video
05/10/09 Profile of Dr. Americo Paredes: 2009 marked the 10-year anniversary of the death of Dr. Americo Paredes He grew up in Brownsville and is still well known around the world as a beloved professor, folklorist, author and a scholar of the border. Play Video
04/26/09 Master Chorale in Italy: While on their trip to Italy, three music students used the popular book "Angel's and Demons" as their tour guide through the Vatican. Play Video
04/12/09 Master Chorale's Trip to Italy: A look back on their exciting performances and memories from their trip to Italy. Play Video
03/15/09 Master Chorale Leaves for Italy: Spring Break 2009 will be one to remember. The singers in the university’s master’s chorales were in Italy for a week of performances and tours. Play Video
03/1/09 Profile of Dr. Ruben Gallegos & Dr. Linda Gallegos: A familiar face at Dr.Ruben Gallegos Elementary School in Brownsville is none other than the schools namesake Dr. Ruben Gallegos. What is extra special is that the principal happens to be Dr. Gallegos’s daughter, Linda. Play Video
02/15/09 A Love Story at Gorgas Hall: Gorgas Hall is named for William Crawford Gorgas whose study led to the conquering of yellow fever at Fort Brown. In 1882, the post hospital served as the setting for a romance between Gorgas, a young lieutenant and Marie Doughty, the colonel’s sister in law. Play Video
01/18/2009 Profile of Dr. Deloria Nanze Davis: Since 1997, Dr. Deloria Nanze Davis has organized “An Evening of Celebration” honoring civil right leader Dr. Martin Luther King. She calls it both a labor of education and passion. Play Video
01/4/09 Profile of Erick Ramos: Erick Ramos was thrilled when he learned he had been selected for the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps of Pennsylvania and that he would march with the Cadets at the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Play Video