For Immediate Release

UTB/TSC Sends Off Instructor to Military Duty

BROWNSVILLE, TX – AUGUST 22, 2008 – The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College said a temporary farewell to one of its own Friday, Aug. 22, as Lt. Cmdr. Virginia Maldonado-Maxwell prepares to leave for military duty.

Maldonado-Maxwell, an associate master technical instructor and assistant director of the Vocational Nursing Program, will leave to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany on her first call to duty in the 19 years she has served in the Navy Reserves.

“I am going to miss my students,” said Maldonado-Maxwell, who has been with UTB/TSC for 11 years. “But I am proud to serve on behalf of the university and for my country.”

Maldonado-Maxwell’s colleagues at the School of Health Sciences hosted a sendoff Friday at the Life Health Sciences Building Healing Garden complete with the posting of the colors and letters of support from university and federal officials.

“It is a sad day for students,” said UTB/TSC President Dr. Juliet V. García in a letter to Maldonado-Maxwell read by Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Ethel Cantu. “With pride, we lend your caring nature and expert ability to the men and women overseas. Every one of us will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”

U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, also commended Maldonado-Maxwell for her selflessness and the sacrifices she is making to serve her country.

“You are leaving your job, family and community to serve our nation in uniform,” Ortiz said in a letter read by Joel Mungia with Ortiz’s office.

UTB/TSC Professor Beatriz Van Olhen presented Maldonado-Maxwell with a special American flag that was given to Van Olhen on her 35th wedding anniversary by former Texas Gov. Ann Richards. That flag will be displayed at the School of Health Sciences until Maldonado-Maxwell returns.

In exchange, Dr. Eldon Nelson, dean of the School of Health Sciences, gave Maldonado-Maxwell an orange and white scorpion flag to hang during her tour of duty, as well as a cap and coffee mug.

“The flag (we will display) will remind us each day Virginia is away serving her country for all of us,” Nelson said. “Your university is proud of you.”