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Dear University community,

And…we’re back! Hope everyone had a meaningful and restful Spring Break. Let’s return to our full University Spring semester experience, complete with activities, lectures, and chances to continue to grow.

• This week, we welcome guests from Texas A&M University-Commerce who are visiting campus to learn about our initiatives and programs focused on students.
• Tomorrow, Tuesday, at 7 p.m. check out the seventh installment of its Diverse Cultures, Diverse Humanities Lecture Series with a virtual lecture titled, "Straight Talk about the Nword." Dr. Neal Lester, Foundation Professor of English and Founding Director of the multiple award-winning Project Humanities initiative at Arizona State University, will present the virtual lecture. Learn more.
• At 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, get a rare glimpse into the world of TV screenwriting with TAMIU alum Philip Balli (’13) for Coffeehouse Wednesday, sponsored by the TAMIU Office of Career Services. Phillip interned in our PR office and since graduation has served in various positions in TV writers' rooms for shows such as Fargo (FX) and Parasite (HBO). He’s currently working on the story for an indie project with an all-remote game studio. Find out more at careerservices@tamiu.edu, or call 956.326.4473. Also, Wednesday, the All Majors Career Fair will also be hosted from 1 – 4 p.m.by the Office of Career Services.
• On Thursday at 11 a.m. an Art Panel with five artists will convene that’s focused on Strategies to Maintain an Art Practice Upon Graduation. See details below.
• Our first-ever offering of The Human Library is Thursday from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Killam Library Great Room. This is a fascinating, participatory activity where you’ll have a chance to meet human “books” representing marginalized communities, providing first-hand awareness and insight that challenges prejudices and stereotypes through dialogue. I encourage all to attend.
• This Saturday, our The Big Event is scheduled to bring the TAMIU community of students, faculty, and staff together in community service. Our shared target is the Las Palmas Trail and Los Dos Laredos Park. I hope you’ll join in our traditional service opportunity. See details and sign-up opportunities below.
• Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 30 for a special guest lecture by Dr. Sean Gulick of UT-Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences. His special lecture will be on “Asteroid Impact: The Chicxlub Asteroid and the Death of the Dinosaurs” at 7 p.m. in CFPA Recital Hall. It’s free of charge, open to all, and hosted by the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium and College of Arts and Sciences.
• Intrigued by AI? Does cybersecurity ring true for you? Curious about Full Stack Web Development? All are part of a series of fee-based Boot Camps offered by the University’s Office of Continuing Education. Find out more on the Continuing Education website.
• Mandatory randomized surveillance COVID-19 testing for all members of the University community: students, faculty, and staff is underway. This is especially advised for those who traveled or were at extended social gatherings for Spring Break. Emails notify you of your selection for testing. Once selected, you have 72 hours to test on campus at no charge. There are consequences for non-compliance. Please review your University email account regularly.
• Let’s continue the use of recommended face coverings/masks, in addition to practicing distancing and rigorous hand-washing.

On the horizon:

• Registration for Summer and Fall Opens Monday, April 4.
• Discover TAMIU returns Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Seniors, Graduation is just ahead!

Go Dustdevils!

- Pablo Arenaz, Ph.D., President

TAMIU's 'Diverse Cultures, Diverse Humanities' Series Presents Virtual Lecture 'Straight Talk About the NWord' Tuesday

Dr. Neal Lester, Foundation Professor of English and Founding Director of the multiple award-winning Project Humanities initiative at Arizona State University, will present the virtual lecture. This presentation considers the word’s “continually shifting use” through the complex discourse of American race relations, ultimately gauging more broadly the fundamental role of words, history, language, and performance to construct identities.

TAMIU's All Majors Career Fair Scheduled for Wednesday

Dustdevils are invited to network and connect with organizations for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities with both local and nationally-recognized companies.

Tips for the Career Fair:

• Get your resume ready and uploaded into Handshake.
• Prepare your elevator pitch.
• Polish your interview skills.
• Dress appropriately - the dress code for this event is business professional.

'Strategies to Maintain an Art Practice Upon Graduation' Panel Thursday

The panel is free and open to the University community. For more information, contact TAMIU assistant professor of Art Josias Figueirido at josias.figueirido@tamiu.edu.

TAMIU Presents First-Ever 'The Human Library' Thursday

The upcoming Human Library event will be held in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library – Great Room. During the event, members from both the University and Laredo community will serve as “Books” and share their life experiences and stories to attendees or “Readers.” The event is open to the community and made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas.