The Texas Senate Wednesday (Feb. 28) confirmed Dr. Ricardo G. Cigarroa's nomination to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. State Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, sponsored his nomination by then-Governor George W. Bush. His term expires on Aug. 31, 2005.

Dr. Cigarroa succeeds his father, Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa, whose term on the Coordinating Board expired on August 31, 1999.

"Dr. Cigarroa is an excellent member of the Higher Education Coordinating Board," said Sen. Zaffirini. "His hard work and work ethic drive his vision of increasing access to higher education opportunities for students across Texas. He is neither parochial nor provincial."

Sen. Zaffirini introduced Dr. Cigarroa to the Senate Nominations Committee on Feb. 20. Committee members unanimously recommended that the Texas Senate confirm his nomination.

At the hearing, Dr. Cigarroa and fellow board nominees from across the state testified about the importance of motivating more Texas youth to attend college or university-level classes after high school graduation. Additionally, they discussed a variety of outreach efforts to promote the importance of higher education to students of all grade levels.

Dr. Cigarroa, who earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, credited his success to the importance his family placed on higher education.

"By unanimously confirming Dr. Cigarroa's nomination to succeed his father on the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Senate sends a strong message that excellence can and should be a hallmark of successive generations, especially within a strong, loving, talented family," Sen. Zaffirini said.

"He will reflect well on our great state and will make a difference in ensuring that higher education is more accessible and affordable and that standards of excellence are maintained," Sen. Zaffirini concluded.

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