AUSTIN -- Students from Mexico and Spain attending The University of Texas at Austin were honored at the Texas Senate today (Tuesday) by Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, the Texas Exes and the Laredo National Bank/BBVA.

Senators unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 410 by Zaffirini, which recognized the students for strengthening international relationships through education. The representative delegation that received copies of the resolution during session were César Martínez Espinosa, Mexico City; Pablo Alonso-García of Asturies, Spain; Sonia Pérez, president of the Texas Exes; and Jerry Wilcox, Director of the International Office at UT-Austin.

Approximately 85 students attended a post-session reception hosted by LNB/BBVA. Speakers included Senator Zaffirini and Gustavo Parra, vice president and sales manager for the bank. Welcoming students on behalf of UT were James Huffines, chair of the Board of Regents; Chancellor Mark Yudof; and UT President Bill Powers. The reception was held at the Lt. Governor's reception room in the Texas Capitol.

"We are delighted to once again recognize these future leaders from Mexico and Spain," Senator Zaffirini said. "Our reception provides a unique opportunity for Spanish and Mexican students to meet and network with high-ranking officials from UT-Austin and the UT System, as well as elected officials and prominent Texas Exes."

Senator Zaffirini established the annual event in 2002 and a reciprocal event honoring Texas students studying at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

Students from Mexico have studied at UT-Austin since 1940, and Spanish universities have had ongoing relationships with UT-Austin for decades. There are now 320 students from Mexico enrolled at the university, including 185 undergraduates and 135 graduate and professional candidates, and 44 students enrolled from Spain, including 23 undergraduates and 21 graduate and professional candidates. What's more, 437 students from Texas choose to study in Spain each year, making it a primary destination for UT-Austin students studying abroad.

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-LAREDO, hosts the sixth annual reception honoring UT-Austin students from Spain and Mexico. Joining Senator Zaffirini are (L-R) Bill Powers, president of UT-Austin; Rebecca Cantín Cisneros from Spain; César Martínez Espinosa from Mexico; and Gustavo Parra, vice president and sales manager, LNB/BBVA San Antonio.

###