(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today (Wednesday) honored students from Mexico and Spain who attend The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a reception at the Texas Capitol. Sponsored for the eleventh consecutive year by BBVA Compass Bank, the reception provided students an opportunity to interact with legislators and top-ranking UT officials. "As a lifetime member of the Texas Exes, I am delighted to welcome these students from Mexico and Spain to the Texas Capitol," Senator Zaffirini said. "By choosing to study at one of the best universities in the United States, they are not only receiving a world-class education, but also are promoting intercultural exchange and understanding, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all UT students."

Welcoming the students to the State Capitol were Senator Zaffirini; Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chancellor of UT System; Bill Powers, UT Austin president; and Joe Petet, BBVA Compass Austin City President. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst also hosted the event in the historic Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room.

Bibiana Lopez, an undergraduate student from Mexico studying supply chain management, gave the students' official response by thanking Senator Zaffirini, legislators, UT officials, guests and the event's sponsors. Antoni Miranda-Aranda, a graduate student from Spain studying technology commercialization, accepted an official Senate proclamation commemorating the event.

Students from Mexico have studied at UT since 1940, and the university's Graduate School of Business offers joint degree programs with Mexican higher education institutions. More than 500 students from Mexico and 28 students from Spain are enrolled at UT. What's more, 57 UT students are studying in Mexico, and 271 are studying in Spain, making Spain the top choice for UT students studying abroad.

UT STUDENTS FROM MEXICO AND SPAIN are honored at the eleventh annual reception at the Texas Capitol. Among the hosts and student honorees are (L-R) Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chancellor of UT System; Bill Powers, UT-Austin president; Bibiana Lopez from Mexico; Joe Petet, BBVA Compass Austin City President; Antoni Miranda-Aranda from Spain; and Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.

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