(AUSTIN) — A scholarship for South Texas students at The University of Texas at Austin has been named for Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, the Texas Exes announced Tuesday.

The Senator Judith Zaffirini Scholarship will be presented annually by the Texas Exes to deserving students from South Texas who need assistance paying for college.

The scholarship was endowed by the senator's son, Carlos Zaffirini Jr., an attorney and businessman. Because of his contribution, the Texas Exes will create a permanent endowment that can fund scholarships for years to come.

The Zaffirini Scholarship was announced at a reception hosted by UT Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, UT President Bill Powers and the Texas Exes. Guests included UT Distinguished Alumni, academic deans and student leaders.

John Beckworth, Texas Exes president, Cigarroa, Powers and Zaffirini Jr. spoke about the senator's passion and leadership for higher education in general and UT-Austin in particular.

"Promoting access to higher education is my passion and long has been the cornerstone of my service in the Texas Senate," Senator Zaffirini said. "Accordingly, I am tremendously grateful and proud that Carlos Jr. has created a scholarship in my name at our beloved alma mater."

A life member of the Texas Exes, Senator Zaffirini is Co-Chair of the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency and served three terms as Chair of Higher Education in the Texas Senate. A communication specialist, she holds B.S., M.A. and PhD degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, each with a 3.9 grade-point average.

Carlos Jr. also earned his B.B.A. and J.D. at UT-Austin.

THE SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI SCHOLARSHIP will benefit students from South Texas who need help paying for college. A champion for higher education, Senator Zaffirini is shown here with (L-R) John Beckworth, Texas Exes President; Carlos Zaffirini Jr.; Leslie Cedar, Texas Exes Executive Director; Bill Powers, UT President; and Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, UT System Chancellor.

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