(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today (Tuesday) 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 thirteenth consecutive year by BBVA Compass Bank, the reception provided students an opportunity to interact with legislators and top-ranking UT officials.

"As a proud alumna of The University of Texas at Austin and the first Hispanic woman in the Texas Senate, I am delighted to welcome these students from Mexico and Spain to the Texas Capitol," Senator Zaffirini said. "By offering outstanding exchange programs, UT-Austin is not only promoting intercultural exchange and understanding, but also enhancing the educational experience for all students."

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

Jair Aguilar, a doctoral student from Mexico studying mathematics education, gave the students' official response by thanking Senator Zaffirini, legislators, UT officials, guests and the event's sponsors. Alba Vicente, a graduate student from Spain studying finance, 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 68 students from Spain are enrolled at UT. What's more, 36 UT students are studying in Mexico, and 337 are studying in Spain.

UT STUDENTS FROM MEXICO AND SPAIN are honored at the thirteenth annual reception at the Texas Capitol. Among the hosts and student honorees are (L-R) Jair Aguilar from Mexico; Bill Powers, UT-Austin president; Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chancellor of UT System; Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; John Jett, BBVA Compass Executive Vice President; and Alba Vicente from Spain.

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