(AUSTIN) — State, business and higher education leaders paid tribute to students from Mexico and Spain who attend The University of Texas at Austin at the 15th annual reception in their honor at the Texas Capitol.

Sponsored by BBVA Compass Bank, the reception was held in the historic Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room for the fifteenth consecutive year. The event provided students an opportunity to interact with legislators and top-ranking UT officials.

"UT-Austin's excellent exchange programs not only enhance the educational experience for students both in Texas and abroad, but also foster the intercultural exchange and understanding that are so critical in today's interconnected world," Senator Zaffirini said. "As the first Hispanic woman in the Texas Senate and a proud Texas Ex, I am delighted to welcome these students from Mexico and Spain to the Texas Capitol and to help strengthen the bonds between our countries."

Welcoming the students to the State Capitol were Senator Zaffirini; Bill McRaven, chancellor of The UT System; Greg Fenves, UT Austin president; and Joe Petet, Austin CEO for BBVA Compass.

Carlos Galdeano Alexandres, a graduate student from Mexico studying civil engineering, gave the students' official response by thanking Senator Zaffirini, legislators, UT officials, guests and the event's sponsors. David Uriel Socol de la Osa, a law student from Spain, accepted an official Senate proclamation commemorating the event.

Students from Mexico have studied at UT since 1940, and today, 560 students from Mexico and 46 students from Spain are enrolled at the university. Students from UT also study in these two countries, with 88 students studying in Mexico and 418 in Spain.

"We hope that these students will not only excel in their academic pursuits, but also develop deep ties that will help them promote friendship, harmony and commerce between our sister countries," Senator Zaffirini said.

UT STUDENTS FROM MEXICO AND SPAIN are honored at the fifteenth annual reception at the Texas Capitol. Among the hosts and student honorees are (L-R) Bill McRaven, UT System Chancellor; Greg Fenves, UT-Austin president; David Uriel Socol de la Osa, a law student from Spain; Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; Carlos Galdeano Alexandres, a civil engineering graduate student from Mexico; Jeff Dudderar, Texas Regional Executive for Consumer & Commercial Banking for BBVA Compass; and Joe Petet, Austin CEO for BBVA Compass.

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