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Contact: Julie Navejar
kajam03@tamuk.edu or 361-593-2590

Freshmen Learn Traditions,
Get Into The Spirit At Convocation

KINGSVILLE (August 22, 2008) — Texas A&M University-Kingsville will host Freshman Convocation at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Jones Auditorium to welcome new students to the campus and to college life.

“The purpose of convocation is to welcome new students to the university and while doing so, to introduce important traditions to the newest members of the campus community,” said Dr. Dann Brown, dean of University College and chair of the convocation committee.

“This year’s convocation committee intends to accomplish part of this task by providing new students with the opportunity to observe and better understand the importance of traditions associated with higher education.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra is the next state representative for Texas District 43. The winner of the Democratic Primary Election, she is running unopposed in the November General Election.

Brown said many universities are integrating programs like Freshman Convocation into their first-year experience program. “Freshman Convocation provides a formal welcome to new students that introduces important traditions and establishes a ceremonial separation from the
high school environment. It provides our university with an opportunity to introduce campus traditions to new students and demonstrates our commitment to student success at A&M-Kingsville.

“Freshman Convocation is linked to our student’s eventual graduation from A&M-Kingsville,” Brown said. “This message, that the goal of obtaining a college degree is attainable on our welcoming campus, is conveyed symbolically as faculty, staff, students, family and guests participate in convocation.”

Following the presentation of the colors by the Javelina Battalion of the ROTC, Frank Ureno, dean of students, will lead the audience in the Pledge of the Allegiance. In addition to Ybarra, this year’s speakers include Dr. Ronn Hy, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, who will discuss the role of Freshman Convocation at the university. Dr. Robert Strawser, interim president, will officially welcome the freshman class of 2008 on behalf of the university community.

Dr. Thomas A. Fields, interim associate vice president for research and graduate studies, will discuss the significance of the academic regalia worn by faculty. Dr. Terisa Remelius, vice president for student affairs, will introduce the keynote speaker. Gabriel Geyne, president of the Student Government Association, will lead students in reciting the Javelina Pledge, a tradition initiated at the first Freshman Convocation held at the university in 1999.

All students are invited to attend the convocation, and attendance is required for freshmen enrolled for the first time in the fall semester. Parents and other family members also are invited.

About Tara Rios Ybarra

She currently lives in South Padre Island, but was born in Corpus Christi. Her father and grandfather were born in Kingsville.

She attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated from dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio with a doctorate in dental surgery. Rios Ybarra completed a forensic odontology fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She has practiced dentistry since 1997 and has owned her own practice for the past eight years. She is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and past member of the 911 World Trade Center Odontology Team, which include mass disaster training.

Rios Ybarra is currently serving her second term as city council member for the town of South Padre Island. During her tenure, she has become involved with various projects including initiating the Litter-Free South Padre Island Project and the Ecotourism Summit. Rios Ybarra has worked on improving indigent health car through the free indigent dental care mobile unit, has sat on the board of the Family Crisis Center against Domestic Violence and attended several Cameron/Willacy County Child/Infant Fatality reviews as well as serving as dental consultant for the United States Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

She and her husband, Dr. Richard Joe Ybarra, have two daughters. She is an avid runner having completed three marathons in New York City, Alaska and Austin.

For more information call 361-593-3290 or visit the convocation blog at http://amkfreshmanconvocation.blogspot.com/.

This page last updated 25 August, 2008