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From the Elvis
impersonator to the Las Vegas skyline covering the walls to
the lush orchestra sounds, the Third Annual President’s
Alumni Ball held Nov. 4 at The University of Texas-Pan
American Field house lived up to its billing as a “Las Vegas
Extravaganza.”
The evening honored three UTPA alumni for their achievements
and raised funds for University scholarships.
Hosted by the UTPA Alumni Association, the Ball honored
three outstanding University alumni – Sandra Garcia,
philanthropist and owner of SanGar Development in McAllen;
Armando Pérez, vice president-general manager, border
region, H-E-B Grocery Company; and Valente Rodriguez, actor,
ABC’s “George Lopez” show.
Following a
greeting by Alumni Association President Dale Winter, Dr.
Blandina Cárdenas, UTPA president, thanked and welcomed the
attendees to the Ball and for their support of the
University and their investment in education. Cárdenas also
introduced the evening’s honorees and presented short videos
on the distinguished alumni.
South Texas elected officials, UTPA supporters, alumni,
administrators, staff and faculty, took part in the event
where they showed off their dance moves to the sounds of the
Orquesta Universal. In addition, an Elvis Presley
impersonator, Chad Roy, wowed the audience with his
renditions of classic Elvis hits.
“The event was created to bring alumni and friends of the
University together to enjoy an evening of great food, music
and entertainment, while helping to raise scholarship funds
for UTPA students,” Debby Grant, Alumni Relations director,
said.
The “Las Vegas Extravaganza” theme was displayed in a series
of extraordinary backdrops and art pieces designed by UTPA
staff and students.
In addition to the entertainment, a raffle drawing for a Las
Vegas excursion trip was held with a grand prize that
included charter jet service for eight persons, four
penthouse suites at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, $4,000 in
spending money, and eight tickets to the "O" Cirque du
Soleil show.
A silent auction also featured more than 80 items donated by
South Texas businesses.
UTPA would like to thank the following event sponsors for
their support: COSTEP, H-E-B, Aloe King, City of Edinburg,
City of McAllen, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation,
Guerra Brothers Successors, LTD, and Willette & Guerra,
L.L.P.
To support the advancement of UTPA, call 956/381-3361. |
