TAMIU Students ‘Dig-In’ for Earth Day Garden

For Earth Day 2008 at Texas A&M International University, some students decided they needed to dig-in to get green. Student members of the Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO) designed and planted a cactus garden as part of the campus’ Earth Day observances this Tuesday.

The garden was dedicated in brief ceremonies Tuesday morning. It now offers a dramatic front to the prominent pyramid that’s part of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium.

The ECO club selected the plants, all local and some actually transplanted from elsewhere on TAMIU’s campus or from Laredo Community College’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Center.
Club president Alejandro Medina, a junior Biology major, spearheaded the project. Club members joining Medina included Cindy Cabello, Marlene Garza, Tanya Menchaca, Marlin V. Pelayo, Justin Pepper, David Segovia, Adriana L. Torres and Dennesse Vázquez. The TAMIU Physical Plant staff helped with site preparation and assisted the students.

TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck commended the students for their vision and dedication and noted that they extend the campus’ green legacy by their commitment and generosity.

“The future is lot a greener today, because you’ve made it so. We thank you and we’re very honored that you’ve shared your vision with our campus,” he told them.

Also Tuesday, the University launched its own Environmental Policy, appropriately, on the University’s Web site, tamiu.edu.

The Policy reads, in part, “We commit to protecting our assets, respecting the health and safety of our community, maintaining strict accountability for the natural resources entrusted to TAMIU and promoting educational activities that enhance environmental awareness, safety, and action.”

The site is accompanied by information about various University green initiatives, the University’s master plan and links to other campuses and their green efforts.

For additional information, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 268.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu