Rio Grande College Grows in Eagle Pass
By: Laura Nelson
(Press Release) Warm and breezy weather welcomed local, state, and federal officials as they joined Sul Ross State University administrators to celebrate the dedication of the expansion of Rio Grande College’s site in Eagle Pass on Friday, Jan. 29.
Sul Ross State University President, Dr. Bill Kibler, offered opening remarks that were followed by a lovely rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” thanks to Rita Ortiz, the Coordinator of Rio Grande College’s Graduate Student Support Center. Ramsey English Cantú, 2015 RGC graduate and Mayor of Eagle Pass, welcomed everyone and Dr. Hector Gonzales, President of Southwest Texas Junior College, spoke of the importance of SWTJC’s and RGC’s partnership to area students.
The Chancellor of the Texas State University System, Dr. Brian McCall, introduced Carlos Uresti, the Texas Senator from District 19, Poncho Nevárez, the Texas Representative from District 74, and Will Hurd, the U.S. Representative from District 23. Each spoke of the importance of higher education in the region and Nevárez gave a moving account of his sister’s journey to earn a bachelor’s degree from Rio Grande College.
Dr. Claudia Wright, Vice President of the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce and RGC’s Director of Admissions, Records, and Student Services recognized local dignitaries and led the ribbon cutting.
The more than 4,500 square-foot addition provides three new classrooms, a conference room, four faculty offices and additional teleconferencing capabilities that will enhance services for Rio Grande College students. RGC offers bachelor and master’s degrees to residents of the region. The RGC site in Eagle Pass as well as the ones in Del Rio and Uvalde are situated on the campuses of SWTJC while the Castroville facility is inside the Higher Learning Center on the campus of Medina Valley High School.
After the ceremony, those in attendance toured the expansion and enjoyed refreshments provided by clients of the RGC Small Business Development Center in Eagle Pass including Gamabi’s Celebration, Banquetes Guajardo, and Jessica’s Sweets & More.
