Performing arts and entertainment industry veteran David Lobel is the new executive director of the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Lobel has been serving as the interim executive director of the VSO since August 2023 following the departure of Katy Coy, who relocated to Columbus, Ohio to become the CEO of the Jazz Arts Group. “As he has proven during the transition, David is the perfect person to lead the VSO through…
UTRGV hosted its latest series of “Energy & U” shows Jan. 12 at the Edinburg Performance Arts Center. The award-winning event showcases the excitement of science and engineering to area K-12 students, focusing on the intersection of energy and STEM education. Karen Lozano, Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor in Mechanical Engineering and director of the UTRGV Nanotechnology Center of Excellence, serves as principal investigator on the grant support awarded by the National Science…
The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce recently announces that Carlos Javier “C.J.” Sanchez is the new GPCC president. “C.J. is a wonderful addition to our Pharr team! With his wealth of knowledge and experience in the business community, we know he will do an exceptional job working to promote our local Pharr businesses and community,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. Hailing from Edinburg,…
South Texas College Electrician Technology students are the first in the Valley to use to utilize a newly completed composite-shingled roof structure to simulate real-world residential solar panel installations. Built last summer at STC’s Technology Campus, the simulated roof structure enables students to utilize a new solar grid system that provides the same experience as working on an actual solar roof installation at residential job sites. The structure and equipment…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is one of 57 nonprofits chosen as grant partners through a Texas Mutual Insurance Company development and safety training grant cycle focused on fortifying businesses to strengthen the state’s economy. These grants are part of Texas Mutual’s larger commitment of $8 million in grant funding to nonprofit organizations across the state in two categories — generational learning for working families, and workforce development and…
The International Museum of Art & Science has been awarded a grant from the PNC Foundation in support of accessible early childhood learning and play at the museum for toddlers ages 1-5 through the Young Adventurers program. Young Adventurers is an educational program with monthly weekday morning workshops available to preschool children beginning in January through May 2024, in addition to PNC Adventure Day on March 13. This program offers…
Registration is now open for the 40th annual Causeway Run & Fitness Walk taking place April 13. offering a fitness walk and both 5K and 10K options. All who register will have the unique opportunity to cross over the famous Queen Isabella Causeway. The event follows the 6.2-mile (10K) course starting at the Port Isabel Community Center, continuing on to the Causeway over the Laguna Madre Bay and ending in…
Four UTRGV students will move on to compete at the national level for a chance to win $10,000 after winning the fourth annual Big Idea Competition. This “Shark Tank”-like event, hosted by the UTRGV Center for Innovation & Commercialization, saw ambitious UTRGV students and local entrepreneurs pitch innovative ideas for businesses, products and services. The end goal of of the competition is the top prize of $1,500 and the chance…
Luis Saldana was coming to the end of a three decades-long career with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service when a job offer came along involving the leadership of a historic organization in his hometown. Saldana’s fellow board members of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show approached him in early 2023 with the possibility of the general manager leadership post. Saldana grew up the son of an agricultural education instructor…
The roughly 100,000 Winter Texans in the Rio Grande Valley do more than enjoy each other’s company at social events and spend their dollars at local restaurants and stores. They also give back to Valley communities. Winter Texans do so through their volunteerism benefitting hospitals, schools and nonprofit organizations. Many provide financial donations as well in supporting a wide variety of worthwhile efforts and projects in the RGV. Kristi Collier…