The Mission Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly $1.5 million in financial aid to 872 students from the City of Mission through a scholarship fund it established with South Texas College 10 years ago. This year alone, a record-breaking number of students applied for the Mission Economic Development Authority Scholarship Fund. Of the more than 300 applicants, nearly 64 percent received aid. “We have been able to invest in our…
The International Museum of Art & Science was buzzing with excitement and a full house of talented IMAS member artists and guests recently at the grand opening of the third annual Members’ Juried Art Show. Johanna Villarreal received Best in Show, the top award for the juried show, for her oil on canvas, Ugly. Other awards include Gerardo Medina – Second Place (Guardian Angel, Does This Day Have to End?),…
On the heels of being ranked the No. 1 university in Texas for 2023-2024 by Washington Monthly, UTRGV now has earned top rankings by Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education Magazine in several categories. The Hispanic Outlook will release the rankings in the annual “Hispanic Outlook Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics” edition, which features UTRGV as its cover story. In the Top 100 Rankings Second in the Top 100…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and City of Edinburg are now accepting float applications for the annual Night of Lights Parade on Dec. 1 in Downtown Edinburg. Application deadline is Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop,” inspiring the imaginations of children. Organizers are asking parade applicants to decorate “in the theme of your favorite children’s toy’s, games or workshop. In true holiday spirit, we ask…
The International Museum of Art & Science has received a Cultural District Project grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts for Destination McAllen: Art, Culture, IMAS. The IMAS is partnering with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Decibel Communications to promote the McAllen Cultural District across the state of Texas. IMAS is currently requesting proposals for a public art project through Nov. 7. Artists may submit proposals for a…
Every month, VBR publishes a story about a current Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement participant or one who has already earned a certificate or degree, altering the trajectory of his or her life. This month, we feature Rhonda Diaz, who will graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in December with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “Before VIDA, I was attending college part time; with VIDA’s…
A virtual tour of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is now live online at flybrownsville.com. The 360-degree virtual tour allows the user to navigate the airport and become familiar with each facet of the terminal. Users can click on the image “Explore Our 3D 360° Tour” to tour the airport facility using a computer or cell phone. The function allows current and future travelers to explore the location of…
McAllen Public Utility is hosting a its first-ever “Grateful for Water” art contest. The competition, open to ninth through 12th grade students who are McAllen residents, should depict artwork that shows the way water enriches their lives. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. “Students are being asked to create an original piece of art, that demonstrates their gratitude for water,” said Katia Sanchez, MPU education coordinator.…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received an anonymous donation of $200,000, allowing VIDA to further its impact and continue its work in enhancing career pathways for low-income students. The anonymous donor’s generosity reflects a deep commitment to making investments in today’s students. The $200,000 donation will be instrumental in supporting VIDA’s ongoing programs and initiatives. VIDA has a long history of empowering underserved residents within our region with…
UTRGV Health Services recently donated 20 pallets worth of personal protective equipment to Palm Valley Animal Society. The PPE includes disposable gowns, face shields, N95 particulate respirators and hand sanitation wipes. The donation also includes gallons of vital oxide, which Palm Valley can use as disinfectant cleaner, mold and mildew killer and odor eliminator. “We are so thankful to UTRGV for being lifesavers,” said Adriana Gonzales, a member of the…