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…
The International Museum of Art & Science is the first recipient of a $5,000 grant from the South Texas Chapter of the Corning Incorporated Foundation. Corning Connects will provide an opportunity for underserved school children from South Texas to visit the IMAS for transformative field experiences at the museum. With the support of Corning, student groups from area schools can visit at no cost for an IMAS educator-led, hands-on visit…
Domain Development has announced its latest venture in Sharyland, Shary Town Plaza. The shopping center spans over 24,000 square feet, housed within two buildings. Situated across the street from La Fogata and the Mission Event Center, Domain Development considers this high-traffic area “the perfect place” to plant its next commercial development. This specific location is shadow-anchored by various high-traffic retailers such as HEB, Ross, Target, Home Depot and other highly…
The Port of Brownsville’s Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project has secured an $11.5 million grant under the Texas Department of Transportation‘s new Maritime Infrastructure Program. On Sept. 28, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a historic $240 million in funding for Texas ports to help increase trade, improve safety, and provide a more robust supply chain for the state and the nation. The Port of Brownsville’s Cargo Dock 3 project is…
The DHR Health Institute for Research and Development announced has launched a clinical trial that will evaluate the use of mobile phone-based eye-tracking software as a diagnostic tool for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Senseye software looks to revolutionize the way in which healthcare providers and patients diagnose and manage mental health conditions. If Senseye meets FDA approval, it would diagnose PTSD through eye movements, without the need to conduct…
UTRGV has been granted accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Dance for its dance program, meaning its Dance Department has met the highest standards in providing dance students educational services. The accreditation also means the department officially meets national standards for schools of dance set by professionals and experts in the field. The decision was came from the organization’s commission, which is comprised of elected peer representatives of…