Texas Border Business
Each year, Laredo College recognizes the recipients of the Community Leadership Awards, which are bestowed upon outstanding individuals who have been role models for achievement and made a difference in the community.
This year’s sole honoree is International Bank of Commerce CEO Dennis E. Nixon. As a civically engaged and caring leader in the community, he is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading banking authorities and executives.
The President’s Community Leadership Awards were established in 2007 as the Beacon Awards, in celebration of the college’s 60th anniversary. In 2017, the awards ceremony was renamed to the President’s Community Leadership Awards.
For over a decade, these symbolic awards have celebrated the personal and professional endeavors of citizens who work diligently to improve and advance the welfare of our community.
“Mr. Nixon has been a key player in the economic growth and development of our region,” Laredo College President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis said. “His extraordinary work in the banking industry as well as his altruistic efforts made him the clear choice for this award. We are elated to recognize a great community partner and champion for higher education.”
The IBC head banker is no stranger to supporting non-profit organizations and local businesses. He has always been an avid supporter of education and student success. Recently, IBC Bank sponsored the renaming of the renovated Harold R. Yeary Library Palomino Café as the IBC Bank Leadership Center. This venue is intended to support and encourage student networking and community engagement.
Additionally, Nixon promotes generosity and volunteerism from his employees by encouraging them to participate in community and charitable events.
His myriad of civic involvements, awards and recognitions have been on a national and international level, including being instrumental in the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Other recognitions include the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Award, the Paul Harris Fellow Award given by Rotary International for outstanding community service, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanities Award given by the State of Israel for outstanding services to humanity.
In 2006, Nixon was inducted into the prestigious Texas Business Hall of Fame. The following year, he was elected to serve on the board of directors of the United States Chamber of Commerce, and in 2008, he received the International Citizen Award from the World Affairs Council of San Antonio.
Additionally, Nixon was the recipient of the Mr. South Texas 2010 honor by the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association. The Laredo Chamber of Commerce recognized him with their Visionary Award and he also received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning at their annual L’Chaim Event and the Distinguished Business Leader Award by the Texas Association of Business.
Laredo College is proud to recognize such an esteemed member of our community and we look forward to strengthening our great partnership for the advancement of our community.
