Texas Border Business –
By Gail Fagan and Vicky Brito,
Edinburg & Brownsville, Texas – August 31, 2015 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley opened its doors to 29,045 students for its First Class.
Helping mark the historic occasion was The University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven, who joined UTRGV President Guy Bailey and other dignitaries at ceremonies on both the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.
In his introduction, Bailey said McRaven’s leadership qualities go beyond his role as a chancellor, and that as an Admiral and Navy SEAL, McRaven played an important role in capturing Bin Laden, giving him a global perspective.
“As much as anybody, he understands the importance locally of this institution and the impact it can have globally. He has been our biggest supporter since he has been here,” Bailey said.
“Guy, today is your day,” McRaven said.
He also praised the vision and contributions of former UT System Regent Gene Powell and former chancellor Francisco Cigarroa. “Bringing together the strengths of the two legacy universities – The University of Texas-Pan American and The University of Texas at Brownsville – the Regional Academic Health Center and adding a School of Medicine could fundamentally change the Valley,” he said.
“If we put forth the imagination, if we put forth the effort, there is nothing that can stop this university from moving in the right direction,” McRaven said. “But today is just the beginning. We will have to work every day, every week, every month and every year to continue to improve what we are starting today. What we do here today will change the social fabric of the Valley. It will make us stronger, healthier, more productive and more tolerant. One hundred years from now, Texas will look back and say that this day changed Texas forever.” TBB
