Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
“I received this $20,000 scholarship,” said Dr. Lauro Tijerina as he began his keynote speech at the 29th Annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet held on June 11, 2025. “I was a motivated student with big dreams. But I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully grasp then just how much that support would mean.”
Dr. Tijerina was a member of the VAMOS Class of 2009. Speaking to an audience of students, parents, donors, and board members, he described how the scholarship enabled him to pursue higher education and ultimately a career in dentistry. “College tuition was daunting. That scholarship wasn’t just financial help; it was encouragement. It said, ‘We believe in you. Now go do something meaningful.”
He said he worked through challenging coursework and eventually attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to earn his undergraduate degree. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 2018. “I graduated in 2018, and I opened my practice shortly after that,” he said. “It’s been five years now. We’ve built an incredible team, served thousands of patients, and we’ve had a lot of fun doing it along the way.”
Dr. Tijerina now owns Tijerina Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, with offices in McAllen and Edinburg. In 2024, he was recognized by Incisal Edge as one of the nation’s top 40 dentists under 40.
Speaking to the new class of 63 scholarship recipients, he said, “To the students receiving the scholarship tonight, this is the beginning of something super important. You may not know exactly where your journey will take you yet, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is that you stay curious, stay determined, and stay open to learning and growing.”
He also addressed the students’ families. “To the parents in the room, my mom and dad, I want to take a moment to recognize you all as well. This evening is a celebration of your students’ achievements, yes, but it’s also a reflection of your dedication, your sacrifice, and your strength.”
He thanked donors and described the impact of their contributions. “Your generosity doesn’t just cover tuition. It opens doors and it changes stories. It gives families a different kind of future.”
Dr. Tijerina concluded his remarks by encouraging recipients to take full advantage of the scholarship opportunity. “Learn deeply, work hard, stay humble, and find ways to serve others along the way. That’s how you build a life that makes an impact. And years from now, when you’re well into your career, remember where it all started and find your way to give back.”
