Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships celebrated its 30th anniversary Aug. 22, 2026, at Bert Ogden Arena, recognizing students, alumni and community supporters who have advanced its work across the Rio Grande Valley.
VAMOS said it has awarded more than $27 million in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. The organization also provides mentoring and access to professional networks, especially for students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Alonzo Cantu and a group of Valley residents created VAMOS more than three decades ago. The anniversary celebration, titled “The Future is Bright,” honored the organization’s founders, board members, donors, sponsors, mentors, and volunteers while calling for continued investment in students.
Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez, a 1999 VAMOS alumna and principal of the UTRGV–McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy, told attendees that the scholarship helped her break a cycle of poverty and trauma. She said she is in her 25th year in education.
“Because of VAMOS, I was able to break the cycle of poverty and trauma and provide not only a better life for myself, but for my two beautiful children,” Gonzalez said.
Karla Rodríguez, a member of the VAMOS class of 2009, said the assistance she received helped prepare her to support other students. Rodríguez serves as an elementary reading and language arts curriculum coordinator at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District.
“The opportunity that was once given to me has helped shape a path that now allows me to create opportunities for others,” Rodríguez said.
Dr. Lauro Tijerina, another 2009 VAMOS alumnus, thanked the board members, donors and volunteers who supported the organization.
“There are a lot of us in this room tonight who are living examples of what your support has made possible,” Tijerina said.
Dr. Jose Cruz, a VAMOS scholarship recipient from the class of 2001, said the organization provided financial assistance, mentoring and professional connections. Cruz graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School and earned a biomedical engineering degree from Yale University before continuing his medical education and training.
“VAMOS, with its network and mentoring, provides employment opportunities, opportunities for career advancement, and fosters resilience and success,” Cruz said. “In doing so, it levels the playing field.”
The program also shared the experiences of younger scholars. Denzel Mireles, a graduate of PSJA Memorial Early College High School, said he lived in Section 8 housing for 16 years and plans to create a company that builds homes for low-income families.
“The VAMOS scholarship made it possible for me to attend a university,” Mireles said. “Without this scholarship, I do not think I would be in the position I am in today.”
Daniel Cruz said he became a VAMOS scholar in 2020 and successfully completed his first year at a university.
“VAMOS has continued to make a difference in my life and has changed it forever,” Daniel Cruz said.
Speakers said VAMOS scholarships and mentoring can produce effects beyond individual recipients by helping graduates support their families and return to serve their communities.
“Every scholarship changes lives, which in turn transforms communities and families,” Jose Cruz said.
