2008 Woodie Awards
$4.5 million grant finances new center
Laura Avila
Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: Front Page
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The grant was awarded in June by Trini Mendenhall Sosa, former Fiesta Mart, Inc. owner and outgoing UST board member.
The contribution will allocate $3 million to outreach and scholarship programs and $1.5 million towards renovating Crooker Center.
Each year, the scholarship fund will award $100,000 and provide $50,000 for the outreach program, with the rest going into endowments.
The donation will finance the construction and development of the Mendenhall Achievement Center, set to provide students with remedial English and math courses as well as counseling for individuals who need help in those subjects.
"We will offer these courses to students who have challenges or need a little help," Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Steven Sutton said. "When it comes to our students, I hear from faculty that students are lacking in their communication and writing abilities. We have resources on campus, but we want to provide more to our students."
The MAC outreach program is a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Sutton said the committee responsible for organizing and implementing specific details will probably include members of the faculty senate as well as other faculty members. The committee has not yet been formed, nor has the membership of this group been decided, but this action is expected to take place as soon as possible this semester, Sutton said.
The donation also provides MAC students with scholarships. Although scholarship amounts have not yet been determined, Sutton said they will be significant in comparison to other scholarships awarded through the University. He added that the amounts will fluctuate with the changes in tuition rates, endowment earnings and program enrollment. "Throughout the years, as tuition increases, we have been able to increase financial aid as well," Sutton said.
Vice President of Facilities Operations Howard Rose said that Crooker Center's reconstruction is set to begin Sept. 10. Remodeling began in December with the addition of storage rooms and a kitchen area to the Old Bookstore.