82R16654 BPG-D
By: Gonzales of Hidalgo H.R. No. 1057
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Stephanie Alvarez of The University of Texas-Pan
American has received the Outstanding Latino/a Faculty in Higher
Education (Teaching Institutions) Award from the American
Association of Hispanics in Higher Education; and
WHEREAS, An assistant professor of Spanish, Dr. Alvarez
joined the faculty in the Department of Modern Languages and
Literature in 2006; she engages her students through innovative
approaches and by fostering lively, challenging discussions; in
addition to participating in research endeavors with faculty
members, her students have the opportunity to take part in her
Cosecha Voices project, co-taught with renowned poet Tato Laviera;
this program allows students from migrant farmworking families to
write about their experiences and create digital presentations for
the community; in November 2010, Dr. Alvarez guided a group of
graduate students in conducting archival research at the Center for
Puerto Rican Studies and Ellis Island in New York; and
WHEREAS, This dynamic educator led the effort to revise and
revitalize the Mexican American Studies program at UTPA, and she
now serves as codirector; she created a committee to develop a new
degree plan for undergraduate majors and minors, as well as a
graduate certificate; since 2009, the number of Mexican American
Studies majors at the school has risen dramatically, and 17
students are pursuing the graduate certificate; and
WHEREAS, The author and editor of numerous publications and
papers, Dr. Alvarez earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish from
the University of South Alabama and her master's degree in Spanish
from St. Louis University in Missouri; she was a lecturer at the
University of Michigan and the National Hispanic University before
earning her doctorate in Spanish and graduate certificate in Latin
American studies from the University of Oklahoma in 2006; among
numerous accolades, she has received the 2009 Regents Outstanding
Teaching Award from The University of Texas System; and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Alvarez has inspired and empowered her
students through her commitment to increasing cultural knowledge,
encouraging self-expression, and developing research and
analytical skills; she is indeed deserving of this prestigious
honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Stephanie Alvarez on her
receipt of the Outstanding Latino/a Faculty in Higher Education
(Teaching Institutions) Award and extend to her sincere best wishes
for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Alvarez as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.