2023S0386-3 05/05/23
By: Hinojosa S.R. No. 536
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Anabell Cardona, the president and chief executive
officer of Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies, which
recently received the Teach for America Institutional Catalyst
Award; and
WHEREAS, Anabell Cardona began operating Valley Grande
Institute of Weslaco in 2001, and in 2007, the school was renamed
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies; the school's
vocational nursing program had served as the foundation of the
institute since its opening in 1992, and Anabell Cardona devoted
herself to expanding the school's offerings with new instructors
and facilities and with allied health programs in medical
assisting, medical insurance and billing, and patient care; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the institute has continued to
grow and attract talented students and staff from across the Rio
Grande Valley and beyond; regarded as an excellent learning
institution that trains students to become outstanding medical
professionals, the school now occupies 50,000 square feet of
space in four buildings and is located in downtown Weslaco; and
WHEREAS, In 2020, the institute was awarded a grant by
South Texas Health Systems that was used to upgrade equipment and
for staff development and training; in December of 2022, the
institute and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley partnered
to support the statewide need for medical professionals by
training students from the institute at regional hospitals and
medical facilities; students can receive a stipend while working
at the university's clinical sites, and under the supervision of
the university's educators and staff, students will develop
skills and gain valuable experience while contributing to the
region's health care workforce; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with an uncompromising work ethic and a
commitment to upholding high standards, Anabell Cardona has
demonstrated to her community that achieving one's goals is
within reach through hard work and dedication; her efforts have
empowered countless students in the Rio Grande Valley to pursue
knowledge and to prepare for rewarding careers, and it is truly
fitting that she receive special recognition on her many
contributions to higher learning and to the field of medicine in
Texas; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend Anabell Cardona on her outstanding
leadership of Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies and
extend to her and to the institution's faculty, staff, and
students congratulations on the school's receipt of the
Institutional Catalyst Award and best wishes for the future; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.