Monday - Saturday
March 26, 2012 - March 31, 2012

Faculty and Student Performances, Presentations and Exhibits

Our own UTPA faculty and students present, perform, and exhibit in their areas of expertise and research. Sessions are free and open to the general public.

"Literacy And Justice For All" Academic Conference

FESTIBA 2012 will present an academic conference featuring lectures, workshops, and panel discussions. Participants in our conference will discover the role of education, reading, oral histories, and the printed word in the march toward social justice in America, particularly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The academic conference will engage participants, local educators and scholars from UTPA and across the country, in a historically informed discussion of the power of reading to transform societies and ensure liberty and justice for all.

Monday
March 26, 2012

Fine Arts Gallery

Come visit the art exhibit showcasing the exceptional artwork of UTPA’s talented Master of Fine Arts candidates!

Tuesday
March 27, 2012

Faculty and Student Performances, Presentations and Exhibits

Our own UTPA faculty and students present, perform, and exhibit in their areas of expertise and research. Sessions are free and open to the general public.

"Literacy And Justice For All" Academic Conference

FESTIBA 2012 will present an academic conference featuring lectures, workshops, and panel discussions. Participants in our conference will discover the role of education, reading, oral histories, and the printed word in the march toward social justice in America, particularly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The academic conference will engage participants, local educators and scholars from UTPA and across the country, in a historically informed discussion of the power of reading to transform societies and ensure liberty and justice for all.

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Wednesday
March 28, 2012

Bank of America Celebrity Readers

Nationally renowned authors will read and distribute their books in selected public schools, an endeavor sponsored by Bank of America.

TBEC Dinner

UTPA honors South Texas schools named as the 2011 Honor Roll Schools by the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC).

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Thursday
March 29, 2012

Bank of America Celebrity Reader

A nationally renowned author, Dr. Francisco Jimenez will read and distribute his book, La Mariposa, in a selected public school, a literacy endeavor sponsored by Bank of America.

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Friday
March 30, 2012

Congressional Roundtable

Hosted by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15), the Congressional Roundtable brings together renowned guest authors, educators, exceptional scholars, and high-profile key community figures to discuss the importance of fostering literacy from the onset of early childhood.

Librarians and Educators Day

Co-sponsored by the South Texas Literacy Coalition, this event will invite librarians, teachers and administrators to come learn about the latest initiatives and programs available to improve students’ literacy skills. Attendees will participate in hands-on literacy workshops and listen to expert keynote speakers on early childhood literacy.

Mariachi Festival

High school and middle school mariachi students are invited to come participate in “The Roots of the Mariachi Musical Tradition” Lectures and Workshops led by clinicians Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico and mariachi historian Jonathan Clark.

FESTIBA at Jardin del Arte Community Festival

Join us for this fun community event, which will be the culmination of a week of cultural and educational exchange! The afternoon and evening features an amazing list of family-friendly events including a variety of musical performances, book displays and book distributions, children’s plays, art exhibits, storytelling, author presentations and book signings, and a variety of art and food vendors.

Saturday
March 31, 2012

Mariachi Competition and Concert

600 students from all over the state will face off with traditional mariachi repertoire during the Middle School and High School Mariachi Competition. The culmination of this festive event is an evening concert featuring the world famous Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernandez, the UTPA Mariachi Aztlán, and the winners of the middle school and high school competition. Event is open to the public.