For Immediate Release: December 7, 2000
Contact: Dora Brown, IBC

IBC Invests In UT Pan American Student-Athletes

MCALLEN -- The International Bank of Commerce (IBC) has presented The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) with a $30,000 donation to directly benefit the Athletic Department’s general fund and its academic enhancement program.  The sponsorship will be used to fund the existing Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center, the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills seminar series, as well as an enhanced tutorial program for student-athletes. 

The Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center provides academic support services to all UTPA student-athletes including a state-of-the-art computer lab, tutorial assistance, study skills workshops, and a structured study environment.  The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program provides enrichment opportunities in academics, athletics, as well as in the areas of personal and career development.  In addition, there are also several study skills workshops offered that focus specifically on such areas as exam preparation, stress management, conflict resolution, effective note taking and much more.

William J. Weidner, UTPA Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, is quick to emphasize the department’s philosophy of investing in young people and not just in wins and losses. 

“The University of Texas-Pan American Athletic Department places the graduation of student-athletes as a top priority.  We are committed to assisting each of our student-athletes in their quest to achieve excellence in both the academic and athletic arenas.  We are very appreciative of the support we are receiving from IBC and its President and CEO, R. David Guerra.  They are well-respected leaders in the community and bring additional credibility to our efforts of establishing a nationally respected and competitive NCAA Division I athletic program.  IBC’s partnership with our athletic department at UTPA will greatly assist our commitment to properly prepare and support our student-athletes’ efforts to succeed, not only on the athletic field of play, but in the classroom as well.”

IBC is a strong advocate of programs that give students the opportunity to excel in their life endeavors.

“The UTPA Athletic Department demonstrates the true meaning of preparing a student for the future” said Guerra.  “In addition to nurturing the student’s athletic skills, they arm them with strong academic tools and important life lessons.”