Unsung Heroes
Estela De La Garza, director of Community Engagement at UTRGV, has spent the past 16 years building bridges between the university and the Rio Grande Valley community. Based on the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses, she works closely with students, faculty, staff, and local organizations to foster partnerships that create meaningful, lasting impact.
Hector Arteaga, Senior Engineering Technician on the Edinburg Campus, has spent nearly three decades ensuring the university’s machine shop runs like a well-oiled machine. From checking each piece of equipment in the Hi-Bay area to training students on the basics of machining, Arteaga’s dedication keeps operations running smoothly while giving future engineers the hands-on experience they need to thrive.
Agapito Cruz, a Systems Analyst III in the College of Engineering and Computer Science on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus, helps ensure that faculty, staff, and sometimes students have the IT resources they need to succeed. From setting up specialized lab equipment to coordinating with the university’s IT infrastructure, Cruz makes certain technology runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Crystal W. Reinhart, marketing manager for the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV on the Edinburg Campus, leads strategic efforts that connect the Rio Grande Valley to essential healthcare services. Reinhart ensures marketing campaigns are effective, teams collaborate smoothly, and UT Health RGV’s brand remains strong for the community it serves.
