Fall 2015
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) celebrated its first commencement ceremonies with great fanfare on December 19, 2015. During the milestone event, founding UTRGV President Guy Bailey honored key individuals who played pivotal roles in establishing UTRGV and its medical school. The prestigious awards were given to Texas Rep. Rene Oliveira, Texas Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., Texas Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and former UT Chancellor Dr. Francisco Cigarroa. Bailey emphasized the importance of their tireless efforts in making UTRGV a reality and paving the way for its future successes.
Read more about UTRGV's first commencement
Rene Oliveira
Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Rene Oliveira earned his bachelor's and law degrees from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). Elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1981, Oliveira served with distinction until 2018, chairing key committees and championing critical issues such as public school funding, job creation, and higher education access. Aside from helping establish UTRGV, Oliveira has been instrumental in advancing healthcare reform in South Texas, bringing vital services and significant investments to the region.
Eddie Lucio Jr.
Elected to the Texas Senate in 1991 after two successful terms in the Texas House of Representatives, Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., has served the Rio Grande Valley with unwavering dedication. A distinguished leader in education, healthcare, and economic development, Lucio has championed issues such as healthcare for children with disabilities, equity in public schools, and veterans' rights. Before UTRGV, Lucio helped establish The University of Texas at Brownsville, South Texas College, and the Regional Academic Health Center. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Lucio secured state funding for South Texas infrastructure and improved access to higher education, significantly benefiting the region. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, his legislative agenda is deeply influenced by the values he learned growing up and his experience as an educator.
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Born in McAllen, Texas, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa is the eldest of eight children. After serving as a squad leader in Vietnam, Hinojosa earned a bachelor's degree in political science from The University of Texas-Pan American and a law degree from Georgetown University. Before becoming the Vice-Chairman of the Texas Senate Finance Committee, Hinojosa served as Cameron County Treasurer and a Texas State Representative. Hinojosa's efforts toward establishing the Regional Academic Health Center and The UTRGV School of Medicine have helped improve healthcare and education access in South Texas. Hinojosa lives in McAllen, where he continues to advocate for public education, healthcare, and economic development.
Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa
Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD, is the Director of Pediatric Transplantation at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. A third-generation physician, Dr. Cigarroa graduated from Yale University and earned his medical degree with honors from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He completed his surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and fellowships at Johns Hopkins Hospital, eventually joining the faculty of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1995. Dr. Cigarroa served as president of the institution from 2000 to 2009 before becoming Chancellor of The University of Texas System, a position he served in until January 2015. During his tenure as Chancellor, Dr. Cigarroa oversaw the establishment of UT Austin's Dell Medical School and UTRGV. Dr. Cigarroa has received numerous accolades, including the Massachusetts General Hospital Trustees’ Medal and the International Recognition Award by the Denton A. Cooley, M.D. Cardiovascular Society.