As published on www.UTB.edu (November 25, 2008)

Community leaders Neal and Lourdes Simmons of Brownsville have given a significant gift for The Arts Center under construction at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.
The Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees accepted the gift that will name Teaching Studio C the “Neal and Lourdes Simmons Teaching Studio” at its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20.

“The Simmons are long-time leaders in the Brownsville community in promoting education, community development, community service, and the fine arts,” said Dr. Ruth Ann Ragland, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “They have established an endowed scholarship for students earning their degree in education, and more that 20 scholarships have been made to future teachers.”

Board Chair David Oliveira presented the Simmons with a print of a watercolor rendering of The Arts Center.

“Lourdes and I, and our family hope to recognize this university and what it has done for this community,” Neal Simmons said. He expressed appreciation to Dr. Garcia, saying, "I want to recognize her and all that she has done for this community and all that this board has done.”

“We are just happy that we are able to make this contribution, and since we are such strong believers in education we hope that in the future we will be able to make more contributions,” Lourdes Simmons said.

The board also showed their appreciation for their contribution to the University and its growing arts program.

“Thank you very much for your continuous support,” said TSC board member René Torres. “After all, this is not the first time you have given to this institution, and it is people like you that make a difference in this community.”

Neal Simmons is a former member of the UTB/TSC Development Board, and Lourdes Simmons currently serves on the TSC Foundation Board. Their daughter, Lourdes Simmons Carrasco, is a member of the current UTB/TSC Development Board.
The 290 square-foot teaching studio that will bear the Simmons name is located off the large rehearsal hall on the first floor of The Arts Center. It will be used by the director of brass studies for one-on-one teaching and small groups.

Previous named gifts to The Arts Center include the Gloria and James D. Zellerbach Green Room, the Dr. Roberto and Perla Robles Teaching Studio, the International Bank of Commerce Orchestra Pit, the Tipton Family Teaching Studio and the Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Butt Lobby Gallery.

Construction is well under way on the $25 million Arts Center behind the Jacob Brown Auditorium. Funded largely as part of a $68 million bond package, a capitol campaign has begun to raise the additional funds.

The 49,887 square-foot structure will feature an 808 seat performance hall with a fully equipped stage designed to accommodate orchestras, operas, and dance and theater productions accommodating 150 people on stage simultaneously.

The nautilus-shape structure includes a total of five teaching studios, three rehearsal halls, a green room, a patrons’ terrace and a 5,298 square-foot lobby designed to accommodate receptions and art exhibits.

To learn more about giving opportunities please contact the UTB/TSC Division of Institutional Advancement at (956) 882-4322.