South Texas College honored Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez at a luncheon last week at the college’s Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco. The event was held to pay tribute to his support of the values and needs of higher education throughout his tenure in Texas government. 

“Representative Martinez has a true calling to serve others and that is evident from his work as a paramedic, to serving as a firefighter, to now serving the residents of district 39 in the Texas House of Representatives,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of the college. “He is to be applauded for his work on the appropriations committee, which has been key in helping colleges in the Valley receive the needed funding to expand and provide new opportunities for existing and potential students. He is an excellent representative of the community, listening to the people’s needs and working to ensure that they are met. He was named legislative freshman of the year for that reason and we know that there are bright things in store for this man and his constituents.”

The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque from STC to Representative Martinez in appreciation of his service and dedication.

The college recently honored two other state legislators at a luncheon earlier this month at STC’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini and Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen were saluted for their continued support of higher education in Starr County.

South Texas College will be honoring Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, Senator, Eddie Lucio, Representative Kino Flores, Representative Aaron Peña and Representative Veronica Gonzalez at a special event later this winter.