In the News
January 2010 - This Houston Chronicle story came out in the Kingwood section of the Houston Chronicle on January 14th, and again in the Bellaire, River Oaks, West U. section slightly modified on the 21st. The "Faces in the Crowd" article discusses my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship as well as my Leadership Award from the NAEIF. Thanks to Ted Wills, president and founder of NAEIF, and Dean Patricia McKinley, VP of Student Affairs at UST, for their kind words in the article. Also, big thanks to Valerie Sweeten, the talented journalist who interviewed me and wrote the piece.
December 2009 - I was honored to receive the Dr. Robert H. Jackson Leadership Award from the North American Educational Initiatives Foundation. You can see the news bulletin issued by the NAEIF by clicking on the photo (from left right: NAEIF President & Founder Ted Wills, me, and UST President Bob Ivany) to the left and the story my alma mater ran on their website by clicking to the right.
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May 2009 - Mendez Selected as Student Commencement Speaker
It was my pleasure and honor to deliver the student address at the UST commencement ceremony. Please see the story released by clicking on the picture to the left. Below is a recording of the speech.
It was my pleasure and honor to deliver the student address at the UST commencement ceremony. Please see the story released by clicking on the picture to the left. Below is a recording of the speech.
February 2009 - UST Selects Mardi Gras King & Queen
Cimela Kidonakis and I attended the large annual financial aid fundraiser for the school as student representatives. I felt like a Medieval mascot, dressed in a crown and large cape (see left). It was good fun and we had a great time, in addition to being able to thank the many generous UST supporters. The event raised $800,000 for financial aid at UST. Cimela (the Queen) has her own production studio, Optix Studios, and created a great video I have in the What is Rotary? section of my website.
Cimela Kidonakis and I attended the large annual financial aid fundraiser for the school as student representatives. I felt like a Medieval mascot, dressed in a crown and large cape (see left). It was good fun and we had a great time, in addition to being able to thank the many generous UST supporters. The event raised $800,000 for financial aid at UST. Cimela (the Queen) has her own production studio, Optix Studios, and created a great video I have in the What is Rotary? section of my website.
February 2009 - UST MicroCredit Program attends Clinton Global Initiative
This was a very rewarding experience where I, along with the other MCP board members were able to exchange ideas and network with other university students from across the country doing amazing things to change their communities. I also had the opportunity to snap some pictures with former President Bill Clinton and actor Matthew McConaughey.
This was a very rewarding experience where I, along with the other MCP board members were able to exchange ideas and network with other university students from across the country doing amazing things to change their communities. I also had the opportunity to snap some pictures with former President Bill Clinton and actor Matthew McConaughey.
October 2008 - MicroCredit Identified Loan Opportunities in Petac
My participation in this trip to identify potential loan borrowers was very special. To meet the people that we would be helping was a huge energizer and huge inspiration. Fellow 5890 Ambassadorial Scholar Renee McKeon also came on this trip. With the photos and video we took Cimela Kidonakis, who now owns Optix Studios, created the video below.
My participation in this trip to identify potential loan borrowers was very special. To meet the people that we would be helping was a huge energizer and huge inspiration. Fellow 5890 Ambassadorial Scholar Renee McKeon also came on this trip. With the photos and video we took Cimela Kidonakis, who now owns Optix Studios, created the video below.
April 2008 - Mendez & Martinez Awarded Rotary Scholarships
When my Rotary adventure began!
When my Rotary adventure began!