A moving ceremony today at the dedication of the Starr County Housing Authority's - Manuel Benavidez, Jr. Housing Complex in Rio Grande City. Tributes to the visionary Benavidez were given by local, state and national dignitaries. Mata-Garcia Architects was honored to have been a part of this important and exciting project.
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A former migrant farm worker, Manuel Benavidez, Jr. (1952 - 2009) was driven by his personal trials and experiences to improve the quality of life for his community by providing access to higher education and enhancing local services. Benavidez graduated from Rio Grande City High School and then went on to get a bachelor's degree in bilingual education from Pan American University in 1986. After beginning his career as and educator Benavidez was named Transportation Director for RGCCISD in 1994 and maintained that position for the rest of his professional life.
Benavidez began his advocacy of education by facilitating presentations and taking an active leadership role in local, state and national Migrant Council Conferences. In 1993 Texas Governor Ann Richards appointed him as a founding member of South Texas Community College (now South Texas College) Board of Trustees to represent Starr County. He was elected in May 2000 and re-elected to this position in May of 2006.
Two of Benavidez' visions have become a reality, bringing a state-of-the-art rural technology center for the residents of Starr County and the construction of a new public housing complex - both structures that now bear his name.
Benavidez had a long tenure as an active participant in local and state public education and community service. He served on the board of Workforce Solutions, as President of the Association of Texas Professional Educators in Rio Grande City, as Area V Director for the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation, as President for the South Texas Association for Pupil Transportation and as Board Chair of the Starr County Housing Authority. He also served as the past Chair of the Starr County Democratic Party. Most importantly, Benavidez was a loving husband, caring father and indulging grandfather.
Speaking at the ceremony were: Rose Benavidez, M.P.A. (daughter), President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation; Hon. Eloy Vera, Starr County Judge; Rodolfo C. Salinas, Deacon - Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Escobares, Texas; Juan Garcia, Board Chair of the Housing Authority of Starr County; Hon. Ruben Villarreal, Mayor of Rio Grande City; David G. Pohler, Public Housing Division Director for Housing and Urban Development, San Antonio, Texas; and a representative of Hon. Henry Cuellar, U.S. Congressman.
Benavidez began his advocacy of education by facilitating presentations and taking an active leadership role in local, state and national Migrant Council Conferences. In 1993 Texas Governor Ann Richards appointed him as a founding member of South Texas Community College (now South Texas College) Board of Trustees to represent Starr County. He was elected in May 2000 and re-elected to this position in May of 2006.
Two of Benavidez' visions have become a reality, bringing a state-of-the-art rural technology center for the residents of Starr County and the construction of a new public housing complex - both structures that now bear his name.
Benavidez had a long tenure as an active participant in local and state public education and community service. He served on the board of Workforce Solutions, as President of the Association of Texas Professional Educators in Rio Grande City, as Area V Director for the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation, as President for the South Texas Association for Pupil Transportation and as Board Chair of the Starr County Housing Authority. He also served as the past Chair of the Starr County Democratic Party. Most importantly, Benavidez was a loving husband, caring father and indulging grandfather.
Speaking at the ceremony were: Rose Benavidez, M.P.A. (daughter), President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation; Hon. Eloy Vera, Starr County Judge; Rodolfo C. Salinas, Deacon - Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Escobares, Texas; Juan Garcia, Board Chair of the Housing Authority of Starr County; Hon. Ruben Villarreal, Mayor of Rio Grande City; David G. Pohler, Public Housing Division Director for Housing and Urban Development, San Antonio, Texas; and a representative of Hon. Henry Cuellar, U.S. Congressman.
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