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Four-time Islander Alumnus Joseph Akers Announced as 2021 Dr. Hector P. Garcia Fellow

Olivia Santos, December 13, 2021

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Deemed one of the most pivotal figures in Mexican American history, Dr. Hector P. Garcia (1914-1996) continues to influence research and education through the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Fellowship. The fellowship, sponsored by the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation, has been provided annually since 2019 to encourage scholarly research using the Garcia Papers, held in the Archives and Special Collections Department of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.  Read More

Kiii News Report

Caller Times Report

The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Fellowship

The Archives and Special Collections at Bell Library is lucky enough to be the home of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Papers. Coming in at almost 360 linear feet—the length of a football field—and spanning the doctor’s entire 50+ year career in public life, you can imagine the trove of information and insight this collection represents. In 2018, when the papers came back from a year and a half in Maryland being processed, arranged and described, Dean Cate Rudowsky decided the Library needed to do something to highlight this truly unique and remarkable collection.

The result was the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Fellowship. The Fellowship is a $1,000 award designed to allow the recipient to travel to Bell Library and do research with the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Papers. Not only does this bring a researcher to the papers, it brings Dr. Hector to the world. By encouraging research into his collection, the Fellowship helps ensure that Dr. Hector’s work for justice and equality is remembered.

Fellows

2019 Fellow

Rosana Vanessa Gomez Pachon

Master's Thesis

DR. HECTOR P. GARCIA: A STUDY IN CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP 

2020 Fellow

Dr. Antonio Vásquez

Lecturer with the Department of Mexican American and Latina/o Studies at the University of Texas at Austin

The Foundation carries Dr. Hector's message today! 

Our President, Cecilia Garcia Akers has made dozens of presentations on Dr. Hector's life and legacy, meeting a major educational goal of the Foundation.

1. 9/16/21-Dr. Hector P. Garcia Middle School Dallas, Texas-Zoom Presentation
2. 9/15/21-Incarnate Word Academy-CC, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Texas State Recognition Day Mass honoring Dr. Garcia.
3. 9/4/21-Heritage Park-CC Market Days Book Sales
4. 8/24/21-Testimony provided to Texas House Committee on Public Education in opposition to SB 3 and HB 28
5. 8/21/21-University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston announcement of the Foundation’s first recipient of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, M.D. scholarship
6. 8/7/21-Heritage Park-CC Market Days Book Sales
7. 7/3/21-Heritage Park-CC Market Days Book Sales
8. 6/19/21-Sinton Market Days Book Sales
9. 5/15/21-Sinton Market Days Book Sales
10. 4/17/21-Sinton Market Days Book Sales
11. 4/14/21-Interview for American GI Forum Mid-Year Conference by Yolanda Ayala
12. 4/6/21-PSA about COVID 19 vaccine for Christus Spohn Health-CC
13. 4/3/21-Heritage Park-CC Market Days Book Sales
14. 3/27/21-Interview for Women’s History Month with KIII TV3-CC
15. 3/20/21-Sinton Market Days Book Sales
16. 3/6/21-Sinton Market Days Book Sales
17. 2/11/21-Zoom Presentation with West Oso High School
18. 10/1/20-Interview with Jay Wallace WFAA TV Dallas
19. 9/22/20-Zoom Presentation with MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Texas
20. 9/17/20-Dallas Holocaust Human Rights Museum Zoom Presentation
21. 9/16/20-Interview with KIII TV3 about Dr. Hector P. Garcia Official Texas State Recognition Day
22. 6/16/20-Radio Presentation on KLUP-San Antonio
23. 3/20/20-Lecture Texas A&M University-CC Sense of Belonging
24. 2/21/20-Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education
25. 1/17//20-Dr. Hector P. Garcia Birthday Celebration
26. 1/2/2020-KIII TV3 Interview regarding the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Birthday Luncheon
27. 12/2/2020-University of Texas Medical Center Galveston School of Medicine Dr. Hector P. Garcia Endowed Scholarship Luncheon
28. 11/23/19-Texas A&M University- CC Book Festival
29. 11/12/19-Del Mar College-CC Lecture for Mexican American Studies
30. 11/6/19-University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston School of Health Professionals Endowed Scholarship Luncheon
31. 10/11/19-University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Dr. Hector P. Garcia Awards Luncheon
32. 9/24/19-Lecture Lone Star Collage Cypress, Texas
33. 9/19/19-Dr. Hector P. Garcia Texas State Recognition Day Luncheon Mercedes, Texas
34. 9/18/19-Dr. Hector P. Garcia Texas State Recognition Day Luncheon Del Mar College-CC
35. 9/18/19-Book Talk McAllen Library, McAllen, Texas
36. 9/4/19-Bullock Texas State History Museum Lecture
37. 8/30/19-First Fellowship Award Texas A&M University-CC
38. 8/27/19-South Park Middle School Photo Unveiled of Dr. Hector P. Garcia
39. 7/20/19-Guest Speaker Mexican American Studies Del Mar College-CC

 More info before this date.

Our Thanks to all our major donors and the hundreds of smaller ones that give to keep the Dr. Hectors message alive.!

1. KIII TV 3

2. CITGO Refining

3. Christus Spohn Health System-Corpus Christi

4. Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

5. Texas A&M University- Kingsville

6. Del Mar College-Corpus Christi

7. Linebarger Attorney’s at Law-Corpus Christi

8. IBC Bank-Corpus Christi

9. American Bank Center-Corpus Christi

10. Fulton Construction-Corpus Christi

11. Turner/Ramirez Architects-Corpus Christi

12. HEB Coastal Bend-Corpus Christi

13. University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston

14. Tony Canales Family

15. Judge Barbara Canales

16. Ed Hicks Nissan

17. Radisson Hotel

18. Valero

19. Nueces County Sheriff Officers Association

20. Leadership Empowerment Group

21. Rep. Todd Hunter

22. Kleberg Bank

23. Mattress Firm

24. NAACP-Corpus Christi Branch

25. Rep. Abel Herrero

26. Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa

27. Frost Bank

28. Port of Corpus Christi  

29. Jim Akers & Cecilia Garcia Akers

Get your copy of "The Inspiring life of Texan Hector P. Garcia"

signed by the author Cecilia Garcia Akers

for a donation of $25.00 free shipping

allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

ORDER HERE

The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation

raised and distributed nearly $400,000 in Grants and Scholarships

since its inception to support Dr. Hector's Mission

Grant Recipients

Incarnate Word Academy- Corpus Christi, TX

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, TX

Del Mar College-Corpus Christi, TX

University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine-Galveston, TX

University of Texas Medical Branch Physical Therapy Program-Galveston, TX

Christus Health System-Corpus Christi, TX

Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend

YMCA-Corpus Christi, TX

Cecilia Garcia-Akers, Foundation President
Dr. Hector's daughter, Cecilia, is passionate about and committed to preserving and educating others about the legacy of Dr. Hector and its relevance today. She is an experienced fundraiser and has a strong working relationship with both Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and her alma mater, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, both of which will be involved in the scholarship process. She also provides personal interviews, lectures and other speaking engagements to further Dr. Hector's message.

Phone: (210) 415-5396

Email: [email protected] 

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Vice President

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a Graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies.  In addition, she holds an Associates of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa is a resident of Mercedes, TX in the Rio Grande Valley.  Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa has over 20 years experience in education, has held positions such as Classroom Teacher, Dean of Instruction, Campus Principal, Public Information Officer, Parent/Community Specialist, and Director of Migrant Education.  Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s experience in education and public service will greatly enhance our Foundation Board.

Jim Akers, Treasurer
Jim, Cecilia's husband, has a long history of executive management experience including human resources, budgeting, cash flow analysis and strategic planning. Jim is responsible for researching, organizing and disseminating educational information, fact checking website management and assisting with fundraising.

Phone: (210) 508-0824

Email: [email protected]

Steve Arnold, Secretary

After more than 20 years at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Steve is now a full-time marketing consultant helping businesses and organizations throughout Texas.  He had an outstanding career with the Caller-Times, responsible for assisting with grants and in-kind donations to more than 400 local organizations. Steve oversaw the Caller-Times’ Children’s Christmas Appeal program, the Caller-Times/Citgo Distinguished Scholars program and the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee. He took a small, Caller-Times readers’ poll called “Best of the Best” and turned it into one of the most recognizable brands and one of the biggest community events in the area.

Steve has been an integral part working with civil rights organizations including L.U.L.A.C., the American GI Forum and the NAACP. He has worked on numerous committees to promote educational programs and scholarship funding for minority and economically disadvantaged students. Steve worked closely with the Garcia family to help promote and recognize the historical passage of a State Recognition Day for Dr. Hector P. Garcia.

Steve was one of the founding board members of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation. He is a member of the Del Mar College Foundation Board, serving on the Executive Committee, board member with the American Heart Association and a member of the Rev. E.F. Bennett Scholarship Fund committee.

Barbara Canales

Barbara Canales was born and raised in Corpus Christi, TX. She is the great niece of Dr. Hector P. Garcia. She graduated from Ray High School as valedictorian, and earned a full scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin.  Barbara received her Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1989, and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Houston in 1992. In 2004, Barbara formed Canales Exploration LLC, a gas and oil exploration company.  Barbara has served on multiple boards including the Development Board of the University of Texas Austin, Texas A&M Corpus Christi Foundation Board, Texas State Aquarium Board, South Texas Institute of Arts, and the Corpus Christi Port Authority. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation is honored to have Ms. Canales as a Board member.

Curtis Clark

Curtis Clark is presently Asst. Vice President, International Bank of Commerce,  Corpus Christi.  Curtis has been and currently a member/officer of numerous organizations in Corpus Christi. 

He is Vice President of Coastal Bend Boys and Girls Club, past Vice Chairman of Corpus Christi International Airport Board of Directors, past Vice President Harold C Kaffie Middle School PTA. Currently, Vice President of the Corpus Christi Crime Control & Prevention District Board, 2^nd  Vice President H. Boyd Hall Branch Chapter 6168 NAACP, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Champions Chairman, and Vice President Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors while representing CC Black Chamber of Commerce to the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corp. Curtis is also a proud Military Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1996-2001. We are proud to have Curtis as a Board member.

Nelly Garcia Blow, D.O., Geriatrician

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital – Shoreline

Dr. Garcia  Blow was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. She completed her medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center/ Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then completed her Family Medicine Residency and Geriatric fellowship at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital -Memorial. Dr. Garcia Blow is board certified in family medicine and geriatrics. She now practices in Corpus Christi providing geriatric consults for older injured patients at CHRISTUS Spohn’s Level II Trauma Center.

Dr. Garcia Blow’s passion is education and improving the lives of our coastal bend communities. She serves on the American Heart Association and is the chair of Hypertension Collaborative aimed at improving blood pressure control in our area. Dr. Garcia Blow also serves as the chair of the medical subcommittee for the Nueces County Opioid Taskforce which is focused on education, prevention, and intervention to tackle the opioid crisis that has affected our area as well as the entire nation.

 Larry Elizondo

Mr. Elizondo has proven himself a valued leader in the Corpus Christi community with professional accomplishments such as successfully managing over $668 million of public funds, and maintaining an outstanding record while serving the largest employer in Corpus Christi. Larry is an adept negotiator and critical thinker, and has extensive knowledge of industry and government regulations. These skills have allowed Larry to serve the citizens of Corpus Christi in many capacities including serving on a number of boards for organizations such as the Coastal Bend Community Blood Center, the American Heart Association, the Del Mar College Foundation and many others. 

The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation is honored to have Larry serve on its Board of Directors. 

Moses Estrada

Moses Estrada is a graduate of Robstown High School and attended Del Mar College. He proudly served his country in the US Army and worked for Southwestern Bell until his retirement. He owned and operated a real estate office in Kingsville for twenty years and presently is a real estate investor. He has actively served his community by participating in several organizations including the Dr. Hector P. Garcia AGIF of South Texas and is the Commander of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Founders Chapter. Under his leadership, the organization is in its fifth year of awarding scholarships to high school seniors and veterans in Nueces County.  Moses is a co-organizer of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia State Holiday celebration in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Mark Roach

Mark Roach was born in Corpus Christi, TX and graduated from Aransas Pass High School, and Texas A&M University-College Station with a degree in Accounting in 1975.

He was a founding charter member of Coastal National Bank in Aransas Pass, and served as a founding director from 1982-1990.   In addition, Mark served as the Municipal Court Judge in Aransas Pass and was on the bench from 1992 to 1995.  In 1995, he opened a branch location for Dealers Electrical Supply in Corpus Christi. 

Mark has extensive civic experiences that include a former member of the Lion’s Club in Aransas Pass, and as a former Religious Education instructor for 15 years at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Aransas Pass.   He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas (Austin), the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation Electrical Advisory Board (Austin), the Board of Directors of Associated Builders and Contractors-Texas Coastal Bend Chapter in Corpus Christi and on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Portland.

Get information about events for the Hector P Garcia Memorial Foundation as we continue to raise money for scholarships, healthcare and the Hector P Garcia Wing of TAMUCC's Bell Library to house his archive for future scholars.

Cecilia Garcia Akers and others testified against the removing of Dr. Hector and other Civil Rights Leaders from the  required the high school history curriculum at both the Senate and House hearing for SB3. Most were reinstated in the the bill. Bills that passed this session represent a direct threat to everything Dr. Hector believed in.

Help us keep Dr. Hector's message of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Alive!