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Texas Exes Recognizes Liberal Arts Alumni
Alumni honored for significant achievements and service to the university
AUSTIN, Texas -Nov. 21, 2008- Two alumni of the College of Liberal Arts will be honored with a 2009 Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award to be presented at the Alumni Center during the university's May 2009 commencement ceremonies.
Aurora Lora (B.A. Plan II, '00) is the founder and administrator of the Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women, where she leads college-bound students who are preparing for careers in math, science and leadership. She began teaching at inner-city schools in Houston, and later joined Teach for America, a two-year leadership program for college graduates pursuing a career in teaching in rural and urban schools. She later became principal at Tubman Middle School, where she gathered a broad base of support for students.
Israel Hernandez (B.A. Philosophy/Government, '92, J.D. '01) is the assistant secretary of commerce and director general of the Foreign Commercial Service for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Before joining the Department of Commerce, Hernandez worked in the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives. During the 2004 presidential election, he served as the liaison between the White House and the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign. He also served as a personal aide to President George W. Bush during his first term as governor of Texas.
In 1980, the Texas Exes established the award to recognize young alumni who are distinguished in their fields and have demonstrated a continuing interest in the university and the alumni organization. A recipient must be under the age of 40 to receive the award.
Contact:
Jessica Sinn
Public Affairs Specialist, College of Liberal Arts
512-471-2404
sinnjessica@austin.utexas.edu