The appearance by Cantoral at TSC’s ITEC Center marked the first time in the 51-year history of Mr. Amigo that the honoree was in attendance for the official unveiling.
“This event was historic because it’s the first time that Mr. Amigo is here (in-person),†said TSC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Trey Mendez. “They chose a Mr. Amigo that had a lot of ties to the community so that made it extra special. It was a great event and anytime we can have an event at one of our locations is fantastic. It helps promote the College, Mr. Amigo and the community.â€
“The collaboration we have here is extremely important, the Mexican Consulate is here (ITECC) and our connection to Mexico is vital to the success of the community,†added TSC Board of Trustees Chairman Francisco Rendon. “This is part of our mission. We’re the community’s college so it’s important to be a part of all these things and to be involved. That’s the purpose of us being here. Support of the community makes the college possible and the college supports the community.â€
Cantoral, who played the role of la Licenciada Alejandra Ãlvarez in Televisa’s 2009 hit telenovela “Hasta que el Dinero nos Separe†alongside actor and singer Pedro Fernández, is the daughter of famous Mexican composer, singer and songwriter, Roberto Cantoral. The elder Cantoral resided in Rancho Viejo and was best known for his hit songs “La Barca†and “El Reloj.â€
Itatà Cantoral’s most recent work was this year’s “Amores con trampa,†a telenovela about a rural family that moves to Mexico City after selling their ranch.
“It’s an honor for me to be named Mr. Amigo and to be here at TSC,†said Cantoral. “This brings memories of my father, the house he bought in Rancho Viejo and that he enjoyed so much. I practically lived my entire infancy here. Being named Mr. Amigo is a dream come true.â€
Mr. Amigo celebrates the shared culture, friendship and family of Brownsville and Matamoros. Each year a Mexican citizen who has contributed to the friendship of the U.S. and Mexico is selected and recognized by the Mr. Amigo Association. The Mr. Amigo celebration is part of the larger Charro Days festivities that is celebrated annually.
“This was an adventure and I’m really thankful to TSC for helping us put on the event,†said Mr. Amigo President Cynthia Galván. “This was the first time ever that we actually had the Mr. Amigo honoree, Itatà Cantoral this year, in attendance at the ceremony and it wouldn’t have been possible without TSC’s support.â€
“Education is very important and that’s part of our mission, to educate the community about their past,†she concluded. “Education is one of the goals of the Mr. Amigo Association and what better partner to have in education than Texas Southmost College.â€
About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers 53 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate. TSC became independently operational in the fall of 2013, after engaging in a 20-year contractual arrangement with a public university.