TSC Honors the late Ruben Herrera, J.D., with Legal Center Rededication Ceremony

Members of the Herrera Family and Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees stand beside the memorial plaque in the newly renamed Ruben Herrera J.D., Legal Center’s courtroom on Friday, August 22, 2025. Pictures left to right: Trustee Edgar E. Garcia, TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, Trustee Alejandra Aldrete, Board Secretary Dr. Norma Lopez-Harris, Vice Chair Delia Saenz, Board Chair Adela G. Garza, Mrs. Marvella Herrera, and Ms. Ada Herrera. Photo by: Esteban Del Angel – Texas Southmost College.

Texas Southmost College held a rededication ceremony on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, officially renaming the TSC Legal Center to the Ruben Herrera, J.D. Legal Center in honor of the late Ruben Herrera, J.D., a distinguished TSC alumnus, longtime board trustee, and champion of legal education in the Rio Grande Valley.

Herrera, who passed away unexpectedly in March 2024, played a central role in the vision and development of the facility. As a trustee and subcommittee member, he helped oversee the renovation of the 5,716-square-foot building, which now features a full-size courtroom, jury conference room, two classrooms, and a digital law library. His input helped shape the center into a dynamic instructional space where students in TSC’s Paralegal Studies and Criminal Justice programs can gain real-world, courtroom-based experience.

A graduate of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Herrera led a successful Brownsville law practice and served as a respected community leader across multiple organizations, including the TSC Foundation, Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, and Tip of Texas Family Outreach. He was also a Leadership Brownsville graduate (Class IX), where he served as Chair of the Junior Leadership program.

Elected to the TSC Board of Trustees in 2016, Herrera served as Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair before ultimately assuming the role of Immediate Past Chair. His dedication to expanding access to quality education and professional development made a lasting impact on the college, its students, and the broader Brownsville community.

During the ceremony, TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez reflected on Herrera’s enduring legacy and the significance of renaming the center in his honor.

“Trustee Herrera’s belief in the mission of the community college was matched by his belief in the people that we serve today.” Dr. Rodriguez began. “As we dedicate the Ruben Herrera J.D., Legal Center, we renew our promise that his vision lives on in these classrooms where future generations of students will learn the law, practice justice, and carry forward his dedication of fairness and equity.”

Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela G. Garza also addressed the audience, noting both Herrera’s deep commitment to the college and the inspiration his example provides to future generations of students and community leaders.

“I’m honored commemorate the impact that Ruben had on this college and in this community. He worked hard, and to those who were close to him, you heard the stories of him working and coming to school. He kept saying that if he could do it, anybody can do it. He wanted to show the next generation of students that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the work.”

The event brought together faculty, staff, students, and community members to celebrate Herrera’s legacy and recognize his pivotal contributions to Texas Southmost College and the Rio Grande Valley.