Yuliana Quiroz 
EDINBURG – “He has been such a strong part of the institution…”
A mentor.
“Truly committed to students, committed to giving back to the community…”
A community activist.
“He has left the B3 Institute in a great place..”
A leader who’s left his legacy.
Patricia McHatton, executive vice president for several offices at UTRGV, describes Dr. Francisco Guajardo, co-founder and former executive director of UTRGV’s B3 Institute with a warm smile.
“What I feel Dr. Guajardo has contributed is this deep understanding of community. He always reminds us of the humanity of everything,” she continued.
On August 30, 2019 an announcement was made on Guajardo’s departure from UTRGV. The statement released by McHatton said Guajardo joined the legacy institution, UTPA in 2003 and moved up the ranks from a faculty member to an administrative chair at UTRGV.
Guajardo worked on several projects during his time at UTPA/UTRGV. The B3 Institute being one that has reached recognition at a national level.
“The work that we have done during the early years of UTRGV and the B3 Institute is really to help faculty members develop coursework that would be delivered in Spanish or bilingually,” Guajardo said.
Guajardo said he has mixed-feelings for leaving UTRGV after he says it’s the place where he shaped his professional identity.
“It was really a great place to work. I have so many friendships, so many relationships and I really love the institution,” he continued.
Guajardo worked with several other faculty members such as Emmy Perez. Perez saying in a statement:
One of Dr. Francisco Guajardo’s greatest gifts is in bringing people together. I thank him for his outstanding work with us. His daily presence in our centers is already missed.
Click on the video below to watch the full story.
