The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, administered by the International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank), has donated $100,000 to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).
The gift, specifically earmarked to benefit the newly established Banking Academy at the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, was presented in the Matias De Llano Trust Auditorium in TAMIU’s Academic Innovation Center on Tuesday. Sept. 17.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the University is honored to bring the Banking Academy to the Sanchez School and noted The Trust’s substantial legacy of generosity at TAMIU.
“We are honored to bring the Banking Academy here and to be ongoing beneficiaries of the Matias De Llano Charitable Trust. Their legacy support of our outreach, programs, and students strengthens the exceptionality that infuses our campus’ experience and mission. This latest gift helps initiate a bold new venture that answers a critical need for individuals equipped to handle the highly varied banking needs along the U.S-México border and beyond,” said Dr. Arenaz.
Dean of the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, Dr. Luis A. Perez-Batres, who joined the University in June 2024, said the Trust’s remarkable generosity will jump-start the development of tomorrow’s highly qualified banking and finance executives for South Texas and beyond.
Dr. Perez shared the Banking Academy’s origins, development, and relevance.
“The Banking Academy is a direct response to a pressing community need identified a couple of years ago by Ignacio Urrabazo, CEO and President of Commerce Bank. He firmly believed that having a local institution offering education and training for the banking industry is crucial for our region’s continued prosperity and shared his concern with our former Sanchez School Dean, Dr. Stephen Sears, who spearheaded the initial response.
“Having met Mr. Urrabazo in May 2024, just before joining TAMIU, I found his vision compelling. The Sanchez School team recognized the lasting impact it could have on the region and students’ lives.
“The School was thrilled to develop further a proposal focusing on co-curricular action-based learning methods with the support of University colleagues Dr. Amit Ghosh and others, and the endorsement of president Dr. Pablo Arenaz and provost Dr. Claudia San Miguel. We are also grateful for local backing including retired banker Jim Moore, and Oscar Cisneros of the TCB Junior Bank Board, in addition to the noteworthy contributions of Dr. Sears and members of the Sanchez School team,” Dr. Perez explained.
The Trust’s legacy at TAMIU has included student scholarships and a Ph.D. Endowment for the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, the Engineering Program, the TAMIU-KLRN Studio, the Jackson Art Exhibit, and in 2016, the gift of the Heritage Edition of The St. John’s Bible in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library’s Great Room. TAMIU’s Matias De Llano Trust Auditorium bears his name in recognition of the comprehensive spectrum of support the Trust has provided the University.
The late Matias De Llano Jr. established the Trust. He was born in Laredo in 1918, one of eight children. He attended Laredo schools and the New Mexico Military Academy and was a veteran of World War II.
His father, Matias De Llano, Sr., founded the Texas Hat Company, formerly one of the country’s largest manufacturers of straw hats, where De Llano Jr., worked for many years. De Llano Jr. had a zest for life and helping the disadvantaged. He contributed to many causes, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Sacred Heart Children’s Home, and other charitable organizations. Laredo’s Matias De Llano Elementary School was built and named in his honor.
De Llano Jr. enjoyed many close friendships, including the friendship of his beloved nieces and nephews. He often said his favorite sport was enjoying life with his friends.
The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust was established under his Last Will on April 1, 2003, appointing IBC Bank as sole trustee. Since 2004, the Trust has donated more than $10.4 million to local organizations and schools. Year to date, approximately 20% of Trust gifts have come to TAMIU.
