HARLINGEN — The family of longtime antiques dealer and downtown supporter Leo Garza has established a memorial scholarship in his memory following his recent passing.
The Leo Garza Memorial Scholarship Fund will help deserving students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley who are studying arts and music.
Garza was owner of Jackson Street Antiques at the corner of Commerce and Jackson streets in the city’s historic downtown district.
“Ed Meza (downtown manager) called and he said that one of his merchants, which was Mr. Garza, had passed away, and that the family wanted to start up a scholarship fund,” said Javier “Jay” Zambrano, associate vice president for development with UTRGV’s Office of Development Division of Institutional Advancement.
“They wanted to look at arts and music and culture and architecture, supporting students who are interested in studying in that area,” he added.
Zambrano said UTRGV is receptive to such requests from families to honor the passing of one of their members, but given the university’s course offerings, the scholarship parameters were tailored to meet current curricula.
“So that’s what we did,” Zambrano said. “The only thing I told them was that we don’t have architecture here, and culture, I mean it’s in classes, but we focused on art and music. From what I understand, Mr. Garza had a love for those areas.”
The Leo Garza scholarship fund already has received a $500 donation from the Jackson Street Market Days Committee.
Zambrano said those seeking to honor Leo Garza can contribute to the scholarship fund via mail, or, the best way, by going online at https://give.utrgv.edu/students
Choose “Other” and reference the Leo Garza Memorial Scholarship Fund.
MORE INFO
Leo Garza Memorial Scholarship Fund
WHO — Leo Garza, late owner of Jackson Street Antiques
WHERE — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
STUDENTS — Eligible UTRGV students majoring in art and music
CONTRIBUTE — The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Leo Garza Memorial Scholarship Fund, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Office of Institutional Advancement, EITTB 1.210, 1201 West University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78539
ONLINE — Gifts can also be made online at https://give.utrgv.edu/students by choosing
“Other” and reference the Leo Garza Memorial Scholarship Fund
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