LCC dedicates building to Manuel Llaguno
Laredo Community College named and dedicated one of its freestanding historic buildings in memory of Manuel Llaguno, a donor and friend to the college family who died in 2003.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 18, in front of the Manuel F. Llaguno Music and Dance Hall, formally known as Music and Dance Building I. A wreath was placed on the building sign to mark the occasion.
In 2000, Llaguno used his life savings to create an $80,000 endowed scholarship program that would provide long-lasting opportunities for LCC students to fulfill their life potential. His donation launched the first endowment for the LCC Title V PROS Scholarship.
Llaguno was elated with the attention he received on the day the college announced his endowment contribution.
“Mr. Llaguno was very much impressed with the talent of the college’s students after enjoying a surprise serenade performance by the LCC Mariachi Palomino,” recalled LCC President Dr. Ramon Dovalina. “He expressed a strong desire to help young people succeed. For this reason, the LCC Board of Trustees recently voted to name the Music and Dance Building I in his memory.”
Mr. Llaguno died on January 6, 2003, but the spirit of his kindness and generosity continues to impact the lives of LCC students who have benefited from the endowment. To date, the Llaguno Scholarship Endowment has awarded $1,000 scholarships to 15 students. The scholarships are presented to academically gifted students wanting to enter the fields of math or science.
Mr. Llaguno was born in Laredo in 1916. He attended the old Laredo High School—now La Posada Hotel—and married.
In 1934, Llaguno decided to move to Chicago after the death of his wife. He dedicated 25 years to the U.S. Postal Service and lived in Chicago for 40 years. Although Mr. Llaguno did not hold a college degree, he did attend Roosevelt University in Chicago.
After retirement, Llaguno moved to Florida and later returned to Laredo after a 60-year absence from his hometown.
At the launching of his scholarship endowment in April of 2000, Llaguno expressed his gratitude to LCC for the opportunity to form a bond of kinship with the community.
“I hope that this scholarship endowment will provide members of the community with greater access to college and make a difference in some persons’ life,” said Llaguno. He died at the age of 86.
For more information about the Llaguno Scholarship Endowment, contact the LCC Financial Aid Office by calling 721-5361.
Laredo Community College formally acknowledged the contributions of Laredo native Manuel Llaguno on May 18 during the naming and dedication of a freestanding historic building on campus as the Manuel F. Llaguno Music and Dance Hall.
Manuel F. Llaguno
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
956- 721-5140
Fax 956-721-5443