The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, administered by International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank) as trustee, has made a generous $600,000 donation to Laredo College. This gift, aimed at supporting the newly established Construction Management Program at the college, is part of the trust’s ongoing mission to enrich the Laredo community and expand educational opportunities in the region.
The donation was presented in a special ceremony held at the Laredo College Samuel A. Meyer Board Room on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The funds will help provide critical resources to help young students pursue careers in construction management, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramírez expressed her gratitude for the trust’s support, highlighting the impact it will have on the future of the program.
“We are truly honored to receive this significant gift from the Matias De Llano Charitable Trust,” Dr. Ramírez said. “This donation helps us enhance the Construction Management Program at Laredo College, ensuring that our students are better prepared to meet the needs of the Laredo community and beyond. The trust’s ongoing legacy of generosity strengthens our ability to provide high-quality education and training for the workforce, especially in critical fields like construction management, which are essential for the region’s continued growth.”
LC Associate Provost/Strategic & Collaborative Partnerships Dr. Heriberto Hernandez also praised the donation, noting its importance in developing the skilled workforce needed for South Texas.
“This generous gift from the Matias De Llano Charitable Trust comes at a pivotal time, as our community faces increasing demand for qualified construction professionals,” he said. “The Construction Management Program will equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in this vital industry. With this support, we are helping ensure that Laredo and South Texas have a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals to meet the demands of future development and infrastructure projects.”
IBC Bank CEO and President Dennis E. Nixon spoke on behalf of the Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, reiterating the trust’s commitment to continuing the vision of its founder, the late Matias De Llano Jr.
“Matias De Llano Jr. established this trust to benefit the community he loved, and it’s our privilege to continue his legacy through contributions like this one to Laredo College,” Nixon said. “This donation helps provide opportunities for young people in our community to build meaningful careers in the construction industry, one of the cornerstones of our region’s growth. We are proud to help empower future generations of leaders in Laredo and South Texas.”
The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, which was established under the will of Matias De Llano Jr. in 2003, has contributed approximately $11 million to local organizations and educational institutions since its inception.
Matias De Llano Jr. was a well-known philanthropist who was passionate about supporting Laredo’s youth and underprivileged communities. He was also instrumental in supporting causes such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Sacred Heart Children’s Home and many other local charities.
Matias De Llano Jr. was born in Laredo in 1918, and his legacy lives on not only through the trust but also through institutions like Laredo’s Matias De Llano Elementary School.
The trust’s mission is to continue De Llano’s vision of helping those in need and fostering educational opportunities for the community.
For more information regarding the LC Construction Management Program and other vocational courses, contact Dr. Minita Ramírez at
minita.ramirez@laredo.edu or call (956) 721-5101.
For partnership opportunities or to learn more about Laredo College’s advancement initiatives, contact Dr. Diana Ortiz at
diana.ortiz@laredo.edu or call (956) 721-5283.
About Laredo College
Laredo College is a dynamic two-campus district serving the diverse needs of the growing tri-county area composed of Webb, Jim Hogg and Zapata counties. The downtown Fort McIntosh Campus maintains its historic origins, while history begins anew at its South Campus in South Laredo, with contemporary architecture and the latest technology. The two campuses serve more than 10,000 students each semester through a variety of affordable, high-quality academic, technical and vocational programs, non-credit community interest courses and adult education courses.
About the Matias De Llano Charitable Trust
The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust was established to carry on the legacy of its founder, Matias De Llano, Jr., who was deeply committed to supporting education, youth, and charitable organizations in Laredo. The Trust has contributed millions of dollars to local institutions since its founding in 2003.
