‘Why would I mispronounce my own name?’

show to Texas A&M University-Kingsville Tuesday, March 7.

This was only the second time Herrera performed in Texas.

Irma Herrera, the once quiet and shy kid and proud Alice, Texas native, performs in her self-written play sharing the story of reclaiming her name as a Mexican American, touring the country bringing awareness to civil rights and social justice.

“Why would I mispronounce my own name?” is a one-woman show written by Herrera. She brought the

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“I’ve been inspired by many, many things. Mostly, I am concerned about people treating others fairly and when we don’t bother to learn the pronunciation of someone’s name, we’re disrespectful and it is often the case that for people of color we have to make adjustments so that white Anglo-Saxon European Americans don’t have to struggle with our names and to me that’s just not fair. I’ve spent my career working for civil rights for social justice,” she said.

The play is a creative nonfction story made up of events from her life and the historical events of Mexican Americans throughout history, from Felix Longoria and Jose Torres.

Herrera attended then Texas A&I University before transferring to St. Mary’s in San Antonio when she was 18, fulflling her dreams to live in a big city. She eventually moved to South Bend, Ind., where she attended law school at the University of Notre

An announcement sent on Friday, March 3, named Dr. Maria E. Velez-Hernandez interim Vice President of Student Success, and with this change a new advising model is expected.

Velez is honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve in her new role.

“The staf, faculty and students who work in the Center for Student Success are committed to supporting our students and will continue to work towards the north star: Student Success,” she said. “In this new role, I hope to lead our team in strengthening the services and facilities that serve our student body to continue to support them in their path to graduation.”

The announcement also thanked former Assistant Vice President of Student Success Dr. Shannon Baker for her years of service and the growth she brought to the Center for Student Success.

“Dr. Velez-Hernandez will continue the programs and initiatives already in place. She will be looking for ways to improve our services to students,” interim Provost Darin Hoskisson said.

Velez most recently