Mexican Ambassador visits UTSA to advance collaboration efforts

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 — The UTSA Global Initiatives office recently welcomed Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán to the United States, marking a significant step in UTSA’s efforts to foster international collaboration, grow community outreach and celebrate educational excellence.

While in San Antonio, Ambassador Moctezuma visited four Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) Becas Scholarship recipients. Granted by the Mexican government, this scholarship supports Mexican and Mexican American students pursuing higher education in the United States. Global Initiatives oversees the IME-Becas scholarship in collaboration with the UTSA Dreamers Resource Center and the university’s Division of Strategic Enrollment. It is funded by the Mexican government and matched with funds from UTSA and the San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council (SAMFCO).

Global Initiatives works extensively with SAMFCO to enrich the opportunities offered to students seeking to pursue higher education opportunities in San Antonio.

“Global collaboration is critical to creating these opportunities for our students, and we are exceptionally proud of our work and ongoing partnership with Mexico.”

The UTSA Global Initiatives office recently welcomed Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán to the United States.

“The IME-Becas program is one of the best investments Mexico has made in higher education. I am glad to partner with UTSA, a university that is recognized for its commitment to social mobility, because this has allowed the advancement of our citizens living abroad,” said Moctezuma.

UTSA President Taylor Eighmy added, “As a university of the future, UTSA is committed to providing students with meaningful international experiences that will prepare them to become global citizens and meet the demands of an increasingly diverse workforce. Global collaboration is critical to creating these opportunities for our students, and we are exceptionally proud of our work and ongoing partnership with Mexico and Ambassador Moctezuma Barragán. Together, we’re creating even more pathways to success for all of our students.”

The delegation led by Ambassador Moctezuma had the opportunity to learn about UTSA student success initiatives, including the experiential learning programs in Mexico that are offered by the UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts. The ambassador also had the opportunity to visit the UTSA Mexican Cookbook Collection, which is part of the UTSA Libraries Special Collections, and to meet with PhD students on a ConTex fellowship. ConTex is a joint initiative between the University of Texas System and Mexico’s Council of Science and Technology.

Moctezuma left UTSA with a deeper understanding of the rich historical ties between the Consulate and the institution. The visit also highlighted the UTSA’s role in strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

“As UTSA continues to champion international collaboration and cultural exchange, this visit will undoubtedly serve as a milestone in the university's journey toward global excellence, sowing the seeds for continued collaboration, understanding and progress between Mexico and the institution,” said Lisa Montoya, UTSA vice provost of Global Initiatives.

— Sarah Esquivel