La Fe Magazine Online

	Cover Story
	The legacy continues fifteen y ears after her death, Lamar Bruni Vergara continues to improe life for all of Laredo's children En Español
Photo by Goyo López By Goyo López “You couldn’t find anything negative to say about her,” begins Solomon Casseb, retired judge and founding co-trustee of the Lamar Bruni Vergara(LBV) Trust. Judge Casseb and JC Martin, Jr., began the venerable philanthropic group 16 years ago. Judge Casseb, who now administers the Trust with JC Martin, III, reflected on the life of Lamar Bruni Vergara and the impact of benevolence. “If Mrs. Vergara could see what a marvelous thing has come about as a result of the Trust, she would be so happy,” explains Judge Casseb. “So many positive things have transpired in Laredo because of her generosity and her foresight.” April 16, 2004 marks the 15th anniversary of her death as well as the birth of the charitable group named in her honor. Mrs. Vergara, who never bore any children, often spoke of all of Laredo’s children as her adopted kin.
	“To a certain extent, Mrs. Vergara led a very lonely life considering that she never had any children,” continues Judge Casseb. “Because of that, she felt a very strong bond to all the children of this city and desired to do something special on their behalf.”
Judge Casseb, who befriended Lamar Bruni Vergara in the 1950s, served as her personal attorney for more than 40 years. “I got along great with her and loved her as a true friend,” says Judge Casseb. “I’m one of the last few that is still living that knew her and knew what she wanted and how she wanted it and ended up doing it... Others may feel that they could’ve done better but I feel in my own heart, that we’ve done the best that we can in preserving her memory and fulfilling her wishes.” Undoubtedly, the work of the Trust has created an indelible mark on Laredo that is perpetual in nature.
The LBV Trust provides funding in the areas of religion, health and education. On the 16th anniversary of the LBV Trust, La Fe pauses to reflect on one example from each category and the enormous effect each has had in our community.
Religion The San Agustín Cathedral ranks prominently among the most visible icons of Laredo and the diocese. Dating its origins back to the mid-18th century with the founding of Laredo, the historical site has undergone at least three major phases with the most recent edifice being erected in 1868 and undergoing major renovations after World War II.
In 1990, Anita Martin served as president of the San Agustín Historical Preservation Society, which sought to improve the treasured landmark. While still alive, Lamar Bruni Vergara lent her assistance in beginning the first phase of renovation and restoration of the church.Bishop James A. Tamayo, who as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church at the time served on the preservation committee, explains the significance of the cathedral. “There are many contexts in which the San Agustín Cathedral are important,” begins Bishop Tamayo. “The first context is that San Agustín exemplifies the strong Catholic tradition throughout this diocese. For more than 250 years, Catholicism has served as the cornerstone of this region. The longevity of this church serves as testimony to this rich and proud heritage. No one else can claim this. “Secondly, and in direct relation to the longevity aspect is that the cathedral is now recognized as an official Historic State Site adding even more significance,” continues Bishop Tamayo. “Finally, the image of our cathedral remains prominently displayed on the City of Laredo official seal or coat of arms in recognition of the vital role that the Catholic Church has played in shaping this city and this region. I can think of no other city government in Texas that incorporates the Catholic Church on their official masthead or seal. Even the secular groups like the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau often use photographs or paintings of San Agustín to lure tourism and industry to Laredo. I acknowledge and treasure these acts of recognition from our civic leaders.” Bishop Tamayo concludes that the San Agustín Cathedral serves as God’s sanctuary as well as a symbol of freedom, prosperity and resilience.
	Education Throughout the years, the LBV Trust has opened many new avenues of opportunity for the students of Laredo and south Texas at every educational level. La Fe chose to focus on one group where many young boys learn and hone their skills to become responsible, good men.
The Boy Scouts of America also maintains a long storied tradition in Laredo. Catholic schools and parishes throughout south Texas abound with Scout packs and troops. In Laredo, the Lamar Bruni Vergara Youth Center sits prominently at Camp Huisache just east of Lake Casablanca State Park. While the facility is available for use by all youth groups in our community, the Boy Scouts of the Aztec District in the Gulf Coast Council make the most use of this primarily outdoor venue to hone their wilderness, survival, leadership and team-building skills. John Richard Gentry of Pack 492 noted the opportunities for nurturing existing friendships and developing new relationships as a result of the Boy Scouts and a venue like Camp Huisache. “Scouting has given me the opportunities to meet new people, visit new places and develop my leadership skills,” explains John Richard, who began as a Tiger Cub seven years ago while in the first grade. “I’ve also been able to learn life long skills such as first aid, emergency preparedness, cooking, wilderness survival, citizenship, personal management and even physical fitness.” Ricky Sepulveda, a seventh grader, echoes John Richard’s sentiments adding that these learned traits arise directly from living by the scout oath, which resonates strongly with the teachings of the Catholic Church. “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight,” reads the Boy Scout oath. In addition, thousands of Boy Scouts, including John Richard and Ricky, have pledged to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. “I know the things I am learning from scouting will help me now as a teenager and later in life as an adult,” concludes John Richard.
Aside from helping found Camp Huisache, the LBV Trust has funded numerous projects including the LBV Youth Center, which houses the ranger residence, a multipurpose storage facility, an office, a trading post, an equipment issue building, a 45-foot 360 degree observation tower and an education center.
Health According to Susan S. Baker, PhD, RN, CS, of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), the Canseco School of Nursing opened in Spring 1995 due to the vision and generosity of leaders in the Laredo health care community, notably the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust and what was then Mercy Hospital, and the energy and enthusiasm of the leadership of what was then Laredo State University. “The first program implemented was the RN/BSN, with an enrollment of 32 students in Spring 1995, a director and a faculty of 2, Ms. Natalie Burkhalter and myself,” recalls Dr. Baker. “The first student graduated from the RN/BSN program in May 1996.”
Dr. Ray M. Keck, president of TAMIU, recognizes the value of the Trust’s benevolence. “The legacy of Lamar Bruni Vergara and the Trust that bears her name has made Texas A&M International University its most fortunate educational beneficiary,” begins Dr. Keck.
“The Dr. F. M. Canseco Nursing School is an especially telling example. Through the Trust, the Nursing School is helping to educate an impressive cadre of much-needed nursing leaders.” Dr. Baker adds that the generosity and vision of the LBV Trust has been key to the national and international acclaim given to the School of Nursing. “The school has achieved unprecedented success with a high risk, bilingual, disadvantaged student population,” emphasizes Dr. Baker. “Our program completion rate is 67% on time and 75% overall, our 3 year average first time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination is 88%, and the rate of employment of students within the Laredo/Webb County/mid Rio Grande area is over 85%. Funding from the LBV Trust is at the very heart of this success.” As it does elsewhere in the community, the positive effects of the charitable group reach beyond the School of Nursing. “In addition to the Nursing School, the Trust has provided impressive assistance in the University’s program development, student scholarships, faculty research funding, and brick and mortar construction such as the inspirational Lamar Bruni Vergara Memorial Garden and the soon-to-be-completed Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center,” adds Dr. Keck. “We are indeed much blessed by the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust.” Although the Trust categorizes its contributions into the areas of religion, education and health, most of the beneficiaries fall into more than one of the divisions. Lamar Bruni Vergara’s legacy now weaves through the very fabric of our community ? Catholic and non-Catholic. Now, as the City of Laredo unveils the newest recipient of monies in the Lamar Bruni Vergara Inner City Park, her dream continues to be fulfilled as the state-of-the-art “techreation” center places Laredo at the forefront of public offerings anywhere in south Texas and directly contributes to improving the life of every child utilizing the park, swimming pool, walking trail, rock climbing wall or computer lab.