At Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK), all faculty, staff and administrative members have heart when it comes to dedicating their time to students on and off campus. However, there are those who rise up and put their heart and soul into their duties.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Rito Silva set himself apart from most with his diligent efforts focused on the students and the impact that he made and leaves at TAMUK, his fellow Javelinas said.
Silva, who recently announced his retirement, is one of the main examples of people achieving their dreams, as a Javelina alumnus, he had the dream of helping those around him from an early age. He came full circle, from a student worker with a dream to the Vice President of Student Affairs at his alma mater.
Leaving an impact on his community is not the only feat that Silva has accomplished, he strengthened interpersonal relationships with a former fellow student and a staff member who watched him grow as a person.
Dr. Dianne Brown, Communication lecturer, shared her memories with Silva and expressed her pride in his growth over the years.
“It was around 38 years ago when Dr. Silva worked under one of his mentors, Gary Lowe. He worked for ‘College One,’ which is now known as our ‘Freshman Success’ program,” Brown said. “I’ve seen how he has come full circle; he was in those programs as a student being mentored by two highly respected people and has now become that person who is respected.”
After sharing her thoughts on Silva becoming the mentor for students on campus, Brown explained that she was sad to see him go but shared her hope that he felt proud of himself.
“I’m sad to see him go, but during his time here he put full effort in and brought a lot of aspects to his career that was originally seen in his own mentors. If he looked back at his time here, I hope he would say ‘I did this, I fulfilled my dream and I’m happy with this,’” Brown said.
Brown is not alone in sharing her pride in Silva. Dr. Robert Vela, TAMUK president, shared his gratitude for Silva’s work and recognized his achievements and impact he will leave on this community.
“During his years here, Dr. Silva has not only been a champion for our students, but he has also been a community-minded leader. Through his role leading community relations, Dr. Silva has continually strengthened existing partnerships and sought new collaborations with partners like local school districts and the Community Action Corporation of South Texas, all of which expanded opportunities for our students and communities,” Vela said. “I am sincerely grateful for the positive impact he has made here and wish him a retirement filled with joy.”
Gratitude, well wishes and hope are in the air as Javelina Nation watches Silva close an important chapter of his life to welcome in a new and exciting part and contributor in his book of life.
Silva shared his reason why he will be stepping down from his position and his gratitude for those he worked alongside during his journey here at TAMUK.
“It has been an incredible run as an administrator here at TAMUK. I was able to work with a visionary President, Dr. Vela, and work with the superstar executive team all who are deeply committed to the students and communities we serve. It has truly been a privilege of a lifetime,” Silva said. “After 35 years in higher education, and after consulting with my family, I decided it was time to start a new chapter of my life. Especially with the birth of my precious granddaughter, Lucia Cassandra Silva Garza. I never knew how inspirational and powerful it is to be a grandfather. She is the light of my life.”
Dr. Robert Ayala, AVP of Academic Success, is stepping into the role of Vice President of Student Affairs.
The official farewell retirement celebration for Silva will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on March 12, in the Founders Room at Lewis Hall.