McMurry celebrates Hispanic Heritage with “A Tejano Son of Texas” exhibit
McMurry launched a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in September 2023 with a special exhibit and presentation, “A Tejano Son of Texas”, showcasing the legacy of Jose Policarpio ‘Polly’ Rodriguez: a gunsmith, surveyor, Texas Ranger, and Methodist minister. The exhibit, sponsored by former board of trustees member, alumna, and direct descendant of Polly Rodriguez, Sara Hernandez Hudman Graham ’63, was on display in the Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Gallery for a month.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students were invited to tour the exhibit and hear a presentation on the life and legacy of Polly Rodriguez from Rudi R. Rodriguez, the founder and president of TexasTejano.com. Students entered a poster contest where they depicted a Tejano who inspired them.
McMurry also held a Tejano Son of Texas community luncheon where Hispanic leaders across Abilene, as well as Hispanic students, faculty, and staff, were invited to enjoy lunch, tour the exhibit, and view the posters created by students.
McMurry recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to honor and celebrate the people, culture, contributions, and history of the American Latino community. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, McMurry takes pride in the Hispanic students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have helped the University grow and thrive over its history.