The Ohtli Medal, the highest award granted by Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Relations to non-Mexicans, has been awarded jointly to LBJ School Professors Victoria Rodríguez and Peter Ward.

Mexican Consul General Rogelio Gasca Neri presented the award at a reception at the University Club on January 17. The Ohtli Medal is awarded to those whose work, research, and academic or cultural services are deemed to have contributed significantly to the furtherance of U.S.-Mexico relations.

A husband and wife team, Ward and Rodríguez have coauthored five books related to Mexico and written numerous others independently. They have also coordinated several exchanges between UT Austin and various Mexican institutions.

		Mexican Consul General Rogelio Gasca Neri (far left) pins the Ohtli Medal on Peter Ward's lapel. Victoria Rodríguez (below) is congratulated by UT Professor Walt Rostow after receiving her award. Photos by UT Office of Public Affairs/Marsha Miller

Consul General Neri praised Rodríguez and Ward for dedicating their academic careers to the study of Mexico. He presented a silver medal to Rodríguez and a lapel pin to Ward.

Following the presentation, UT Austin President Larry Faulkner commended the two for playing a leading role in the university's Latin American initiative, one of four priorities he has outlined for his administration.

Rodríguez, who officially assumed the post of UT Austin vice provost on January 16 (see story), said she would work to expand the university's research, faculty, and student exchange programs with Latin American institutions. Both she and Ward, who holds the C. B. Smith Sr. Centennial Chair in U.S.-Mexico Relations, said that research on Mexico would continue to be their central focus.

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May 14, 2001

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