CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MANUEL P. BERRIOZABAL

On 2026-04-27, Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MANUEL P. BERRIOZABAL" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MANUEL P. BERRIOZABAL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E371-E372] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MANUEL P. BERRIOZABAL ______ HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO of texas in the house of representatives Monday, April 27, 2026 Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Manuel P. Berriozabal, who passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 94. A trailblazing educator and mathematician, Dr. Berriozabal dedicated his life to ensuring students had opportunities to succeed in and out of the classroom. From an early age, Dr. Berriozabal took great interest in mathematics and soon dedicated himself to the pursuit of academic excellence. Dr. Berriozabal's rigorous commitment to his studies resulted in him earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Rockhurst College in 1952, a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in [[Page E372]] 1956, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1961. In 1976, after teaching at UCLA, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans, Dr. Berriozabal returned to the city he was born in when he joined the faculty at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). In 1979, following the publication of an article disparaging Mexican American students' abilities in what would become known as the STEM fields, Dr. Berriozabal founded the Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP). PREP is a summer program designed to provide middle and high school students with the opportunity to take college-level engineering coursework. Since the program's inception, over 50,000 students across San Antonio and beyond have participated in the enrichment program, launching their own academic journeys and disproving preconceived notions of limitations. Dr. Berriozabal served as the program's director for 25 years with an unshakable, multigenerational dedication to expanding opportunities for community growth and development. Throughout Dr. Berriozabal's storied career, he received numerous prestigious awards, including the Yuehin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics, and was a charter member of the Texas Science Hall of Fame. Dr. Berriozabal is survived by his wife, the Honorable Maria Berriozabal. The two met in 1972 and married in 1975. They shared over 50 years of marriage together, supporting each other as they selflessly gave back to the San Antonio community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the incredible life and remarkable legacy of Dr. Manuel Berriozabal. He was a servant, leader and inspiration to many and I am grateful for his commitment to the San Antonio community. ____________________