Laredo College Unveiled Memorial Bench for Dean
The institution honored the late Carolyn Schmies with a garden installation and a new scholarship fund.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Scholarships
Laredo College has unveiled a memorial bench and planted a magnolia tree outside the Elpha Lee West Building to honor former South Campus dean Carolyn Schmies. Her family also established a new scholarship for students with special needs in her name.
Why it matters
The tribute recognizes Schmies' long-standing service to the college and the Laredo community. The scholarship serves to perpetuate her commitment to education by providing financial aid to students with special needs.
The Carolyn M. Schmies Special Education Scholarship provides a minimum of $500 to recipients annually. The funds are distributed through the Laredo Area Community Foundation to the Laredo College Endowment Foundation.
The players
Carolyn Schmies
She was the former dean of the South Campus at Laredo College and served as the first woman and first Black supervisor at General Motors.
Laredo College
This is a public community college based in Laredo that serves students across the region.
Laredo Area Community Foundation
This organization facilitates philanthropic efforts and manages charitable funds within the region.
The details
The memorial bench, located at the Elpha Lee West Building, features an inscription referencing Schmies' habit of praying for others. Carolyn Schmies, who was a pioneering supervisor at General Motors, moved to Laredo in 1994.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Memorial bench unveiled at Laredo College.
2016: Schmies joined the Leadership Women national cohort.
2009: Schmies graduated from the Leadership Texas program.
1994: Schmies moved to Laredo.
Culture Shift
The installation follows the established precedent of using campus landscape features to recognize the contributions of legacy faculty members. This shift highlights a broader move toward permanent, community-integrated physical tributes at local educational institutions.
Students with special needs can now apply for the newly established Carolyn M. Schmies Special Education Scholarship. The fund will provide recurring financial support to ensure ongoing educational accessibility.
The takeaway
Memorials like this one at Laredo College create a lasting legacy while directly benefiting future generations through endowed funds. Residents interested in supporting local students can contact the Laredo Area Community Foundation for more information on similar endowment programs.
Further reading
For more information on educational opportunities in the area, visit Scholarships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Laredo Morning Times.
