Alaniz Excellence in Education Foundation

Dr. Ricky V. Alaniz, the founder and President of the foundation, is a 1989 graduate of Carrizo Springs CISD and current School Board Member.  Dr. Alaniz attended the University of Incarnate Word graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nuclear Medicine Science in 1993, later attending the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he recieved his Doctor of Optometry (OD) Degree in 1999.  He is currently pursuing his PhD in Biology.

Dr. Alaniz has been in private practice in his hometown of Carrizo Springs since 2005.  He is an advocate for access to higher education for all children, as well as promoting excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.  He has been instrumental in promoting summer intensive programs such as UTSA-PREP, Systems Academy for Young Scientist (SAYS) and the healthcare summer collaborative with the University of Incarnate Word.  Dr. Alaniz's mission is to provide access to higher education for all children and is a firm believer that there are no barriers to achieving a college education and promoting success for all children.  Dr. Alaniz and his wife of over 15 years have 2 children, Jonathan David and Joseph Alexander Alaniz.

Sarah A. Alaniz, M Ed, co-founder and Vice-President of the foundation, is a native Houstonian.  Sarah is a product of the Houston Independent School District and 1987 graduate of Milby High School.  Sarah is a Certified 4-8 Science Teacher and mother of two boys, Jonathan David and Joseph Alexander Alaniz.

Sarah attended Houston Community College where she received her Associate's in Applied Science in Radiography Degree, later earning her Certification as an Ultrasound Technologist.  In 1999 Sarah recieved her Bachelor of Science Degree in Allied Health Management from Widener University in Pennsylvania and practiced in the medical field until 2003.

Sarah completed her Master's in Education in Curriculum and Instruction Degree from the University of Houston and will be graduating with honors in 2009.  Sarah is a strong advocate for higher education, excellence in science education and for providing more rigor in our children's science curriculum. 

Dr. Cecilia Moreno, a Laredo native and Superintendent of Schools at Carrizo Springs CISD 2004-2009, serves as the foundation's secretary.

Dr. Moreno received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Texas Woman's University.  She received her Master's in Business Administration from Laredo State University (now TAMIU) and received her Doctorate in Education from Texas A & M - Kingsville. 

Dr. Moreno brings an illustrious career spanning 39 years as a teacher, counselor and administrator with the Laredo Independent School District and 5 years as Superintendent of Schools with Carrizo Springs CISD.  Dr. Moreno is child centered and takes pride in keeping a focus on the total child.

Dr. Moreno balances her academic life with strong civic duty responsibilities.  She has received three Governor Appointments which include The Governor's Commission for Women, The Teachers Retirement System of Texas and most recently to The Texas Woman's University Board of Regents. 

She has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumnae by Texas Woman's University and has recently been awarded the Prestigious Billy F. Cowart Award in Educational Administration by TAMIU.  She and her husband of over 40 years have 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

Dr. Raul "Rudy" A. Reyna serves as the Executive Director for the Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).  Before joining UTSA, Dr. Reyna had a 28 year career with the Bell System starting as a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Telephone Laboratories with the majority of his career being at SBC Communications (now AT & T).  He held such positions as Director-SBC Online, Director-Employee Development, Director-User Interfaces and Director-Advanced Computing Technologies at various SBC subsidiaries including SBC Technology Resources, Inc.  He also served as President of the SBC Foundation which operated with an annual budget of $25 million in a five (5) state area. 

Before moving to UTSA, Dr. Reyna served as Vice President of Information Technology and Human Resources for Operational Technologies.  He has taught courses in Management Information Systems and Database Management Systems for local colleges and universities.

Dr. Reyna holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A & M University, Master of Science in Computer Science from Columbia University, and a PhD in Educational Administration from Texas A & M University and is a graduate of South San Antonio High School.

Our Board consists of proven leaders of our business, professional and educational community.

It includes educators, business owners and school administrators as well as key collaborative contacts with local colleges and universities that aid in promoting a positive and productive model for all children to succeed in their quest for higher education.