To create a culturally safe environment for Mexican American students.

To encourage and support Mexican American majors academically.

To increase the number of MAS courses, the number of MAS majors, and the number of MAS program faculty and support staff offered at UTSA.

To promote MAS among UTSA students and faculty as well as among high school students in the UTSA recruiting area.

To preserve Mexican American history and culture at UTSA and in the surrounding communities.

To bring UTSA closer to the Mexican American community of San Antonio.

Estimados compañeros de estudios, profesores, profesoras, y miembros en solidaridad de MASizo; First and foremost, I would like to extend a heartfelt recognition and gratitude to Christina Alvear and David Mata; presidenta and vicepresidente respectively, for all of their dedication and hard work in MASizo. You have both proven your pride and love for your RAZA and have contributed immensely as the forerunners of this academic organization. You have accomplished the goals you embarked in the beginning and have set a mold that merits recognition. Thank you.

Secondly, I would like to congratulate the absolutely gifted and talented new officers of MASizo: Historian: Liliana Saldaña Treasurer: Joseph Santos Secretary: Nancy García Vice-President: Gilberto Acosta Faculty Advisor: Josephine Méndez Negrete, Ph.D.

Thirdly, I would like to appeal to each and every one of us for an action towards unity and solidarity. My call for unity involves a meeting of minds and hearts. Let us not forget that we are all in this group as a whole and that we have inherited a bridge to a better life from our Chicana and Chicano predecessors. Let us not forget the academics and the brave people that came before us who have allowed for us to achieve pride worthy goals.

I encourage everyone to make a pledge to voice your opinions, stand up to your beliefs, and share your ideas. For it is only by being honest that one can contribute to a common cause and goal. Our commitment to MASizo should not be undermined by differences of opinion and I believe we all share a commitment to the well being of each other and our RAZA. Por ultimo pero no por ello menos importante, I want to make positive changes for my RAZA. We need to transform, as Chicanas and Chicanos, not replace the dominant society. El renacimiento ha llegado y estamos preparados. We all need to look inside ourselves, our past, our people, and make a strong commitment to the advancement of our future RAZA. We need to open our eyes to the oppression that exists within our own culture. We need to make positive changes that will impact the society we live in. ! Tenemos que unirnos, RAZA!

Atentamente, Esmeralda Ramos, Presidenta de MASizo