Irma Lerma Rangel, first Mexican American female legislator, was born on May 15, 1931, in the small South Texas town of Kingsville to Herminia L. Rangel and Presciliano Martinez Rangel. At an early age, she developed a strong sense of compassion while realizing that some barriers to success must be broken. She also learned that an education, combined with hard work, usually led to success. Rangel graduated from Texas A&I University, now Texas A&M - Kingsville, and became a teacher. After teaching in South Texas, Venezuela and California, she elected to further her education into the next phase of her life.

In a time when a Hispanic woman with a college degree was rare, Rangel chose to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. In 1969, her dream became a reality when she received her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio. She experienced a successful legal career as an assistant district attorney and private practitioner.

In 1976, Rangel became the first Mexican American woman elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. She immediately focused her efforts upon minority and educational issues. Her continued commitment to public service provided many opportunities for others to follow. Rangel served as the first female Mexican American committee chair of the House Higher Education Committee and the first, and only, woman to lead the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

It is fitting that a campus dedicated to furthering the education and leadership of young women be named for Irma Lerma Rangel. It is an honor to the legacy she left all women, and society as a whole.

Representative Rangel passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2003, after an arduous and valiant battle with cancer. She was buried in the Texas State Cemetery three days later.