Fernando Camarillo ’94 and Maria Elena “Lena” Camarillo ’91 were drawn to Texas A&M University for the same reason as many Aggies: tradition. Their story, however, is unique. Not only did they experience many cherished Aggie traditions as students, but they also helped start one that thrives to this day. Together, they continue to participate in Aggie traditions as alumni!
Before the Music
Fernando and Lena were not only first-generation Aggies but also first-generation college students, learning and absorbing everything along the way. Born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, and raised in San Antonio, Fernando grew up near the Texas-Mexico border. Whereas, Lena was born and raised in Weslaco, Texas.
“We owe our lives and successes to our parents, Beto and Alicia Camarillo and Manuel and Maria Ninfa Cano, who exemplified tenacity, loyalty, work ethic, and, above all, commitment to God, country and family,” Fernando and Lena said.
Lena had the privilege of older siblings who helped her adjust to college life. “My brother Danny ’78 was in the Aggie Band. We loved visiting campus to watch the band. I was only 6 years old at the time, but I knew Texas A&M was the only school I ever wanted to attend. The traditions and the sense of family—it was the only school I applied to,” Lena said. “My sister, Elisa ’88, helped me navigate campus, and we both cherished our time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church during our college years.”
Fernando, following a family tradition in civil engineering, knew he wanted to pursue the field. Lena earned a degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences.
Lena and Fernando met while participating in a student organization. The Committee for the Awareness of Mexican American Culture was established in 1974, but when Fernando and Lena joined, they helped create the university’s first mariachi band. They performed across campus, including at the MSC Flag Room, Rudder Theater and even the Texas A&M president’s home.
Today, they work together at their family firm, Poznecki-Camarillo, LLC, where Fernando serves as CEO and Lena serves as the Executive Vice President of Environmental and Public Involvement.
“We provide roadway and highway planning and design services for public agencies across Texas. Our company’s core values are closely tied to those of Texas A&M, including integrity and excellence,” they said.
After the Music
Even after graduating, Lena and Fernando continue participating in their favorite Aggie traditions. They host a tailgate at nearly every home football game, welcoming hundreds of guests over the years. In 2019, the Camarillos were honored as Fish Camp namesakes and loved working with “Camp Camarillo’s” camp counselors and about 150 freshmen. True to their values, their camp theme focused on diversity, academic excellence and kindness.
“The lifelong friendships I built in college added another layer of meaning to my time at A&M, making it a place filled with cherished memories and relationships that have shaped my family’s journey,” Fernando said.
Today, the Camarillos’ children are carrying on the Aggie legacy. Their daughter, Claudia ’21, is a third-year dental student at the Texas A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas. Their son, Javier ’24, will graduate in May 2025 with a degree in geographic information systems.
Because of the Music
Inspired by their love for Texas A&M and their commitment to supporting future generations of Aggies, Fernando and Lena established the Maria Elena ’91 and Fernando Camarillo ’94 Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship benefits first-generation students in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
“We received scholarships during our time at A&M and knew we wanted to give back as soon as we could,” they said. “We want to provide a financial blessing for hardworking first-generation students. We want them to know we believe in them—their success will forge a path forward for themselves and their families.”
Knowing what it is like to attend Texas A&M as a first-generation student, the Camarillos understand the importance of scholarship and support. They are now in a place to support today's first-generation students.
“We hope to make a positive impact that will influence their lives forever, just as donors forever changed the trajectory of our lives by helping fund our scholarships.” Fernando ’94 and Lena ’91 said.