Con profundo pesar y tristeza en mi corazón, me entero del fallecimiento de mi más querida maestra, la Dra. Vera, quien nos dejó a la edad de 96 años. Rita Vera fue una figura inspiradora en la vida de innumerables estudiantes, especialmente para aquellos de nosotros que tuvimos la fortuna de ser sus alumnos en el Holding Institute. Nacida en Cuba, la Dra. Vera tenía un amor profundo por la lengua española y una pasión por la ciencia que contagió a todos los que la conocieron. Como mi profesora de español y química, su entusiasmo por ambas disciplinas era contagioso. Gracias a sus enseñanzas y a su guía, muchos de sus estudiantes descubrieron una vocación y siguieron carreras en campos relacionados. Al menos eso pasó conmigo. Yo, Roberto Garza, uno de sus tantos alumnos, recuerdo con cariño los concursos de declamación y matemáticas que gané gracias a sus consejos y aliento. Cuando obtuve el "Valedictorian 1979 en el Holding Institute", me acuerdo que ella me decía: "Hay, licenciado (mi apodo en esa época), ¿qué voy a hacer ahora que te gradúas y te vas?". Es gracias a ella que me enamoré de la lengua española y traduje y publiqué en la Editorial Fondo de Cultura Económica la vida del Premio Nobel, y colega mío, el Dr. Ahmed Zewail, y decidí estudiar química e ingeniería química, un camino que me llevó a obtener un doctorado y a convertirme en el primer profesor universitario mexicano de química en Pomona College hace ya 33 años hasta la fecha. Rita Vera estuvo casada con su amado esposo, el también profesor de español y abogado, Librado Vera, durante muchos años. Él la precedió en la muerte a la edad de 99 años. Era de esos matrimonios que, como mis padres que ya han partido, ya pocos existen. La Dra. Vera será recordada por su inteligencia, su calidez y su dedicación a la educación. Su legado vivirá a través de los innumerables estudiantes que inspiró. Para este viejo alumno suyo, quien la recuerda, la llevaré en mi corazón hasta la muerte. Gracias Sra. Vera. Gracias por creer en mí cuando ni yo mismo lo hacía. Espero que esté satisfecha con lo que he hecho de mi vida gracias a su ejemplo. La recordaré cuando en el día de las madres declame un "Brindis del Bohemio" o un "Mater Admirabilis" o una de las tantas poesías que me enseñó. Gracias por ser mi guía. Le prometo que también seré guía de cada uno de mis estudiantes universitarios que me encuentren en su camino. Dios la tenga en su Santo Reino. Dr. Roberto A. Garza López Professor of Physical and Computational Chemistry Pomona College. With deep sorrow and sadness in my heart, I learn of the passing of my dearest teacher, Dr. Vera, who left us at the age of 96. Rita Vera was an inspiring figure in the lives of countless students, especially for those of us who were fortunate enough to be her students at Holding Institute. Born in Cuba, Dr. Vera had a deep love for the Spanish language and a passion for science that infected everyone who knew her. As my Spanish and chemistry teacher, her enthusiasm for both disciplines was contagious. Thanks to her teachings and guidance, many of her students discovered a vocation and pursued careers in related fields. At least that's what happened to me. I, Roberto Garza, one of her many students, fondly remember the recitation and math contests I won thanks to her advice and encouragement. When I obtained the "Valedictorian 1979 at Holding Institute," I remember her saying to me: "Hey, Licenciado (my nickname at the time), what am I going to do now that you're graduating and leaving?" It is thanks to her that I fell in love with the Spanish language and translated and published the life of Nobel Prize winner and colleague Dr. Ahmed Zewail in the Fondo de Cultura Económica publishing house. Thanks to her I decided to study chemistry and chemical engineering, a path that led me to obtain a doctorate and become the first Mexican university professor in Chemistry at Pomona College 33 years ago to date. Rita Vera was married to her beloved husband, also a Spanish teacher and lawyer, Librado Vera, for many years. He preceded her in death at the age of 99. They were one of those marriages that, like my parents who have already departed, are few and far between. Dr. Vera will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth, and dedication to education. Her legacy will live on through the countless students she inspired. For this old student of hers, who remembers her, I will carry her in my heart until death. Thank you Mrs. Vera. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't even believe in myself. I hope you are satisfied with what I have made of my life thanks to your example. I will remember you when on Mother's Day I recite a "Brindis del Bohemio" or a "Mater Admirabilis" or one of the many poems you taught me. Thank you for being my guide. I promise you that I will also be a guide to each of my university students who find me on their path. May God have you in His Holy Kingdom. Dr. Roberto A. Garza López Professor of Physical and Computational Chemistry Pomona College.

Sometime between 1986 and 1987, Mrs. Vera was my Spanish teacher at Martin High School. She was one of the best--if not the best--teacher that I had throughout my Texas public school experience. I do not ever remember her teaching from her seat. Her pedagogical practices were impeccable. She was always standing when teaching. She worked to keep the class engaged from the minute that students walked into her class to the minute that students walked out of her class. In those days, she used the most up-to-date technology that was in the form of an overhead projector in which she led her class discussions as students conjugated Spanish verb tenses. She was very methodical in her teaching as well as how she went about keeping track of the grades that students earned in her class. Later as a Texas public school teacher myself, I always remembered her teaching style and her use of research-based pedagogy, and I sought to emulate some of her teaching strategies. She treated every student with dignity and respect regardless of the student's background. She held high expectations of all of her students regardless of anything in their background. Please accept my deepest condolences to the family. May she rest in peace. Mrs. Vera was more than a teacher. She was a hero, a model citizen and model professional, a highly educated woman of Hispanic descent. She was a woman ahead of her time. I am a better person, because she was a part of my life as my high school teacher. Alfredo Ramirez, Jr., Ph.D.

Librado, Toni & Vicky I am very sorry of your lost, may Rita Rest in Peace with all her love onces in heaven especially with Mr. Vera. My prayers are with you all Love always Luz Sauceda