OLLU welcomed U.S. Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas) to campus on Jan. 25 for a guided tour and a Q & A with students in the Sueltenfuss Library.
Congressman Casar and OLLU President Abel A. Chávez, MBA, PhD, both sons of Mexican immigrants, enjoyed a visit in Main Building, before strolling through the Mall Area and Metz Building and walking to the library.
A former Austin City Councilman, Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His district extends from Austin down the Interstate 35 corridor to the West Side of San Antonio, and includes part of the OLLU campus.
A native of Houston, Casar is Catholic and ran track for Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. At 34, he ranks among the youngest members in the U.S. House of Representatives.
After graduating from the University of Virginia, Casar became a community organizer for construction workers. At age 25, he became the youngest person in history elected to serve on the Austin City Council.
He told OLLU students he did not aspire to a career in politics. “Serving in Congress was never part of my master plan,” the Congressman said.
Students wanted to know why he decided to run for Congress in 2021. He enjoyed serving constituents in Austin, Casar, explained, but he wanted to help more people at a higher level.
After the Q & A ended, Casar posed for photos with students, and told Dr. Chávez that he hopes to return for another visit.
