After a four-year hiatus, Border Texan of the Year returns as the official opening dinner of MXLAN Cultural Festival
McAllen, Texas – The Border Texan of the Year Committee proudly announces Jim Collins and Kathy Collins as the 2025 Border Texans of the Year, an honor awarded annually to individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the growth and development of the Rio Grande Valley.
Long-time advocates for regional progress, the Collins, have been recognized for their steadfast commitment to economic development and community investment throughout South Texas. With decades of impact across infrastructure, workforce initiatives and civic partnerships, Jim and Kathy Collins exemplify the spirit of leadership that the Border Texan of the Year award represents. The announcement was made yesterday afternoon at the McAllen Convention Center, where Jim and Kathy Collins expressed their gratitude and reflected on the significance of the award.
“This recognition is deeply personal…not just to me, but to my family and to the many individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with across the Valley,” said Collins. “I’ve always believed that when one part of our region rises, we all do. Being named Border Texan of the Year is an incredible honor, and I’m committed to continuing the work that lifts our communities and unites our people.”
Established in 1989, the Border Texan of the Year Banquet honors individuals who have championed progress in industries across education, business, healthcare and transportation. Past recipients include Governor George W. Bush, U.S. Senator John Cornyn and UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey.
Since its inception, the event has contributed over $1 million to nonprofit organizations and scholarships across the Rio Grande Valley. Proceeds from the event benefit local nonprofits and scholarship initiatives selected by each year’s honoree.
This year, the Border Texan of the Year Gala will benefit the McAllen Performing Arts and Cultural Foundation, Vannie Cook Cancer Foundation, Quinta Mazatlan, South Texas College Foundation and the UTRGV Foundation.
The 2025 Border Texan of the Year Gala will be held on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. For the first time in its history, the gala will also serve as the official opening of MXLAN, McAllen’s acclaimed three-day festival celebrating Latino culture, youth, art, music and regional pride.
“We are honored to have the Border Texan represented in McAllen and be the city that unifies our Rio Grande Valley community,” said McAllen City Manager, Issac Tawil. “McAllen believes in celebrating legacy and investing in initiatives that unify and uplift our entire region.”
Tables and sponsorship packages for the Border Texan of the Year gala are now available. For more information or to reserve a table, visit BorderTexan.com or contact info@bordertexan.com.
