Former Bridge writer to give graduation speech

“I feel honored and excited at the prospect of delivering this year’s commencement address since it means having the opportunity to represent so many people up on that stage-the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Language and Literature, our university’s communication program and, especially, The Bridge,” said senior Jesus Reynoso de Córdova, a communication major.Every semester the different colleges within the university take turns choosing who will represent them during graduation. This semester, it was the College of Arts and Sciences’ turn.Four candidates, each from different departments of the College of Arts and Sciences, were considered to speak at the commencement ceremony, according to Dr. Lynda Brown, associate professor of communication.De Córdova was chosen to represent the College of Arts and Sciences due to his involvement with the community and his academic record.”Jesus has (an) excellent academic record and high-quality contributions to his classes …We’re proud to have a communication student give the commencement speech,” Brown said. “Jesus will be an inspiration to students in our program.”De Córdova is majoring in communication with a minor in management. His GPA stands at 3.944. For more than 13 years, he has been employed with the City of Laredo’s Emergency Communications Center.Formerly a staff writer, he is a student member of the National Communication Association and has also been invited to join the National Scholars Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.He will pursue a master’s degree in public administration from TAMIU and continue his employment with the City of Laredo until he becomes eligible for retirement in 2014.Thereafter, he wants to pursue other interests in government, law, business, and politics.”I think my dream job would be to work as a city manager,” De Córdova said. “It would probably represent one of the best possible opportunities for making a positive impact on our community.” De Córdova said he has taken the long and winding road in getting here, considering he flunked his senior year at Martin High School more than a decade ago.He was simply content graduating with honors from TAMIU.”Here I am now within striking distance of graduating summa cum laude and delivering the commencement address,” De Córdova said. “The turnaround has been interesting to say the least.”