Spring is in the air and so are all the hopes and dreams of this semester’s graduating class of 2012 at Texas A&M International University. On Thursday, May 10, 2012, the Fine & Performing Arts building hosted the Hooding and Honor Cord Ceremony for the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business.
The ceremony began with introductions by Dr. Steve Sears, the Dean of the School of Business. This was followed by congratulatory remarks by Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at TAMIU. Afterwards, the presentation of honor cords began with Dr. Sears, Dr. Antonio J. Rodriguez, Associate Dean, and Ms. Maggie Blasco, undergraduate advisor. They presented the Honor Cords to eight proud students as each one walked up to receive their cord and a greeting from each of the presenters.
The Presentation of the Graduate Hooding was next, which was for those students graduating with a master’s degree. Dr. Ken Hung, Division of International Banking and Finance Studies Chair, Dr. S. Srinivasan, Division of International Business and Technology Studies Chair, and Ms. Imelda Lopez, Graduate Advisor presented the hoods to the students. Each student had written a statement about who they wanted to thank while receiving their honors; the readings were done by Dr. Jorge Brusa and Dr. George Clarke.
The closing remarks, done by Dr. Steve Sears, were short, but he got his point across to the future business leaders. Dr. Steve Sears talked about sticking to your personal views and morals, because those are what you will be remembered for when they carve out your tombstone.
Exiting the ceremony to a sky full of storm clouds, the graduates reunited with their family members for a thunder storm of camera flashes and a hurricane of joyful tears.
(Jesus Garcia may be reached at moparboots@gmail.com)