After a 12 year hiatus, Texas A&M International University held a summer commencement ceremony. Although held on a warm August evening, TAMIU’s Kinesiology and Convocation Building packed quickly with the family and friends of the graduates.
The procession came in amidst the loud applause and shouting as over 160 candidates filed into their seats. The group included undergraduates and graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, College of Education, and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
As Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU President, begin his Commencement address, he held everyone’s attention. It was the end of a point in their lives but a beginning of another—fitting as the 2014 Academic year came to a close.
The last commencement held after the spring semester, happen over the course of one day in three separate ceremonies and with the increase of graduates in the summer, it was decided that the return of the summer ceremony would accommodate the increase the increase of those students.
After Dr. Keck’s speech, the presentation of the diplomas began with those earning their bachelor’s degrees. Soon after, those earning their master’s degrees earned their master’s hoods and diplomas—a departure from the norm when the hooding ceremonies are held before the commencement ceremonies.
Even considering the large group of graduates, the ceremony was over relatively quickly after about an hour after it began. As it started later in the evening, this left time for the family and friends of the graduates still time to celebrate the success. This begin outside of the KCB building well the newly graduated were joined by their loved ones as they took photos with them and their fellow alumni. The crowd stayed for some time—even considering the Laredo heat.
Allowing students finishing their degrees in the summer an opportunity to walk, instead of waiting until the winter commencement, seemed to have been an excellent move by TAMIU. The graduates and their families appeared excited and happy in the chance to walk and presented with their degrees directly after earning them.
Usually rushed and shorter, the summer session would not usually be considered ideal as some persons may feel rushed. It can be said, though, that this can be considered a successful move for TAMIU. In view of this, could this possibly mean further ceremonies for the summer graduates? It is a definite possibility as TAMIU’s graduating population continues to rise in all semesters and, no doubt, be greatly appreciated and accepted.