One of the most desired days for Texas A&M International University’s students has arrived. Ready and sharp, students pursuing a degree under the College of Education and Nursing and Health Sciences were present outside the Kinesiology Convocation Building on Dec. 15 to receive their anticipated degree.
The commencement started at 1 p.m. with around 160 students from both colleges entered the building under TAMIU’s symphonic band’s beat, directed by Dr. James A. Moyer, to be received by their family and friends, which in some cases had to travel from out of town to be with their loved ones on this special occasion. Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs began the ceremony congratulating the students with a brief speech then followed by the national anthem.
The commencement speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Rex H. Ball, Professor of History and founding faculty of Texas A&I University Center of Laredo. His remarks signed the end of his educational career. During his speech, he tried to persuade students to pursue what they wanted to be after they received their degree by stating, “The future is yours. If can be dreamed, you can do it.” Ball and his wife, Betty, will have a retirement in New Mexico.
Subsequently to Dr. Ball’s speech, Rebecca Marie Cantú, Distinguished Student Scholar was introduced. Cantú shared her experience with the students during her years in TAMIU, in which she had to work and take night classes in order to achieve her goal: graduate. She expressed, “It is just not the validation of higher education, it is also the reflection of your commitment, dedication and persistence…sky is the limit.” Cantú received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders with a special honor of cum laude. Among her time at TAMIU, she was named to the Dean’s List and was an active member and secretary of the National Speech Language Hearing Association. With an above GPA of 3.5, she aspires to attend graduate school and therefore, acquire a doctorate in Communication Disorders.
After 30 minutes of commencing the ceremony, more than 70 undergraduate students from the College of Education received their degree. Eventually, 32 undergraduate students from the College of Nursing and Health and Sciences also received the aimed degree. Moreover, 47 graduates from College of Education and 11 from College of Nursing and Health Sciences received their Master’s diploma.
With a crowd full of happiness and proudness, the fall commencement concluded with the Alma Mater played by TAMIU music students and by a prayer of gratitude from Jonathan Gutierrez, President of Student Government. Lastly, Dr. Arenaz, finalized with wishing the best to the students and remaindering to celebrate their accomplishments.
(Linda Bravo may be reached at lbravo@dusty.tamiu.edu)