Commencement: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Nursing and Health Sciences

An afternoon of proud Texas A&M International University graduates along with family, friends, faculty and staff participated in the Fall 2011 Commencement Exercises. The afternoon commencement ceremony was held for the College of Arts and Sciences along with the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the Kinesiology Convocation Building, on December 17,2011 at 4:00 pm.

The ceremony began with the Fanfare and Processional led by the Texas A&M International University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Humberto R. González.  The Fanfare and Processional was followed by the opening declaration conducted by Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The presentation of colors was completed by the TAMIU ROTC.

There was a diverse graduating class, representing their native countries including Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Philippines, Mexico and the United States.

This year's commencement speaker was Elaine Mendoza, Member of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University system, who delighted the audience with words of encouragement through various pop cultural references. Mendoza is the founder, president and CEO of Conceptual MindWorks, Inc.

Mendoza's charismatic speech offered students the following advice, "Stick to your values". Mendoza also expressed that regardless of the challenges that lay ahead, the possibility of overcoming them is another lesson learned.  She also stated that the temptation to quit due to failure should not be an option.

The Distinguished Student Scholars also had the opportunity to speak to their fellow graduates and guests. These scholars were Sofia Carolina Maldonado, Systems Engineering graduate and Jeanette Johnson, Nursing graduate. Both scholars had the opportunity to express their time as undergraduates of TAMIU as well as provide additional advice. Maldonado expressed, "today is an end and a beginning" considering graduation as a rest stop for the future journey. Johnson also delighted the audience, by expressing her life story. Johnson conveyed, "Although obstacles stand in your way, do not let fear be one of them."

This year, the first Instructional Technology Excellence Award was presented at commencement. The four nominees included Dr. Andres Rivas, A.R. Sanchez, J.R. School of Business; Dr. Candace Baker, College of Education; Dr. Claudia San Miguel, College of Arts and Sciences and Rose Saldivar, College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Dr. Pablo Arenaz presented Rose Saldivar with this award.

The Conferring of Degrees was done by Dr. Ray Keck, President of TAMIU. LTC Richard P. Spainhour presented the commissioning of the ROTC cadet, Jose Luis Cabrera.

This was followed by congratulatory remarks from Ryan Guillén, Texas Representative of District 31 who expressed, "strive to make positive contributions to society" as well as embracing our culture.

Mary Treviño, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the candidates to the audience. The graduates lined up to receive their Baccalaureate or Master Degree, given by Dr. Keck.

Dana Crabtree then sang the Alma Matter, and a prayer of gratitude was recited by Triana Gonzalez, President of the Student Government Association. The closing declaration was given by Dr. Arenaz, followed by the recessional march.

The Bridge would like to congratulate the graduating Class of 2011.  We wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors.

(Mark Nix may be reached at marknix@dusty.tamiu.eduand Nidia Yáñez may be reached at nidiayanez@dusty.tamiu.edu)