Hooding & Honor Cord Ceremony College of Arts & Sciences

The Texas A&M International University College of Arts and Sciences hosted the hooding and honors ceremony for the spring semester on Thursday, May 10, 2012, in the student center ballroom.  The ceremony serves the purpose of honoring and acknowledging the achievements of the undergraduate and graduate students of TAMIU. The ceremony was initiated with the presentation of colors by the TAMIU ROTC, followed by the national anthem sung by Mrs. Dana Crabtree. Graduating students, professors, and all present were welcomed to the ceremony by the Provost and Vice-President of Academics Affairs, Dr. Pablo Arenaz. The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Thomas R. Mitchell greeted them.

Dr. Pablo Arenaz stated that he remembered some of the faces of the students present in the ceremony as he had seen them grow in the four years of their college journey; he also mentioned that he looked forward to seeing them at the graduation ceremony and shaking their hand. Dr. Arenaz advised undergraduate students to continue on the path of furthering their education, as they will one day, "collect the fruits of their hard work." He also urged students to "think [outside] of the box, and to learn to adapt," in their different employments.

Dr. Mitchell took this opportunity to thank all present for being key elements in the success of each and every one of the students graduating. He explained that the ceremony also served to honor the teachers and scholars of the year for their college and that there were 12 nominees, and out of those only four would be selected to compete for teacher and scholar nominees from other colleges for the title of Teacher of the Year. The Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Michael Kidd  was one of the scholar nominees, as well as Assistant Professor of psychology Dr. Anna Cieslicka . The two teacher of the year nominees were Professor of Psychology Dr. Bonnie Rudolph and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Brittan Wilson.

Like every semester, the hooding and honor ceremony always has a faculty or student speaker; this time the honor was given to Ms. Triana Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a highly involved and dedicated student who is part of many TAMIU organizations, TAMIU Student Government Association, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, TAMIU Forensic Forum Debate, and Phi Alpha Delta Pre Law Fraternity to name a few. She stated her excitement for being able to have completed her bachelor's in only 3 years; she also took the time to congratulate the other students during the ceremony for their achievement of obtaining their respective degrees. Gonzalez also recommended to students to, "think and dream more." She explained that students should not emphasize on ending their education in the commencement ceremony, but that student should thrive for more by continuing their education, by pursuing a masters or doctoral degree, and by giving back to the community that has done so much for them. She also mentioned that students should refrain from using common phrases like, "We finally did it," as graduation is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new life. Gonzalez concluded her speech by thanking those present and by honoring the opportunity TAMIU has given her to continue her education as she was "powered by TAMIU."

The formal hooding and honor cord ceremony was hosted by the honored faculty Ms. Mary Treviño. The different cords presented to students were Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude. Cum Laude (with honor) was awarded to students who finished their program with a grade point average of 3.5-3.7. Magna Cum Laude (with great honor) was awarded to students who finished their program with a GPA of 3.7-3.9. Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) was awarded to students who finished their program with a G.P.A of 3.9- or higher.

Afterwards, graduates were honored and presented with their hoods and they were invited to a reception in their honor in the student center foyer. The students, faculty, and people present had an opportunity to enjoy the music of the TAMIU jazz ensemble who are under the direction of Mr. Jerry Quintero.

(For more further information and/or pictures of the ceremony Evelyn Camero can be contacted at evelyn_camero@dusty.tamiu.edu)