Morning Spring Commencement 2011

A fresh breeze, warm sun, and crowds of proud family and friends greeted the Texas A&M International University graduating class of Spring 2011. TAMIU faculty led the graduates from the A.R. Sanchez, JR. School of Business and College of Education, toward The Green: where the commencement ceremony was held. Dana Crabtree, Instructor of Music, regaled us with her rendition of the national anthem, accompanied by the TAMIU Symphonic Band.

Opening declaration and presentation of colors was held by Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the TAMIU ROTC. Followed by a display of flags, which reflected the diverse graduating class.

Commencement speaker Judith A. Canales, United States Department of Rural Business and Cooperative Programs Administrator, shared her words of wisdom with the graduates. Canales received her second presidential appointment as USDA administrator under President Barack Obama's administration. As a native of Southwest Texas, she spoke of the many opportunities that lie ahead for the graduates.

Just as inspirational were the speeches conducted by the Distinguished Student Scholars Alejandra Avila of the A.R. Sanchez, JR. School of Business, and Manuel Mario Flores III of the College of Education.

Alejandra Avila, a native of Mexico City, earned her Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing with a Certification in International Studies.

Avila spoke enthusiastically, "Use your degree, your expertise, and your knowledge to make this world a better place for everyone. In simple words go out there and do the best you can and become the best you can be."

Manuel Mario Flores III, a Fitness and Sports, All Level certification major, with a minor in Mathematics energetically stated, "Remember success is a journey not a destination."

After receiving their diplomas and congratulating their peers, TAMIU graduates left along side family and friends to celebrate their accomplishments.

(Mariela Rodriguez and Evelyn Perez may be reached at mariela_rod@dusty.tamiu.eduand june713@dusty.tamiu.edu)