Nursing and COAS Commencement

Texas A&M International University held their commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Nursing and Health Sciences on May 12, 2012 in the Kinesiology Convocation Building.

The ceremony commenced at 9 a.m. to the rhythm of the TAMIU Symphonic Band. The presentation of colors was done to represent the nationalities of the students graduating.  Some of the flags presented included Brazil, Nigeria, Netherlands, Thailand, Mexico and the United States. This was followed by the TAMIU ROTC cadets, who presented their honors with the National Anthem.  

Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, was the master of ceremonies. Dr. Arenaz first introduced the Distinguished Student Scholars, who gave a speech for the two present graduating colleges. Christopher Gonzales was the first to take the stage. He had the honor of representing the College of Arts and Sciences for his outstanding grade point average of 3.94. Mr. Gonzales received a Bachelor's of Science for which he plans to pursue the career of dentistry. His distinguished honors led him to be accepted to the Baylor College of Dentistry. The graduate initiated his speech with the popular TAMIU jingle, "TAMIU what do you want, what do you want out of life?"  His quote commemorated past memories to all of the graduating students.

Monica Celeste Aguilar was the Distinguished Student Scholar who served as speaker for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Aguilar is a member of the University Honors Program who graduated with a GPA of 3.6. She was also an active member of school organizations such as the Student Nurses Association and the Student Government Association.

In addition, Dr. Arenaz introduced Dr. Bonnie Rudolph, who was awarded and recognized as  Teacher of the Year. Dr. Rudolph was nominated for this award among other competing professors such as Brittan Wilson, Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Rudolph is the Director of the Psychology Program at TAMIU; she has an outstanding teaching history for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Arenaz continued the ceremony with the Certification of the graduating students, who were led by TAMIU President, Dr. Ray M. Keck III. The commencement started with the presentations of degree candidates and diplomas from the College of Arts and Sciences, which included 197 graduates with degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Subsequently, the ceremony continued with the recognition of the adjunct College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which included the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with 42 graduates. The degree presentation concluded with the Master's Degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, which constitutes for Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and included 25 graduates.

The Alma Mater was performed by the TAMIU Symphonic band; afterwards, the presentation of degree candidates and diplomas were handed out to all graduates and undergraduates. Closing remarks were then given by Dr. Pablo Arenaz as the ceremony ended with graduates being escorted outside, where they greeted their friends and family.

(For more information, you can reach Neguif Angeles and Linda Bravo at neguif.angeles@tamiu.edu and lbravo@dusty.tamiu.edu)