Dean Mitchell Discusses Process For Selecting Commencement Speaker

Every semester, one of the top five graduating students is recognized for his/her achievements by being selected to represent their class by giving the Student Respondent Speech, which is the speech given at Commencement. Dr. Thomas Mitchell, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Regents Professor, gave an insight of this process. This semester, Texas A&M International University student Chamois Green, who is ranked top of her class, will be giving the speech on Dec. 15, 2012.

Contrary to popular belief, TAMIU does give the title of "valedictorian." The valedictorian is the person who is ranked number one in the class, and gives the speech at Commencement. Instead, Mitchell invited each of the top five students with the highest grade point averages to write a speech. Mitchell further explained that each of these top students must deliver their speech in front of the department chairs and some guests. After this is done, the best speech is selected. "They are always good, but there is always one that stands out," remarked Mitchell. The purpose of the "try-outs," according to Mitchell, is to make sure that the person who gives the speech delivers a well thought out, interesting, and generally good speech.

"We want them to assume the roles of speaking on behalf of the other graduates,"  Mitchell stated. He also explained that the speech should be thoughtful and not at all autobiographical. By this, he means that the speaker shouldn't be too personal since there is a wide range of people in the audience. This includes other graduating students, family, friends, and faculty members. Mitchell further explains that the speech should be intellectual since it is a representation of the academic achievement of all students graduating that day. "Most often, they express gratitude," Mitchell said.  

Not only is the speaker recognized, but two other students from the top five also receive recognition by being selected to be either the banner carrier or the student marshall. The job of the second honorary position, which is the banner carrier, entails the student to carry TAMIU's college banner during Commencement. This title was given to Christina Silva, who is ranked second in her class. The student marshall, which is the third honorary position, works with the faculty marshall in lining up the graduating students to go on stage. This position was given to Melissa Juarez, who is ranked fourth in her class. Unfortunately, the student ranked third was unable to be contacted because he/she did not have a TAMIU email. "It's not on the records," Mitchell explained.

Commencement is an important time in one's life not only for the top students recognized, but also for all of the students graduating that day. This is because it marks a new chapter in their lives. The Student Respondent Speech is essential because it should relate to the thoughts and emotions of all those present that day. Mitchell remarked that, "Commencement means a beginning, not an end. It's the beginning of your life."

For more information, Dean Mitchell can be contacted at tmitchell@tamiu.edu

(Celia Villarreal and Raquel Urrutia may be reached at celvreal@gmail.com and at raquelurrutia@dusty.tamiu.edu)