A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Commencement

The A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business of Texas A&M International University initiated their commencement ceremony with the fanfare and processional of the TAMIU symphonic band under the direction of Dr. James A. Moyer on Dec. 14, 2012. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Pablo Arenaz, began the ceremony by welcoming all present.

Arenaz proceeded by stating that 181 students from the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business would be graduating that morning. For this particular commencement ceremony, students from Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States proudly represented their native countries. TAMIU ROTC members, directed by Captain Marivel Sanson did the presentation of colors, followed by Raquel Gonzalez and Rebecca Vera's rendition of the national anthem.

The faculty marshall for the ceremony was Killam Distinguished Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. George R. Clarke. Outstanding graduates that were asked to serve as Student Marshalls included A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business student Richard D. Lira, the flag bearer, and Eduardo L. Garza, the college banner carrier.

TAMIU President, Dr. Ray M. Keck, gave a warm welcome to those present. Dr. Keck also introduced the commencement speaker for this ceremony, Cliffe Killam. He is part of a fourth generation family business, Killam Oil Company. He holds a BA in English Literature from Boston University and an MA in Energy and Mineral Resources from the University of Texas at Austin. Killam shared his journey through college life as an example of how even when one might not have been the "best" student, you can still make a difference in the world. Also, "Today, I recognize the difference that we can make. We can take simple steps to fight for causes that need a voice. Your education has endowed you with a special privilege to help others...You can change a life, a family, a community, and ultimately you can change the world." Killam also advocated for being fearless and taking risks in order to gain greater rewards and learn from your mistakes.

Next, Distinguished Student Scholar for the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Miguel De La Cruz addressed the audience. De la Cruz is an international student, originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. He is a graduate of St. Augustine High School and graduated cum laude with a BBA in Accounting. He delivered a brief speech about his journey through college life and how to overcome the obstacles he found along the way. "It's all about perseverance; whether it's research, reading, or explaining complicated spreadsheets. By working hard, we will achieve great deeds," he affirmed. He thanked everyone who helped him along the way, in particular his parents, siblings, and girlfriend for believing in him and giving their support. De la Cruz ended his speech by wishing his fellow graduates good luck with their future endeavors.

Chief Research Officer of The Texas A&M University System Dr. Jon Magford  a small speech to the graduates and authorized Dr. Ray Keck to deliver them with their respective degrees. Graduates were congratulated by two of Texas' most recognized public figures, U.S. Congressman  and TAMIU alumni, Dr. Henry Cuellar, and Texas State Senator for District 21, Dr. Judith Zaffirini. Cuellar opened his speech by assuring, "Today, you are not just receiving a degree, you are receiving an opportunity. This opportunity affords you the ability to make changes in the lives of your children, your family, your future, and future generations." In addition, he as well advocated for change and making a difference by applying all the skills graduates learned in their higher education learning into everyday life. Similarly, Zaffirini added, "Learning should be perpetual, learning should be an asset, learning should help you succeed in every arena and to cope with every struggle."

Graduates were then able to walk down the stage to receive their diploma. They then shared a hug and sang along to the TAMIU Alma Mater, before hearing a prayer of gratitude from Student Government President Jonathan Gutierrez. The ceremony came to an end with Dr. Arenaz' words, who ended the ceremony by wishing all graduates success and happiness in their lives.

(Evelyn Camero and Joana Santillana may be reached at evelyn_camero@dusty.tamiu.edu & joana.santillana@dusty.tamiu.edu)