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

Once again, it's that time of the semester that marks the end of a chapter in a student's life. The Spring Commencement Ceremony for the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business and the College of Education at Texas A&M International University was held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Gymnasium.   

Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Pablo Arenaz began the ceremony emphasizing the large number of 536 students graduating this spring. Graduates were then honored by being presented with the flags from their native countries. This commencement ceremony included students from Canada, Dominican Republic, India, Libya, Venezuela, Yemen, Mexico, and the United States. Subsequently, a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem was performed by Music Instructor Dana Crabtree.  

The Faculty Marshalls for the night were Dr. George Clarke, Killam Associate Professor of Economics, and Dr. Lynn Hemmer, Assistant Professor of Educational Administration. Outstanding graduates that were honored as Student Marshalls were Jessica Castellanos for the School of Business and Erika Rojas for the College of Education. Also, Marcos Dimas and Karla Garza were Banner Bearers for the School of Business and College of Education respectively.  

Afterwards, Distinguished Student Scholar for the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, Robert Arzola was introduced. Arzola was born in Laredo and graduated from the John B. Alexander Health Science Magnet School. He graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.7 and a Bachelor's of Business Administration with double concentrations in Finance and International Economics and a Certification in International Studies.  

Arzola began his speech by lamenting, "this day came too soon." He also praised his teachers for being so dedicated and for all they had done for him. Arzola stated "In a world that praises extraversion, we must remember the importance of introversion and solitude. Begin to embrace the sounds of sights around you. Embrace the theories of individuals who didn't speak loud enough. Embrace the world of the artist whose works are not filled with auto-tune...and embrace the presence of the individuals around you."

Finally, Arzola thanked God, his parents, and his friends as well as his professors for "helping [him] gravitate towards success."  Arzola was presented a gift by Dr. Arenaz for being a great example to his fellow students.

Marisol Contreras was the following speaker and the Distinguished Student Scholar for the College of Education. Contreras is a native of Mexico City and a graduate of John B. Alexander High School. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Communication Disorders and a grade point average of 3.926.

Contreras said, "We each know what our struggles have been and the hardships that we've had to face to stand here today. In these last three years, life has probably dealt all of us some very difficult times." She shared a personal story of having to deal with her father's illness. Dr. Arenaz also presented Ms. Contreras with a gift.

The distribution of degrees then began, and graduates received their diplomas and celebrated this accomplishment. TAMIU President, Dr. Ray M. Keck III, concluded the ceremony by inviting all present to join in singing TAMIU's Alma Mater and congratulated all graduates.

(Joana Santillana may be reached at joana.santillana@dusty.tamiu.edu)