UTRGV celebrates 2,700 graduates over two days of ceremonies

Marking an unforgettable occasion, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley celebrated its graduates with a cascade of colorful streamers and the joyful melodies of UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán, honoring not only their academic achievements but also the start of their professional journeys – new careers and post-graduation plans.

More than 2,700 Vaqueros will don caps and gowns over two days of ceremonies during UTRGV’s Fall 2024 Commencement, which kicked off festivities on Friday with two ceremonies and will continue the celebration on Saturday at the same times. This year marks the first time all ceremonies are being held in one location – Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg – after previously taking place in both Brownsville and Edinburg.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey welcomed the first group of graduates, encouraging them to take pride in their accomplishments while acknowledging the love and support from their families and loved ones.

“You worked hard, and you earned this degree, but it’s not just your degree; you see all those people sitting around you – it’s their degree,” he said. “Keep your family in mind as you go forward. Your teachers from now on won’t be like the faculty here; it will be your experiences.”

Bailey expressed his eagerness to see them succeed and reminded them that they will always be part of the Vaquero family.

Dr. Luis H. Zayas, UTRGV provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs, also extended his congratulations to the graduating class. He recognized the faculty that made an influence on each student.

“It is true what they said for centuries: teachers never know where their influence ends. Faculty, your influence is eternal, evidenced by the many graduates you have taught,” he said.

To conclude its first ceremonies of the weekend, UTRGV showered its graduates with a burst of colorful streamers, met with cheers and excitement from both graduates and their guests. Adding to the celebration, the award-winning UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán performed a special rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” as graduates exited the ceremony.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OF THE FUTURE 

Michelle Campos, a UTRGV alumna from the College of Liberal Arts, made a significant career move, going from a bachelor’s degree in History to a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

Today, in front of family, friends and loved ones who supported her through this intensive educational journey, she achieved her goal in the School of Nursing.

“I’m excited to start my career, start working and in a way get my life back. As a student, especially in such a rigorous and demanding course of study, you kind of put your life aside,” Campos said.

She expressed gratitude for her support system – friends, classmates, instructors and family – who stood by her during her ambitious pursuit.

“As much as nursing school is a personal endeavor and a personal effort one does, one must understand that we cannot do this on our own,” Campos said.

Also graduating from the School of Nursing is Andrea Ramos, 20, of Harlingen. A UTRGV Math and Science Academy (MSA) alumna, Ramos participated in the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, which allows students to begin their undergraduate education with conditional admission to the UTRGV School of Medicine upon graduation.

Ramos plans to work as a nurse while preparing for her medical education at the UTRGV School of Medicine in 2025.

“The UTRGV School of Nursing is an excellent program,” Ramos said. “I enjoyed my clinicals in hospitals in McAllen. It was nice to get that hands-on experience.”

CHALLENGING AND REWARDING

Fellow UTRGV MSA alum Lea Thomas, who also participates in the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, will celebrate her big day on Saturday with the College of Sciences, earning a degree in biology. A student in the UTRGV Honors College, Thomas, 20, learned to use her skills and knowledge to address pressing challenges.

“Through rigorous coursework, research projects and immersive experiences, I developed a deeper understanding of complex issues, particularly in the realm of healthcare disparities,” Thomas said. “These experiences underscored the importance of advocating for equitable access to medical resources and inspired my commitment to serve communities that are often overlooked.”

Thomas, from Edinburg, plans to pursue a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at UTRGV as she readies herself to enter the UTRGV School of Medicine in 2026.

“I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude as I prepare to graduate,” she said. “Graduating in such a short time has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am proud of the work and determination that brought me to this point. UTRGV has provided me with not only an exceptional academic foundation but also opportunities that have solidified my career goals.”

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Honors student Jose Luis Tabarez Jr., from Corpus Christi, will be relocating to Dallas after accepting a full-time position as a highway engineer-in-training with Jacobs, an engineering firm.

The 22-year-old will graduate Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, along with a minor in Business Management.

“Graduating is a moment of profound pride and gratitude,” Tabarez said. “It reflects not only my dedication and hard work but also the unwavering love and support of my family and loved ones, who have been the foundation of all my achievements. This milestone is dedicated to them.”

GRADUATE CAPS OFF BIRTHDAY WEEK

For Noel Rangel of Brownsville, graduation is not only the culmination of a yearlong accelerated online program (AOP) but also the final celebration of his birthday week; he turned 28 on Tuesday. Graduation day is the cherry on top of an exciting week.

A 2019 alumnus of the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts, Rangel is now a graduate of the UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration. After five years of working for UTRGV, the outreach representative found his passion for promoting education.

“Higher education opens up many doors for students,” Rangel said.

As a first-generation college graduate, he acknowledges the challenges faced by first-gen students, but he said the key to success is perseverance.

“The hard times and long nights are small,” Rangel said. “They are just little pebbles in the road. You will succeed and overcome those moments.”

THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES

Friday’s ceremonies included graduates from the College of Liberal Arts, College of Health Professions, School of Nursing and School of Social Work. On Saturday, ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. with the College of Fine Arts, College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Graduates of the College of Education and P-16 Integration and College of Sciences will walk at 4 p.m.