By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

EDINBURG, TEXAS – MAY 11, 2024 – More than 4,000 UTRGV students earned their diplomas this weekend during UTRGV’s Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies.

Graduation weekend kicked off at the UTRGV Brownsville Campus at 9 a.m. Friday, May 10; Edinburg ceremonies followed, at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Bert Ogden Arena.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey congratulated the graduates and shared some inspiring words for the future.

“First of all, to the class of 2024 – congratulations, you’ve done it. You worked hard for four years, maybe five or six, but you’ve gotten here. You have achieved what you set out to achieve. You have achieved something that will sustain you throughout your life, that will transform your life,” he said. “As a first-generation college student myself, it changed my life. Not only my life, but the lives of my family and children. You did this because you worked hard.”

With Mother’s Day approaching on Sunday, Bailey told the graduates to thank their mothers for their support.

“You know what tomorrow is – Mother’s Day,” he said. “The values I have come from my mother. I wouldn’t be here in many ways without my mother. After the ceremony, I want you to go find your mom and give her a hug, tell her you love her. This degree is just as much hers as it is yours.”

Dr. Fred Farias III, Chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, was honored with the President’s Medal of Honor, a prestigious distinction only five others have received before him, during Saturday’s ceremonies. The medal celebrates individuals whose extraordinary contributions and exemplary dedication have profoundly impacted the university.

GIVING BACK TO HER COMMUNITY

Jessenia Cantu, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, plans to study for her NCLEX exam, so she can get her RN license. With that credential, she will be able to work at a local Valley hospital, hopefully in the ICU. It’s how she wants to give back to her community.

“I feel very honored and proud to be able to graduate with my degree and to make my family and loved ones proud,” the San Juan native said. “It is nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time to take the next step in my career pathway.”

Cantu, who watched her father go through intense medical care here in the Valley, was inspired to pursue medicine so she can help other families, just as her family received help. She is the first member of her family to pursue a career in the medical field.

“I believe that graduating will be a lifelong achievement for myself and my family and loved ones, who have been with me along the way and supported me throughout this journey,” she said. “I have never felt more pride, especially to be able to represent my family as the first to pursue nursing.”

Cantu said being a part of the clubs and organizations at UTRGV was a huge help to her, along with other avenues of support on and off campus.

“A piece of advice I would give to students still pursuing their degree is to keep pushing on,” she said. “Try new things even if they are scary, because those experiences often will help you grow.”

‘FULL CIRCLE’

Intisar Qubbaj, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, said she feels relieved to be graduating after all the hard work she’s put into her college career.

Her father, Dr. Ala Qubbaj, dean of the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science, will be handing her the diploma – an event that makes the day extra special for her.

“It’s a huge milestone,” the McAllen native said. “Having my father hand me my diploma feels full circle. It's a moment I've worked hard for and having him there to share it with me means everything.”

Intisar is the eldest daughter of the dean’s four children. He said he is proud of her, first as a father and second as a dean.

“It will be a very personal and emotional moment,” Qubbaj said. “I have handed out thousands of diplomas to our students and graduates, and now to hand one to my own daughter – I never thought of that. It just happens so fast.”

Intisar plans to continue her education at Rice University in Houston, where she will pursue a PhD in Materials Science. She hopes she can be an inspiration to her younger siblings as they pursue their own degrees in the future.

“Graduating means a lot to my family as I am the oldest of four children, and I hope to serve as their inspiration to continue their education,” she said.

“Being a student at UTRGV has been amazing – specifically, doing research with the Partnership for Research and Education in Materials Science (PREM). I have been able to make lifelong friends and gain incredible research experiences that have set me up for future research during my PhD.”

She urges students currently pursuing their own degrees not to be afraid to fail.

“Don't let it hold you back from taking challenges. Always stay curious, keep asking questions, explore new ideas and seek out new experiences,” she said.

A BITTERSWEET JOURNEY

Rebecca Rodriguez, who is graduating with a master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management, said the arrival of commencement brings with it a mixed bag of emotions, as she suffered a major blow to her family just five months ago.

“While I'm filled with joy about my upcoming graduation, there's a layer of sadness, too. Losing my husband, Alex, so suddenly in December was devastating,” she said. “I wish he could share this moment with me and our son, Victor, especially since our son is also graduating. I try to find solace in the belief that there's a greater plan at work.”

Her son, Victor Rodriguez, will walk the stage to receive his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, which was the perfect Mother’s Day gift for his family, she said.

“It’s amazing how my mom was working toward her master’s degree while supporting me. I’m grateful for that,” Victor said. “Mom, thank you for supporting me throughout all my life and for the next chapter of my life, I know you will be there.”

Victor aspires to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in his future, specifically with the K-9 unit.

Rebecca currently works at UTRGV as an administrative coordinator for the UTRGV School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences and aspires to continue her journey with UTRGV, aiming to advance professionally.

While she had to push on and complete her degree in the wake of her husband’s death, his memory, and knowing how proud he would be of her, propelled her.

“Being a first-generation bachelor’s graduate was monumental but becoming a master’s graduate holds even more significance for me,” the Mercedes native said. “Alex was eagerly anticipating the day my son and I would walk across the stage together. In many ways, these degrees symbolize his dreams, as much as ours. Our family is incredibly excited and proud of what we've accomplished.”

Dealing with life’s challenges, working full-time and being a mom can distract anyone from achieving a higher education, but Rodriguez’s advice is to never give up.

“Please, don't give up. Even when the journey seems overwhelmingly tough – and trust me, it can be – remember, you have the resilience to persevere,” she said. “Life throws challenges our way, but don't let them halt your progress. Don't even entertain the thought of surrender. Just keep forging ahead.” For more information on Spring 2024 Commencement, visit the website here.