By Victoria Brito Morales

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – MAY 10, 2024 – UTRGV graduated nearly 800 of its more than 4,000 Spring 2024 graduates, with the first ceremony on the Brownsville Campus. There will be three more ceremonies this weekend in Edinburg.

Families and friends gathered in the early morning on the Brownsville Campus to watch their graduates walk the stage in full regalia to accept their degrees.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey addressed the graduates with words of wisdom as they carry on to the next chapters of their lives, focusing on three important things: Family values, hard work and gratitude.

“Class of 2024, you’ve accomplished something that will sustain you the rest of your life. This will transform not only you, but your family, your children and generations to come. I know that from my own personal experience, so congratulations,” he said. “We look forward to following you and what you do over the years as you become successful.”

He also had a special Mother’s Day message, telling graduates to thank their mothers first and foremost for their success. 

“As you’re having a wonderful time, most of all, thank your mother,” he said. “I want you to give your mother a hug and say thank you for all the values you gave me that will sustain me through this degree.”

Dr. Luis Zayas, UTRGV provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, also addressed the graduates, which included 32 high school graduates from the UTRGV Math and Science Academy.

“Today is a day to celebrate your hard work, your dedication, and your persistence. Graduates, we celebrate you with the participation of those who have loved and supported you throughout your academic journey,” Zayas said. “For all of you who supported our graduates in their journey, remember that you, too, own a piece of the degree being conferred today. The support that you provided made this day possible.”

UTRGV graduated more than 600 undergraduates, 102 master’s students and six doctoral candidates in Brownsville.

‘NEW BEGINNINGS, CONTINUED SUCCESS’ 

Dr. John Austin, chief medical officer of Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, was among the 102 master’s students to walk the stage on Friday. Austin, a physician and otolaryngological surgeon, is father of John Michael Austin, the 2023-2024 student regent for the UT System Board of Regents. John Michael was part of the stage party on Friday to help commemorate the milestone, as his father received his Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from the UTRGV College of Health Professions.

“This degree is the first time in a long time that I've done something that was kind of outside my comfort zone,” Austin said. “This is something I'm really proud of and I'm glad I did it.”

Also, in attendance to see Austin graduate were daughters Claire and Emily, who traveled from Dallas and South Carolina, respectively, stepdaughter Chelsea and friends of Austin’s from church.

TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH

For Tawny Brianna Turner, attending UTRGV was a leap of faith. Turner, 21 from Brownsville, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. 

Turner grew up in Brownsville, then moved to Belton, Texas, for middle school and high school. She returned to Brownsville and transferred to UTRGV in 2022. That was a decision guided by faith, and a nod to her mother, Rosanne Alcala, who passed a decade ago.

“I think that my mom would be so proud of me for coming to UTRGV,” Turner said. “The fact that I decided to take that leap of faith, which was really hard, and follow God, I think that that's what my mom would be most proud of. I know she'd be proud of the education that I've gained and the degree that I worked for.”

Turner hopes to remain in the Valley and start her career here.

“I would love to stay here and give back to my community, because this is where I was born and lived for a good while,” she said. “So being able to go, come back, and go to college here – it just means that I'm giving back to my community rather than giving to a community that didn't necessarily raise me.”

Turner said her father, Thomas Turner, and her extended family in Brownsville supported her academic pursuits, and she gives thanks to God for the grace to finish.

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Julio Jasso, 37, of Brownsville, received his Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a Concentration in Archaeology. After receiving two associate degrees in drafting and mathematics from TSTC in Harlingen, Jasso decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree to expand his job opportunities.

Jasso said he is thrilled to reach the finish line of his undergraduate career, and he eagerly anticipates entering a job market he is passionate about and prepared to conquer.

“If I get a job out of state, which is a very high possibility, I'm going to have to pack up and be ready to go quickly,” he said. “I've already been applying, and I applied for some paid internships, as well, to get my feet wet.”

He advises anyone still on the hunt for a higher education degree to dive in and make an investment in themselves.

“Sometimes, we don't know whether we want to be in school, but while you're being indecisive, you could be making progress. Starting is the biggest hurdle.”

Commencement continues tomorrow in Edinburg at the Bert Ogden Arena, with ceremonies at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information about UTRGV Spring 2024 Commencement, visit utrgv.edu/commencement.