By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – May 16, 2025 – A sea of caps and gowns filled Bert Ogden Arena on Friday morning as UTRGV kicked off the first of its two Spring 2025 Commencement days.

Set across Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, the milestone event celebrates academic achievement, perseverance and the next chapter for thousands of Vaqueros and their families.

By the time the final names are called on Saturday, UTRGV will have celebrated more than 3,200 graduates.

In a scene filled with cheers, colorful streamers and the soaring sounds of UTRGV’s award-winning Mariachi Aztlán, each ceremony marked not just the end of a college journey but the beginning of a new one. 

UTRGV Spring Commencement 10 A.M. ceremony for the School of Nursing, College of Fine Arts, & College of Health Professions on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

A MESSAGE FOR THE FUTURE

Although unable to attend the ceremonies in person, UTRGV President Guy Bailey shared a video message with graduates, offering words of encouragement and reflection as they prepare to begin their next chapter.

“We don’t call this event graduation — we call it commencement, because it’s just the beginning,” Bailey said.
“From now on, experience will be your greatest teacher. You’ve studied hard, developed strong work habits, and now you’re ready to go forward. We’re proud of you, and we know your families are, too. As you achieve great things, always remember — you’re part of the UTRGV family.”

This spring’s commencement ceremonies carry added significance as UTRGV approaches its 10-year anniversary.

The university was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 and enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015. Today, UTRGV has grown into one of the largest Hispanic-serving institutions in the country, with a mission rooted in expanding opportunity, advancing research and serving the Rio Grande Valley.

For the Class of 2025, crossing the stage is not just a personal milestone — it’s a shared celebration of a decade of growth, resilience and community impact.

FINDING HIS PLACE — AND PURPOSE — AT UTRGV

For Aaron Worthington, earning his degree from UTRGV is a moment of reflection, pride and purpose.

Originally from Miami, Worthington now calls Edinburg home. On Saturday, he graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“Graduating from UTRGV means a lot to me. It means putting countless efforts into my academic work have paid off,” he said.

Aaron Worthington, earning his degree in Criminal Justice. (UTRGV photo by Paul Chouy)

The journey wasn’t always easy. Adjusting to campus life and finding a sense of belonging presented early challenges. But everything shifted when he was hired for a job on campus in Marketing — a moment he calls a turning point.

“Not only did I find my place at UTRGV, but I also found a way to support my fellow students,” he said. “That moment really meant a lot.”

Through his involvement in student organizations like the Student Accessibility Council and Active Minds, Worthington discovered a deeper passion for service and advocacy. He credits his parents, close friends and the campus community for helping him grow both personally and professionally.

“UTRGV helped me develop the knowledge and skills I need for my career,” he said. “Being part of the Class of 2025 — especially during the university’s 10th anniversary — makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Worthington now plans to continue his education, potentially pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs.

He offers three pieces of advice for future Vaqueros: stay positive, focus on yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

REACHING THE FINISH LINE

Aurelia Jimenez, of Weslaco, says walking the stage at UTRGV’s Spring 2025 Commencement is a moment years in the making, one defined by resilience, family support and unwavering determination.

Jimenez, who is earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an ESL concentration, began her academic journey in 2018. Along the way, she had to take time off to work and help support her family.

“There were times I felt so behind,” she said. “But I knew I couldn’t stop. I had people in my life who kept pushing me forward.”

Aurelia Jimenez, earning her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an ESL concentration. (Courtesy photo)

Initially denied entry into her clinical teaching semester, Jimenez refused to give up. She retook classes to raise her GPA and reached out to faculty and advisors until she earned her spot in the Spring 2025 cohort.

Today, as she wraps up her 75-day teaching internship, she’s ready to celebrate everything she has overcome.

Jimenez also found a sense of belonging in the UTRGV Spirit Program, joining the cheer team in 2023.

“The program gave me a second family,” she said. “Some of my best memories were cheering at games and attending community events.”

Her sister, Priscilla Jimenez, and sister-in-law, Paula Villarreal — both UTRGV graduates — helped her navigate challenges and stay motivated along the way.

After graduation, Jimenez hopes to begin her teaching career in the Valley.

“Being part of the Class of 2025 means everything,” she said. “It took longer than I expected, but I made it. I’m proud of the person I’ve become.”

TURNING THE PAGE

For Edinburg resident Linh Tran, graduating with a Master of Business Administration this spring is more than a personal achievement — it’s the third chapter in her story of resilience, leadership and imagination.

Linh Tran, earning her third master's degree from UTRGV - a Master of Business Administration. (Courtesy photo)

Tran, an administrative coordinator at UTRGV, will walk the stage this weekend as a three-time graduate of the university. She previously earned a Master of Public Affairs and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, both of which helped shape her passion for public service and higher education leadership.

“This milestone is a culmination of years of hard work, growth and the support of people who believed in me,” Tran said. “Graduating in UTRGV’s 10th anniversary year makes it even more meaningful.”

Through the accelerated MBA program, Tran balanced rigorous seven-week courses with her full-time job — a challenge that required careful planning and determination. She thrived, earning top honors as Industry Champion in the GLO-BUS global strategy simulation.

Outside the classroom, Tran fulfilled another lifelong goal and became a published children’s author. In April 2025, she released The Little Sky Explorer, a whimsical story about a boy named Reyk who builds a parachute to chase his dreams across the sky with his trusty pet cow, Moo Moo, by his side.

“The book celebrates creativity, curiosity and friendship,” Tran said. “It’s something I hope inspires children the way UTRGV has inspired me.”

Tran also served as president of the Kappa Delta Pi Omicron Eta Chapter, advocating for education and mentoring future educators. After graduation, she plans to apply her business skills at UTRGV and continue writing.

“I’m proud to be part of the Class of 2025,” she said. “We’re not just graduates — we’re part of the university’s story.”

PERSEVERING

Political science major RandiJade De La Garza says graduating from UTRGV isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about proving that resilience, faith and community can carry you through even the most uncertain moments.

RandiJade De La Garza, a first-generation student earning her degree in Political Science. (Courtesy photo)

De La Garza came to UTRGV from Corpus Christi, a first-generation college student with little guidance on what to expect. Her first year brought loneliness, academic struggles and the challenge of adjusting to life away from home.

“I moved to the Valley not knowing anyone besides my cheer teammates,” she said. “After practice, they’d go home to their families, and I went back to an empty dorm. I felt isolated and fell into a depression.”

Encouraged by her mother to stay the course, De La Garza pushed herself to join campus organizations — including Delta Zeta sorority, the Lawtina Network and the Pre-Law Society — and in doing so, found her support system.

“When things got hard, I turned to God,” she said. “The chapel on campus was my safe space. I knew he gave me the tools — I just had to trust in him.”

Her time at UTRGV was filled with highlights, including performing at Midnight Madness with the cheer team and attending the Law School Preparation Institute. Those experiences helped her gain acceptance into St. Mary’s University School of Law, where she will begin studies in the fall.

“UTRGV gave me more than an education,” she said. “It gave me friendships, mentors and memories that I’ll carry forever.”

As a proud member of the Class of 2025, De La Garza reflects on the university’s growth and her own.

“We were some of the first to experience UTRGV’s early years,” she said. “And we’ve been able to fully enjoy its close-knit charm before it grows even more. That’s something special.”

A full house at Bert Ogden Arena kicks off UTRGV’s Spring 2025 Commencement. The morning ceremony marked the first of four scheduled across two days, as the university begins celebrating its 10-year anniversary. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

FAMILY, TRADITION AND A FINAL FAREWELL

As graduates exit the arena, many will participate in one of UTRGV’s most meaningful traditions — gifting their memory stole to a parent, grandparent or mentor who helped them reach this day.

The ceremonies close with applause, hugs and the familiar tune of "Pomp and Circumstance," each event concluding with a vibrant finale by UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán.

CONTINUING THE CELEBRATION

Friday’s ceremonies featured graduates from the School of Nursing, College of Fine Arts and College of Health Professions in the morning, followed by the College of Education and P-16 Integration, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the School of Social Work in the afternoon.

On Saturday, the celebration continues at 10 a.m. with the College of Sciences and the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The final ceremony, at 4 p.m., will honor graduates from the College of Liberal Arts.

For those unable to attend in person, each ceremony will be livestreamed at utrgv.edu/live.

Full event details are available at utrgv.edu/commencement.

Congratulations to the UTRGV Class of 2025! (UTRGV photo by Paul Chouy)