By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 3, 2025 – From freshmen to seniors, and across the Upper to the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Vaquero spirit was on full display on UTRGV Day as the university celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Wednesday.

Students, faculty and staff gathered in Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville and Harlingen for commemorative giveaways – t-shirts, pins, pennants and more – while taking part in this historic occasion. 

UTRGV President Guy Bailey reflected on the university’s achievements noting that it could not have been predicted 10 years ago.

“It’s been a wonderful 10 years with enrollment growth, new programs and enhancements to student life, including football,” said Bailey, who welcomed students and employees at campus locations in Brownsville and Edinburg. “And look how highly we’re ranked – No. 1 university in Texas according to Washington Monthly and No. 7 in the nation. How can you beat that for a 10-year run?”

During the UTRGV Day events, students, faculty and staff were invited to enjoy cupcakes and pick up some swag that included a limited edition 10th anniversary t-shirt, pennant and pin. More than 1,200 showed up on the Edinburg campus to join the celebration. (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)

With pennants and cupcakes in hand, Vaqueros wished UTRGV a happy birthday by sharing their fondest memories from the last decade and their hopes for the future.

Astrid Sosa, a junior from McAllen pursuing her bachelor's degree in biology, transferred to UTRGV from South Texas College and attended UTRGV Day as her first university event.

“Everyone was so welcoming," she said. “I love that the university gives these opportunities to embrace the culture, meet people and hear their stories. It's such a great way to connect.”

Sosa hopes UTRGV continues the work already being done to increase access to education for low-income students.

“These classes can help them in the future,” she said. “We’re all doing the best we can, so it’s amazing to be part of this.”

LIFELONG MEMORIES

Currently in her first year as a program coordinator for UTRGV’s Center for Student Involvement, Giovanna Granados wore an “Ask Me - I Can Help!” button along with her employee badge during the first week of school. Her Vaquero spirit is 10 years in the making – growing from a student employee with the campus activity board while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in psychology and a master’s degree in school psychology to ringing the bell at her graduation.

As a first-generation student turned university employee, she said her favorite aspect of UTRGV is the campus community.

Students and employees pick up commemorative t-shirts in Harlingen to mark the special occasion. (UTRGV Photo by Juan Ramirez)

“I made some of my best friends here – and lifelong memories – by being part of my sorority and being involved with events,” Granados said.

As a dance minor, she is especially proud of the growth in the fine arts and sports programs, both within and beyond the Valley. 

“Those programs bring a lot of culture to our university and show our roots,” she said. “Of course, the School of Medicine is also a great accomplishment – and so many new things open from UTRGV every year.”

Granados looks forward to the next decade of milestones.

“I just keep hoping that everyone gets to see the special light that comes from UTRGV and everything we have to offer,” Granados said.

Nidia Loza celebrated the 10-year anniversary along with her own milestone. She will be the first in her family to graduate from college this fall with her bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies, which combines sociology, early childhood care and English as a Second Language (ESL). 

Planning to teach English to children in developing countries, she is glad to have chosen UTRGV over other offers she had for its affordability and proximity to her family. 

UTRGV President Guy Bailey and the Mascot celebrate 10 years of excellence at the university on Wednesday as part of UTRGV Day festivities across the Rio Grande Valley. (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)

“I have an emotional connection, and I didn’t want to go into debt for my education,” said Loza, who remembers taking field trips to the university as a child when it was legacy institution UTPA.

“It’s amazing to see how it’s grown as UTRGV,” Loza said. “People want to connect on campus – especially with football. That’s a big steppingstone for us.” 

She hopes to witness continued growth in university spirit and student involvement, as she also made her favorite memories at campus events.

“I joined a sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma, and found my people – my sisters for life,” she said.  

Welcome Week activities continue with The Stomp on Thursday, Sept. 4, in Edinburg and Sept. 9 in Brownsville, along with Picnic with the President on Sept. 9 in Brownsville and Sept. 10 in Edinburg.

A UTRGV Vaquero proudly displays her school spirit, wearing one of the university's original T-shirts from 10 years ago alongside her new one in Brownsville. (UTRGV Photo by Juan Ramirez)