By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DECEMBER 19, 2025 – This holiday season, graduates from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley received a special gift: their degrees. As they celebrated this milestone, families and supporters filled Bert Ogden Arena on Friday morning, marking the beginning of UTRGV’s Fall 2025 Commencement festivities.

(UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)

Running through Saturday, the celebrations include four ceremonies recognizing students who completed their academic journeys this semester, from bachelor’s to master’s and doctoral degrees across the university’s many colleges and schools.

By the conclusion of Saturday’s final ceremony, UTRGV will have recognized more than 3,500 graduates.

As UTRGV commemorates its 10-year anniversary milestone, this graduating class represents both individual achievement and a collective legacy of growth, opportunity and impact for the Rio Grande Valley.

Amid cheers, celebratory streamers and music from UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán, the ceremonies marked more than the completion of coursework but also the resilience, community and the exciting journeys ahead.

UTRGV’s Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies continue today with a 4 p.m. ceremony at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, followed by two ceremonies on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as the university celebrates more than 3,500 graduates earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)

LOOKING AHEAD

UTRGV President Guy Bailey addressed the Class of 2025 with a message that resonated across generations of Vaqueros:

“First and foremost, congratulations to the Class of 2025 — you did it. I’ve worked with students at many institutions, and you are the best students I’ve had the privilege to serve. You come from a place where family, hard work and gratitude matter, and those values will carry you far in life. Combined with the education you received from our outstanding faculty, you are well prepared for what comes next,” Bailey said.

“Commencement is not an ending; it is a beginning. As you go forward, remember that UTRGV will always be your home. Best of luck, Class of 2025.”

UTRGV Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Luis H. Zayas said the Fall 2025 graduating class reflects the university’s mission to support students through every stage of their academic journeys.

“Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduates — from bachelor’s and master’s to doctoral degrees — and proudly send you into the world as alumni of UTRGV. You have worked hard, persevered through challenges, and earned this moment,” Zayas said.

“Your academic journey has changed you, equipping you with new perspectives and skills to move forward with greater insight and purpose. On behalf of the university’s leadership, faculty and staff, we congratulate you and are incredibly proud of your accomplishments.”

A WISE DECISION

For international student Laura Quintero Sanchez, earning her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology is both an academic achievement and a leap of faith that took her far from home.

Quintero Sanchez, 23, spent four years studying in Texas, balancing homesickness for her family and friends in Querétaro, Mexico.

Laura Quintero Sanchez, 23, an international student from Querétaro, Mexico, graduates with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, reflecting on her decision to study far from home and her experience supporting student-athletes through UTRGV’s sports medicine program. (Courtesy photo)

“That never goes away,” she said. “And you carry the weight of making everyone back home proud.”

Still, she said her decision to attend UTRGV was worth it.

“I think I made a wise decision coming here because I got what I wanted and way more,” she said.

At UTRGV, Quintero Sanchez found connection through shared language and culture, as well as within the international student offices and organizations representing more than 80 countries.

“It turns out, I can open up to someone from a different country, even from a different continent,” she said.

While working as a student athletic trainer with UTRGV’s sports medicine program, she supported international student-athletes and found purpose in providing care beyond physical treatment.

“Being a sports trainer is more than treating injuries,” she said. “You become a therapist and you become a friend.”

A former gymnast whose career ended with a knee injury at 14, Quintero Sanchez hopes to advocate for athletes facing similar challenges.

“I can’t practice gymnastics anymore, but I can help other athletes through research and prevention,” she said.

After finding a passion for injury-prevention research in UTRGV’s Health and Human Performance Lab, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in biomechanics.

SLOW AND STEADY

For Harlingen native Dr. Brandi Cruz, earning her Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling from UTRGV’s College of Health Professions represents a lesson in perseverance shaped by patience, purpose and the belief that progress does not have to be rushed to be meaningful.

Dr. Brandi Cruz, 34, a Harlingen native, earns her Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s College of Health Professions, reflecting on a doctoral journey shaped by perseverance, balance and a commitment to student mental health. (courtesy photo)

Cruz, 34, began her doctoral journey in 2017, determined not to become one of those students who remained in the program indefinitely.

“I told myself I didn’t want to be one of those doctoral students who were in the program forever,” she said. “Turns out, I became one of those.”

After earning straight A’s and completing her coursework by 2019, Cruz expected to reach the finish line quickly. Instead, her dissertation, which focused on cyberbullying and the mental health of college students, stretched over six years as she balanced full-time work and academic research.

“I started working full time, so that did play a huge factor,” she said. “But it’s like the turtle and the hare. Slow and steady, I still made it, even though colleagues finished the program a lot sooner.”

While completing her dissertation, Cruz began working as a mental health counselor at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), gaining hands-on experience that reinforced her commitment to student wellness and higher education.

Now a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Cruz is completing her final 300 clinical observation hours toward full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She plans to continue working at TSTC and hopes to transition into teaching in higher education.

“I’ve always wanted to get to this level,” she said. “A lot of tears and frustration came with it, but the support from my family, my husband and my friends encouraged me.”

As she prepares to walk the commencement stage, Cruz said the journey itself — not just the degree — is what makes the moment so meaningful.

AMPLIFYING VOICES FROM THE BORDERLANDS

For Brownsville native Maria Antonia Contreras, earning her bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts at age 37 represents far more than a personal milestone, it is a commitment to honoring her roots and uplifting her community.

Maria Antonia Contreras, 37, a Brownsville native, earns her bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, celebrating a milestone rooted in community, storytelling and a commitment to amplifying voices from the borderlands. (courtesy photo)

“From the corazón (heart) of the borderlands, I am full of pride to be graduating from UTRGV,” Contreras said. “I am not only gaining a bachelor’s degree in English, but I am amplifying the voices de mi comunidad (of my community), one story at a time.”

Contreras credits her father with inspiring her academic path, instilling in her a deep love for reading and writing at a young age.

“My major is a way to honor him,” she said.

Her time at UTRGV was shaped by meaningful relationships in the classroom, particularly collaborative discussions with classmates and mentorship from faculty.

“My fondest memories revolve around my professors and my peers,” Contreras said. “Learning from each other in class discussions and building teamwork, especially in my senior capstone course with Dr. (Barbara) Zimbalist, made my experience unforgettable.”

After commencement, Contreras will continue her academic journey at UTRGV, having been accepted into the university’s graduate program in Mexican American Studies.

“I have so much more to learn,” she said. “I am very grateful to continue my education here — vamos por más (let’s go for more)."

CARING TRADITIONS — AND NEW MEMORIES

As graduates exited the arena on Friday, many embraced a cherished UTRGV tradition: presenting their memory stole to a parent, grandparent, mentor, or loved one who supported them throughout their journey. Hugs, tears, and applause filled the air outside the arena, a meaningful celebration before stepping into their next chapter.

COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE

On Saturday, ceremonies resume at 10 a.m. for graduates from the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, with the final ceremony at 4 p.m. honoring graduates from the College of Health Professions and the School of Nursing.

Each ceremony will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/utrgv/live, with additional details available at www.utrgv.edu/commencement.

Family members and friends greet graduates outside Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg following the 10 a.m. Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 19, sharing hugs, photos and celebration as students mark the completion of their academic journeys and prepare for what comes next. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)