By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DECEMBER 19, 2025 – Alexandra and Jennifer Herrera grew up in Veracruz, Mexico, doing everything together, from sharing toys to teaming up in games and sports. As they got older, a family decision brought them to the United States, and their shared love of math drew them even closer when they chose the same field of study at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, the Herrera sisters will graduate together with Bachelor of Science degrees in civil engineering at UTRGV’s Fall 2025 Commencement at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.

“We didn’t want to separate,” said Alexandra, the older sister, 23. “It’s so great that we’re graduating together. The photos are going to be precious.”

Jennifer, 20, said she was grateful that their family chose to move as a unit, allowing them to continue supporting one another as they always had.

“That was the beautiful thing,” Jennifer said. “When you’re with the people you love, you don’t have to be homesick.”

Four and a half years ago, Jennifer attended UTRGV’s Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA) for her final year of high school, while Alexandra enrolled at UTRGV as an international student. Their mother also enrolled at the university to pursue a Master of Arts in studio art, which she is expected to complete next year.

Alexandra plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering, while Jennifer is seeking employment in the field. Although they are taking different post-graduation paths, the sisters say they plan to continue supporting one another’s goals.

“I’m going to save all my study materials for when Jennifer comes back to school and she can share her real-life work experience with me,” Alexandra said. “But I’m definitely going to miss being in school together and seeing her in the hallways of the engineering building.”

TEAMWORK, NOT RIVALRY

Although the sisters are three years apart in age, they ended up in the same graduating class as Alexandra navigated prerequisites, credit transfers and course scheduling, while Jennifer used her sister’s experience to complete the five-year degree program in four and a half years.

“There was a semester where I only took two classes and left my senior design project for last, so I lost some time there,” Alexandra said. “Meanwhile, my little sister has been taking five classes at a time since the beginning, so she caught up to me.”

Alexandra said there was never any rivalry or competition between them and that she was happy to help Jennifer whenever she could. She encouraged Jennifer to take a student job as a tutor at the Learning Center, as she had done, and made sure to bring her dinner when Jennifer had late classes or long nights working on projects.

“Those late meals were so nice, because I hadn’t stopped to eat all day,” Jennifer said. “I’m going to miss that.”

“I always spoiled her,” Alexandra said. “She’s so adorable and she’s so good at math.”

SHARED SUCCESS AT UTRGV

Jennifer said she is grateful her family enrolled her in MSA, which provided her with a scholarship that covered the cost of her degree.

“They took very good care of us,” she said. “And so did the Office of International Student Services and faculty in the Department of Civil Engineering.”

Jennifer said having her sister at the university helped her anticipate challenging courses and better manage her workload.

“She and my mom helped me navigate financial aid, international student paperwork, all of that,” Jennifer said.

“We figured it out between the three of us,” Alexandra said. “All of our professors were so supportive.”

As the sisters look ahead, Alexandra is preparing to conduct fluids research as part of her master’s program, building on work she completed over four semesters. Jennifer is awaiting a response from a professional contact who offered to recommend her for a position in the field.

“I had a blast, especially this last semester,” Alexandra said. “I would say it’s over, but it’s only for now. We still have to get our master’s degrees.”

UTRGV FALL 2025 COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

• 10 a.m. - College of Fine Arts, College of Sciences and College of Education and P-16 Integration
• 4 p.m. - School of Social Work and College of Liberal Arts

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

• 10 a.m. College of Engineering and Computer Science, Robert C. Vacar College of Business and Entreprenearship
• 4 p.m. College of Health Professions, School of Nursing

The ceremonies at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg will be livestreamed on www.youtube.com/utrgv/live, with additional details available at www.utrgv.edu/commencement.