News Release | Success
A HISTORIC KICKOFF – On Aug. 30, in front of more than 12,000 fans, UTRGV’s inaugural football season began with an unforgettable victory, as the Vaqueros defeated Sul Ross State University 66-0. UTRGV (9-3, 5-3 SLC) finished the season tied for third place in the Southland Conference with No. 19 Lamar (8-4, 5-3 SLC). (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
Monday, December 22, 2025
Academics, Around Campus, Athletics, Community
By News and Media Relations
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DEC. 22, 2025 – UTRGV’s Year in Photos 2025 celebrates the vibrant moments and milestones that defined this remarkable year at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
This year was particularly special with the launch of our inaugural football season, uniting students, alumni and the community in a shared spirit of pride and camaraderie.
We also celebrated a significant milestone – 10 years of excellence in higher education. Over the past decade, UTRGV has demonstrated its commitment to academic achievement, research innovation and community engagement.
This collection captures a thrilling game, an unforgettable halftime show and the academic and cultural events that highlight our dedication to excellence. Each photograph tells a story of resilience, passion and connection, making 2025 a year to remember.
SOARING LEAP FOR GLORY – Tony Diaz, UTRGV wide receiver, reaches for the sky in a thrilling moment during the inaugural football game at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
CHOREOGRAPHING EXCITEMENT – UTRGV’s first drill team, the Vaquero Starline, dazzled the crowd during halftime with their precision routines, kick lines and gravity-defying stunts, adding an electrifying spirit to the football season. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
MARCHING TO HISTORY – The Vaquero Marching Band, more than 190 members strong, rehearses tirelessly for the first time at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium on August 25, preparing for their historic debut halftime show. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY SPIRIT – UTRGV President Guy Bailey embraces the community spirit as he holds a baby during the Charro Days International Parade in Brownsville on March 1. The event brought together a display of local pride, with the UTRGV Marching Band, Spirit Team, Folklorico dancers, and some football players all joining in the festive celebration. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
HONORING THE PAST – The "Walk to Freedom," organized by the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Maryland, took place March 3-9, with participants trekking more than 60 miles through historic Hidalgo County sites, including La Sal del Rey and the Restlawn African American Historic Cemetery. Roseann Bacha-Garza, manager of the CHAPS Program, shared history lessons along the way with participants. The event offered a powerful glimpse into the journey of freedom seekers from centuries past. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
BRIGHT FUTURES AHEAD – A new cohort of Luminary Scholars proudly signs their pledges to UTRGV on April 25, marking the beginning of their transformative journey in higher education. The merit-based scholarship enables selected students to pursue their education debt-free, covering all costs associated with undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, including those at the UTRGV School of Medicine and the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
RECORD ENROLLMENT – UTRGV welcomed a record 35,812 students for the Fall 2025 semester, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth. Coinciding with the university’s 10th anniversary, enrollment has surged by over 26% during the decade. Pictured are freshmen for the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship who gathered on Aug. 26 at the Vaquero Roundup event on the Edinburg Campus. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS – The UTRGV Chess Team rallied on the final day of the President's Cup in April to claim their fourth national championship in seven years. Grandmaster Gleb Dudin concentrates on his next move as Chess Coach Barteck Macieja watches. UTRGV tied with Webster University to become co-champions, highlighting their continued dominance after previous victories in 2018, 2019 and 2021. (UTRGV Photo by Matthew Cavazos)
THAT’S A WRAP – UTRGV wrapped up the Fall 2025 semester with commencement exercises on December 19-20 at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. More than 3,500 graduates walked across the stage to receive their degrees, celebrating this special milestone with families and supporters during the holiday season. (UTRGV Photo by Silver Salas)
ABOUT UTRGV
Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is on a mission to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas and the world. One of the country’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia certified, UTRGV has earned national recognition for its academic excellence, social mobility and student success since opening in Fall 2015. Ranked among the Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars in 2025 by Washington Monthly (#7 nationally; #1 in Texas), UTRGV continues to break enrollment records, launch new academic and athletics programs and progress toward achieving R1 research status.
The only university in Texas with schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine, UTRGV’s regional footprint spans South Texas – with locations, teaching sites, and centers established in Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Laredo, Port Isabel and South Padre Island.