CLASS OF 2026: Graduates embody the spirit of UTRGV’s first decade

By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 15, 2026 – As graduates take the stage today, they celebrate more than a degree — they represent a historic milestone as UTRGV continues its 10th anniversary celebration.

This weekend, May 15-16 at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, the university will honor more than 4,000 graduates across all colleges, each symbolizing years of academic rigor and perseverance. Ten years since its founding, the Class of 2026 reflects a decade defined by growth and expanded access in South Texas.

A graduate shares an emotional moment with a family member following Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2026, at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. The ceremonies recognize students from across The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley who completed their academic journeys this spring. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)

What began as a vision to transform regional higher education is now a thriving reality shaped by student achievement. Among these graduates are individuals whose stories embody the resilience and ambition that have defined UTRGV’s first decade.

“When UTRGV was put together, this is what people had in mind – people graduating as nurses, as healthcare professionals, people who would make the Rio Grande Valley a better place to live,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey during commencement remarks.

“And if you stay here – and we hope you all stay here – and move forward in your profession, you will make this a better place to live. And so, in fulfilling your dream, you fulfill all of our dreams as well.”

ENGINEERING A BUSINESS

Tonatihu Gonzalez came to South Texas in 2022 cautiously seeking a new experience in a different country.

Tonatihu Gonzalez, an international student from Mexico City, will graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering after balancing coursework with growing his business, T.G Irrigation, into an eight-employee operation. Gonzalez plans to move to Canada after graduation to pursue opportunities in civil engineering and project management. (Courtesy photo)

“I wanted to try something new, but not too far,” said Gonzalez, an international student from Mexico City. “I was a little scared that everything was going to be too different.”

While earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at UTRGV, Gonzalez also built a business from the ground up. What began as a personal challenge — learning about irrigation and starting a landscaping venture — grew into T.G Irrigation, an eight-employee operation he managed alongside his coursework.

Balancing both responsibilities was not easy, he said, but support from faculty and clear communication with his team helped him navigate the demands.

“And it was challenging — balancing work deadlines and school,” he said. “But I had really good communication with my instructors, work team and clients.”

Now preparing to graduate, Gonzalez is looking beyond the Rio Grande Valley. By August, he plans to move to Canada, where he has secured opportunities as a civil project engineer and assistant project manager.

A first-generation college student, Gonzalez said his experience at UTRGV helped build both his confidence and practical skillset.

“I’m so proud of coming here,” he said. “The strong support from faculty helped me develop practical skills that I’m excited to carry into the field.”

FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH MENTORSHIP

For Alberto “Beto” Salinas, a first-generation college student graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, finding direction came through mentorship.

Alberto “Beto” Salinas, a first-generation student graduating from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, discovered a passion for sustainability research through mentorship and hands-on opportunities in the Empowering Future Agricultural Scientists program. Salinas hopes to pursue a career in conservation and sustainability following graduation. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)

“Growing up, I never had a big passion for anything and had a lot of self-doubt,” Salinas said. “I had chosen biology because I was intrigued by environmental science electives in high school, but midway into my college career, I hadn’t volunteered or joined any clubs.”

That changed when he enrolled in a Global Change Ecology course taught by Dr. Teresa Feria-Arroyo. Inspired by her work, Salinas became involved in sustainability research through the Empowering Future Agricultural Scientists (EFAS) program.

Through the program, he contributed to ecological research projects, interned with American Forests working with native plants, and presented his work at conferences.

“Working under someone who I think so highly of was so good for me,” he said. “It helped me discover a side of myself that I didn’t think I could handle. It projected me into having high expectations for myself. I don’t think I would be here without her.”

As he prepares to graduate Friday, Salinas hopes to build a career in conservation and sustainability and is considering continuing his education through a master’s program under Feria-Arroyo’s mentorship.

“As the son of an immigrant family, I’m very proud to call myself a graduate and receive this degree so I can work for my community,” he said.

FAST-TRACKING THE FUTURE

Heaven Brito, a psychology major with a minor in criminal justice from Brownsville, is completing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology after just two years at UTRGV — a path made possible through dual enrollment courses she completed at James Pace Early College High School.

Heaven Brito, a Brownsville native graduating from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, completed her degree in just two years through dual enrollment coursework completed while attending James Pace Early College High School. Brito plans to continue her education while pursuing a career working with individuals on probation or parole. (UTRGV photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

For Brito, UTRGV was always the goal. She recalls visiting campus as a child and hoping one day to earn her degree close to home.

Her interest in reading and writing fiction sparked a deeper curiosity about human behavior — one she was able to explore through her studies in psychology.

“I chose my major of psychology because of how complex and interesting mental processes are,” Brito said. “How things like emotions, actions and environment influence a person’s behavior.”

After graduation, Brito hopes to work with individuals on probation or parole while continuing her education toward a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate.

“I am thankful for my family who have been supportive and encouraging throughout my entire educational experience,” she said. “My mom and dad both encouraged me to keep going and my aunt was always around to guide me when I needed.”

BREWING CONFIDENCE

For Brownsville native Makayla Schaelchlin, UTRGV became a place where she learned to step outside of her comfort zone and channel that growth into her professional life.

Makayla Schaelchlin, an Integrated Health Sciences major graduating from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, balanced her academic studies with operating Uplift Coffee Shop, a pickup- and delivery-based coffee business she launched while attending college. Following graduation, Schaelchlin plans to continue growing her business while pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science. (UTRGV photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

The Integrated Health Sciences major said part of her inspiration came from spending time with her father, David Schaelchlin, a university police officer IV on the Brownsville campus. One of their favorite activities together was drinking coffee — something that eventually inspired her business venture.

Schaelchlin is the owner and operator of Uplift Coffee Shop, a pickup- and delivery-based coffee business she manages alongside her academic studies.

“I’ve always loved coffee ever since I was really young,” she said. “When I started college, I was working part-time at a coffee shop, but my job started to interfere with schoolwork. So, my parents encouraged me to start this business.”

Launching her own business gave Schaelchlin the flexibility to continue crafting specialty coffee drinks while managing her coursework. Through social media marketing and online ordering, she has built a following of more than 1,000 people on Instagram.

“These last six months my business has started to boom,” she said. “I’m so grateful and wouldn’t want it any other way. I love to spread kindness and make people’s day.”

Following graduation, Schaelchlin hopes to continue growing her business while pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science.

“I like to strive to be the best version of myself,” she said.

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

For Dr. Tania Morales, nursing always felt like a natural calling. But after working at a community health center and witnessing the Rio Grande Valley’s health disparities firsthand, she realized caring for one patient at a time was not enough.

Dr. Tania Morales, a clinical assistant professor in the The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing, is graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree focused on advancing trauma-informed care and advocacy for vulnerable patients across the Rio Grande Valley. Morales plans to help expand forensic and sexual assault nurse examiner training opportunities while continuing her work in nursing education and healthcare leadership. (Courtesy photo)

Morales decided to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to help create broader, system-level change through leadership and health policy.

“We need nurses at the table where decisions are made — and this degree gives me a seat there,” said Morales, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from legacy institution The University of Texas-Pan American and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner degree at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Morales joined the faculty of the UTRGV School of Nursing as a clinical assistant professor in 2020 and began working toward her Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification in 2025.

Now graduating with her DNP and preparing to complete her SANE certification in June, Morales said she feels empowered to further advocate for vulnerable patients and strengthen trauma-informed care in the region.

She hopes to collaborate with programs focused on child abuse and neglect while helping integrate forensic and sexual assault nurse examiner training opportunities into UTRGV nursing programs.

“Through this work, I want to enhance nurses’ knowledge of trauma-informed care, strengthen their ability to recognize, respond to, and help prevent abuse and violence, and ensure that vulnerable patients receive the care and advocacy they deserve,” Morales said.

She credited her parents, husband and two sons for supporting her throughout her educational journey.

Family members cheer from the stands during Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2026, at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg as graduates from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley crossed the stage to celebrate the completion of their degrees. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)

COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE

Friday’s morning ceremony recognized graduates from the College of Health Professions and the School of Nursing. A 3 p.m. ceremony will follow for the School of Social Work, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and College of Sciences.

On Saturday, ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. for graduates from the College of Fine Arts and College of Liberal Arts, with the final ceremony at 3 p.m. celebrating graduates from the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the College of Education and P-16 Integration.

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

Graduates gather for a photo outside Bert Ogden Arena following Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2026, in Edinburg. Commencement ceremonies for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley continue Saturday, May 16. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)