UTRGV School of Medicine marks milestone year with Class of 2026 Commencement

By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 4, 2026 – Behind every medical graduate is a story of persistence, perseverance and the people who supported them along the way. On Saturday, May 9, at 5 p.m., the UTRGV School of Medicine will hold its annual Commencement to celebrate the Class of 2026.

As they prepare to walk the stage, the Class of 2026 brings more than the knowledge and skills gained in medical school. They also carry a shared commitment to serve patients and communities across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

This year's ceremony, featuring 53 graduates, also marks a milestone for UTRGV School of Medicine – its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the institution has grown and trained more than 300 physicians, helping expand access to care and improve health outcomes across the region and the country.

CLASS OF 2026 REFLECTION: PURPOSE AND PREPARATION

Ahren Treviño, a Rio Grande City native, said graduating is meaningful for him – and for the community he represents.

"I'm proud to represent my family and South Texas," Treviño said. "This experience has prepared me with the knowledge and skills to move forward in my medical career."

Elvia Palomarez, from Flower Mound, Texas, said her path into medicine was driven by a desire to care for others and support families during important moments.

"The ability to support patients and their families through both difficult and joyful moments is what led me to medicine,” Palomarez said.

Palomarez added that her experience at UTRGV shaped her approach to patient care and reinforced the importance of serving the community.

"UTRGV emphasized not only clinical training, but also service," she said. "That reinforced my passion for caring for patients over time and supporting them through every stage of life."

Emmanuel Franco, from Newark, Calif., said his journey was shaped by his upbringing and the example set by his family.

"I grew up in a family of blue-collar workers with no mentors in medicine. Once I realized that doing well in school could lead me to this path, I made the decision early on and committed to it," Franco said.

He said the UTRGV experience helped him grow both academically and personally through strong mentorship and support, especially because of the smaller class size.

"Having a smaller class size allowed me to build close relationships with faculty and classmates," he said. "I always felt supported, and that made a big difference in my training and development."

BUILDING A PIPELINE OF PHYSICIANS

Dr. Everardo Cobos, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and chair of medicine and oncology, said Commencement celebrates student achievement while reflecting the school’s continued growth and impact over the past 10 years.

"For a decade, the UTRGV School of Medicine has been building a pipeline of physicians committed to serving our region," Cobos said. "Each graduating class represents progress toward improving access to care and advancing the health of our communities.”

As the seventh graduating class for the school takes the stage on Saturday, the ceremony will bring together classmates, faculty, friends and family to celebrate the work it took to reach this moment and the path that lies ahead.

“The Class of 2026 is prepared to make a meaningful impact both here in the Valley and beyond," Cobos said.