Celebrating Local Achievements: UTRGV Kicks Off Graduation Ceremonies in Brownsville

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) began its Spring 2024 graduation ceremonies on May 10, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas. This event started a series of celebrations, with the university set to graduate over 4,000 students this spring. The first ceremony took place on the Brownsville Campus, where nearly 800 students received their degrees in the presence of their families and friends.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey spoke at the commencement, emphasizing the importance of family values, hard work, and gratitude. He congratulated the graduates on their achievements, noting their potential impact on their lives and future generations. He also acknowledged the role of mothers in the graduates' success, aligning this mention with Mother’s Day.

Dr. Luis Zayas, UTRGV’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, also spoke, highlighting the support from families and friends in achieving this educational milestone. He described the graduates' success as a collective achievement celebrated by the community.

Among the graduates was Dr. John Austin, who received his Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. His son, John Michael Austin, the 2023-2024 student regent for the UT System Board of Regents, joined him on stage. Dr. Austin described his graduation as a challenging and rewarding experience.

Another graduate, Tawny Brianna Turner from Brownsville, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She returned to her hometown to attend UTRGV, driven by a desire to honor her late mother and contribute to her community.

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