Commencing together: UTRGV grads from Edinburg, Brownsville share stage for first time

EDINBURG — The weekend’s commencement ceremonies for University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates marked a new beginning in more ways than one.

Friday’s and Saturday’s ceremonies were the first to feature a combined commencement incorporating students from UTRGV’s Edinburg and Brownsville campuses at a single location: Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.

Graduates from UTRGV programs attended their respective ceremonies Friday and into Saturday as faculty, staff and organizers worked hurriedly to meet the schedule of now two campuses sharing the same stage.

Over the weekend a total 2,728 students graduated, a number that Gonzales said has been increasing over the years.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley students raise their V’s while listening to the university alma mater Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

In fall 2023, the university celebrated 50,000 degrees awarded in eight years, which according to Gonzalez will likely reach 60,000 by the end of the academic year.

Although there were multiple reasons for combining both the Edinburg and Brownsville campus commencements, Patrick Gonzales, vice president for marketing and communications at UTRGV, explained that spacing and weather issues were the driving factors for the consolidation.

“When we polled our students many of them were ready for a change or to do something different,” Gonzales said.

He added that in previous years the Brownsville campus was forced to postpone its ceremonies due to rain or extreme heat conditions.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley students clap after hearing speeches from university leadership in Edinburg on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

In fact, according to Gonzales it had rained in Brownsville on Saturday morning, which would’ve impacted an outdoor ceremony.

For Gonzales, combining both ceremonies allows all graduates to enjoy their moment in a safer and more accommodating space.

Among the graduates at Friday’s morning ceremony for the College of Liberal Arts was Jazmine De La Garza, who graduated with a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies.

The 23-year-old explained that during her college career, which spanned about five years, she had to take some time off due to having her two kids.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey speaks at the UTRGV Fall 2024 Commencement at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

She recalled having moments in which she thought this day would never come.

“I’m so excited,” De La Garza said with a smile. “I’m so happy and proud of myself.”

Carla Ruiz, 24, received her Bachelors in Criminal Justice on Friday after finishing four years of college.

“It was fun and stressful,” Ruiz said with a laugh, adding that all that work and stress was worth the effort.

More than 2,700 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley students are set to graduate during the Fall 2024 Commencement at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. It marks the first time all commencements are held in one location after the university changed to have both Edinburg and Brownsville ceremonies in one place. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

Although she was about to walk the stage, Ruiz explained that there are things about college life she will miss, including seeing her friends everyday.

“That’s what literally made it so much better,” Ruiz said.

Graduation day was a moment that evoked a mix of emotions for her, and now as she stood outside the Bert Ogden Arena she couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed Friday.

“I’m nervous; I don’t know why but I’m so nervous but I’m happy I’m excited too,” Ruiz said.

Fatima Gamez Lopez throws a V up as she awaits to walk the stage during the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

Now after graduation she hopes to begin working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and explained that all she has left to do is submit her resume.

Edinburg resident Janet Mendoza, 20, exhibited gratitude for her UTRGV experience as she prepared to receive her degree Friday.

“It’s different. I never expected to graduate this early,” Mendoza said, adding that she attended college for two years.

Before walking the stage she looked back at her time in school with a smile, adding that she was grateful for the opportunity to make new connections as well as forming long-time friendships.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley students line up to walk the stage after receiving their diploma tube in Edinburg on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

“I really like making friends, getting to know all the people. Usually in the same college you just take classes with the same people and they kind of become like family over time,” she said.

As she receives her bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, she hopes to use that degree to apply for the FBI.

Families were also grateful and excited for the occasion, as they sat in the arena with bouquets of flowers while others held stuffed animals with graduation caps, cheering and whistling as the graduates walked the stage.

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