Cheers echoed throughout Freeman Coliseum on Tuesday, Dec. 17 as more than 700 graduates crossed the stage during the Fall 2024 Texas A&M University-San Antonio Commencement Ceremonies. Thousands of family members, friends, faculty, and staff celebrated the graduating Jaguars as they received their diplomas, marking a historic moment in their academic journey.
"As you go forward to the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to support and uplift others the same way you were supported and lifted up," said President Salvador Hector Ochoa. "I also urge you never to accept limitations that others may want to place on you. You are the architect of your own future, and you determine what is possible. You set your own horizons and your path toward them."
The ceremonies included several student speakers, including Deshaun Borders, a dedicated Peer Leader in the Office of First-Year Experience who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history.
“Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives,” said Borders. “There is still so much more for us to accomplish, and I believe each of us has a lot more work to do to change the world into the place we want it to be. From inspiring others to chase their dreams. To becoming the change in a world that so desperately needs it. Do not let graduation be the biggest accomplishment, rather let today be the beginning of you achieving things you never thought possible.”
Celina Cantu, the Senior of Distinction, spoke at the College of Business and College of Education and Human Development commencement ceremony. With a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, she plans to pursue a doctor of physical therapy degree and create accessible rehabilitation services for underrepresented children on San Antonio’s South Side.
“We can all say that we have seen this campus grow and change in our time here,” said Cantu. “Think back to the new buildings that have gone up, new programs created, and the memories we all share. Seeing the beautiful campus it has grown into now from the three buildings it had when I was here last, has been a truly amazing and unique experience that became a part of my story in ways I never imagined.”
To close out commencement, graduates celebrated with the "Graduates Shine" Glow-in-the-Dark Party, a vibrant light-filled moment marking the culmination of their academic journeys.