Texas A&M University–San Antonio’s 7th annual class reunion, held July 25–26, was especially meaningful this year as some members of the Class of 2020—whose original commencement was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic—finally received their long-awaited walk across the stage.
When the pandemic hit, the University, like much of the country, had to quickly adapt. Instead of the traditional ceremony at Freeman Coliseum, A&M–San Antonio held a drive-thru graduation on campus. Graduates either picked up their diplomas from their cars or received them near the University fountain—all while masked and socially distanced.
“While it was a challenge, we did the best we could during very strange circumstances,” said Mary Kay Cooper, director of Alumni Affairs. During that time, Cooper kept the Jaguar spirit alive by organizing virtual mixers and even hosting an online crocheting course.
While planning this year’s reunion—welcoming alumni from the Classes of 2020, 2015, and 2010—Cooper had an idea: what if the Class of 2020 got the commencement they missed? After reaching out to alumni and receiving an outpouring of emotional responses, she knew the event had to happen.
“I got a lot of heartbreaking messages from people saying they felt like they’d missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Cooper. “I’m very happy we were able to put this together for them.”
The reunion weekend began with the President’s Reception on Friday evening. Saturday featured a full day of activities, including a guided campus tour and alumni classes led by Dr. Lawrence Scott, who spoke about leadership, and Dr. John Smith, who discussed overcoming barriers to physical activity. After lunch in the dining hall, about 40 alumni gathered in the auditorium for the Class of 2020 Commencement Do-Over.
University leaders offered heartfelt remarks during the ceremony, including Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Gwen Notestine, vice president for advancement; and President Salvador Hector Ochoa.
For alumni like Gaby Porras, it was a powerful and emotional day.
“This commencement ceremony means a lot to me,” said Porras, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education and now works as an administrative assistant for Medina Valley ISD, where her son attends school.
Back in 2020, Porras, who had previously served 16 years in the U.S. Army, was a student worker in the University’s Military Affairs office, helping staff wellness tents during the height of the pandemic, when everyone entering campus buildings had to undergo temperature checks.
“It was crazy times, but I really miss being at the University. It’s a special place,” Cooper, who joined A&M–San Antonio in 2016, organized the first class reunion in 2019. As part of the experience, she offers alumni the option to stay overnight in the residence halls.
“Some alumni who graduated 15 years ago have never been on campus because it didn’t really exist back then,” she said. “The reunions give them a chance to experience how far A&M–San Antonio has come.”