CASE names UTSA's Patricia Graham one of three outstanding advisers from around the world

Patricia Graham

By Tim Brownlee
Assistant Director of Public Affairs

(Nov. 18, 2010)--Patricia Graham, UTSA executive director of special events, recently was recognized as one of three outstanding advisers from around the world at the international Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) ASAP Network Convention in Kansas City.

Graham was recognized as an outstanding adviser at the CASE District 4 conference last spring. District winners then are entered in the international competition. The annual international awards recognize outstanding student and adviser leadership and achievement and outstanding student programming among the CASE ASAP membership.

UTSA Ambassadors, a CASE ASAP member organization, submitted the Outstanding Adviser Award application on behalf of Graham including an essay by UTSA student Harrison Pierce.

In the essay, Pierce noted that Graham is responsible for establishing the UTSA Ambassadors and developing it into one of the most prestigious campus organizations. Each year, the group gives an average 7,000 hours of service to UTSA in the form of tours, event hosting and coordinating commencement ceremonies. From eight members at its inception in 1988, the organization now is comprised of up to 70 members each year with as many as 30 Ambassadors in training.

In the essay, Pierce said, "Dr. Graham has had numerous accomplishments and awards, but the UTSA Ambassadors are her pride and joy... [She] has always believed in the excellence of others. She always pushes us to reach for our true potential... Because of her, I have always strived to do what I can for the UTSA Ambassadors...

"Like me, many of the Ambassadors have felt her gentle nudges to prove their potential that she personally sees. But, as Dr. Graham gives us that push, she's always there with us giving encouragement that means more to us than any award. Her smile can set a person at ease even in the most nervous moments...

"Dr. Graham shows more pride for UTSA than anyone I know and shows it by attending every home game for volleyball and basketball, always promoting UTSA and truly caring for UTSA's growth...

"But, more than anything else, Dr. Graham is a friend to us all. She cares for our wellbeing and for our success. She does everything she can to make our college experience the best it can be...

"Dr. Graham is more than an adviser; she's our mentor, our counselor, our cheerleader and finally our friend. That is what Dr. Graham means to all of us and why she truly is the most outstanding adviser there is."

Events

Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.

McNair Scholars' Spring Celebration

This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.

North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main Campus

Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m.

Doctoral Conferral Ceremony

At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.

Arts Building Recital Hall, Main Campus

Thursday, May 16, 3:00 p.m.

Roadrunner Walk

Roadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.

Student Union Paseo, Main Campus

Thursday, May 16, 6:00 p.m.

Willie Velásquez: Su Voz – A Plática

Join us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.

Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown Campus

Friday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.

Commencement: Ceremony One

Celebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m.

Commencement: Ceremony Two

Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

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Spotlight

UTSA’s Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.