La Despedida ceremony honors student dedication, family support
(May 6, 2003)--The UTSA Office of Student Leadership and Cultural Programs and the La Despedida Planning Committee, a student organization, will host the La Despedida graduation ceremony at 8 p.m. May 10 at the Downtown Campus.
Keynote speaker for the event is journalist and writer Barbara Renaud-Gonzales. The ceremony will be followed by a reception featuring refreshments, mariachis and a live band. All UTSA spring 2003 graduates are encouraged to participate in the unique UTSA tradition.
Pictured are students at the 2002 La Despedida ceremony.
La Despedida or "The Farewell" is a bilingual celebration that acknowledges the dedication and determination of students and the familial support that contributes to the completion of higher education.
Since 1996, students and faculty have sponsored the special spring graduation ceremony and reception in addition to the university's official convocation. Last year more than 500 students, their families, community members and UTSA faculty participated in the ceremony. The more intimate setting complements the larger ceremonies at the Convocation Center.
Renaud-Gonzales is best known for her columns in the San Antonio Express-News, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, New York Times and Los Angeles Times. A monthly columnist for the San Antonio Current, she recently completed the book, "Golondrina, Why Did you Leave Me? A Texas Story." Renaud-Gonzales also is a consultant to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.
For more information, e-mail Sonia Quirino or go to the La Despedida Web site.
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003