UTSA students commemorate academic achievements during special ceremonies

(April 12, 2018) — Before Roadrunners cross the stage at Commencement this spring, many celebrate their academic accomplishments with peers, family and friends during special graduation ceremonies. Several UTSA colleges and organizations hold the ceremonies to recognize the academic milestones that chart the students’ success and prepare them for their futures. Below is a list of some of UTSA’s distinct ceremonies happening this spring.

Ujima
Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Student Union Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28), Main Campus

Ujima is the third of seven principles of Kwanzaa and stands for collective work and responsibility, and to build and maintain a community together. This ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of UTSA’s African, African American, black and minority students.

UTSA Ring Ceremony
Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
H-E-B Student Union Ballrooms (HSU 1.104/1.106), Main Campus

One of UTSA’s most memorable traditions when hundreds of Roadrunners will receive their class rings.  Before the rings arrive at UTSA, however, they make a special stop to spend a night in Texas’ most iconic landmark, the Alamo. 

Spring 2019 New Teacher Induction Ceremony
Monday, May 13, 9 a.m.
H-E-B Student Union Ballrooms (HSU 1.104/1.106), Main Campus

This special ceremony, hosted by the College of Education and Human Development, celebrates the end of clinical teaching for the semester and welcomes new teachers into the profession.

UTSA Coordinated Program of Dietetics
Wednesday, May 15, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
H-E-B Student Union Bexar Room (HSU 1.102), Main Campus

Dietetic faculty will celebrate with students who have completed the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Dietetic Advisory Board Members and alumni will provide words of wisdom to the new graduates. The students will also hold a special thank you presentation to the dietitians, public health nutritionists, foodservice directors, chefs and others who mentored them throughout the program.

Air Force Commissioning Ceremony
Thursday, May 16, 10 a.m.
Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02), Main Campus

After more than 1,000 hours of training and instruction, 15 cadets will be promoted to Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force, where they will go on to lead others in defending the nation.

Colleges of Sciences Ph.D. Graduate Reception
Thursday, May 16, 2 p.m.
Biosciences Building (BSB 3.03.02), Main Campus

This ceremony honors College of Sciences Ph.D. graduates who have completed all requirements in earning their doctoral degrees. Doctoral graduates are individually recognized and receive a special gift from the college.

Spring 2019 Order of the Engineer
Friday, May 17, 1 p.m.
Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building Atrium

Graduating seniors take an oath then receive an Order of the Engineer ring from another Order of the Engineer alumni. They also sign the guest book and receive a certificate.

Department of Environmental Science and Ecology Graduation Reception
Friday, May 17, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Biotechnology Sciences and Engineering Building (BSE 2.102), Main Campus

The Department of Environmental Science and Ecology holds a reception for graduates and their families. It is an opportunity for faculty and staff to congratulate the students with their friends and family in attendance.

Honor College Stole and Laurel Ceremony
Friday, May 17, 4 p.m.
H-E-B Student Union Ballrooms (HSU 1.104/1.106), Main Campus

Honor students will be presented with the Honors College stoles to wear to the Spring Commencement. Seating is limited and tickets are required.

Spring 2019 Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration
Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02), Main Campus

Student-athletes, cheerleaders and mascots who will earn degrees in Spring and Summer 2019 will celebrate their academic and athletic accomplishments and receive a graduation stole. 

UTSA Top Scholar Program
Friday, May 17, 5:30 p.m.
H-E-B Student Union Harris Room (HSU 2.212), Main Campus 

This program celebrates senior and program accomplishments. Seniors also receive the UTSA Top Scholar medallion from their faculty mentors, which they were at Commencement. Following the ceremony, students and their families enjoy a picnic on the Student Union Lawn.

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Class of 2019 Hooding Ceremony
Friday, May 17, 6 p.m.
Business Building, Richard S. Liu Auditorium (BB 2.01.02), Main Campus

The Center for Professional Excellence in UTSA’s College of Business hosts an annual formal event for the graduating EMBA class. This celebration focuses on the EMBA experience and recognizes their support network of family and friends. After the formal presentation, a small reception is held in the Center for Professional Excellence for graduates and guests. 

— Navarr Gonzales

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