UTSA’s largest ever graduating class marks academic success at Spring Commencement

(May 13, 2019) – Hours of studying, researching and preparing for the future have paid off for more than 5,100 Roadrunners set to cross the stage and receive their degrees this weekend at UTSA’s Spring Commencement. This is the largest graduating class in school history. To signify UTSA’s 50th anniversary, diplomas and Commencement programs will be marked with the special 50th logo emblem. Graduates can also purchase a 50th anniversary stole at the Rowdy Campus Store in the Student Union on the Main Campus.

      >> Learn everything you need to know about UTSA Spring Commencement.

Three ceremonies will be held at the Alamodome on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. The first ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and honors graduates from the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and University College.

Saturday at 4 p.m., graduates earning a degree from the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, College of Business and College of Engineering will walk the stage, including Giovanni Serrato, who is part of the first graduating class of UTSA’s nationally ranked online B.B.A. in Cyber Security program.

“I was gaining momentum in my career and didn’t want to have to put it on hold to attend school, so UTSA’s online program was the perfect solution for me,” said Serrato, who now works as a staff consultant in the cyber threat management division of Ernst & Young. “The concept of doing the work on my own time was appealing both to me and my employer.”

CPS Energy President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams will deliver the keynote address at both Saturday ceremonies.

Graduates from the College of Education and Human Development, College of Sciences and College of Public Policy will hear from U.S. Diplomat and UTSA alumnus Phil Guthrie ’10 at the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19 beginning at 2 p.m. 

                        >> Meet UTSA’s Spring Commencement keynote speakers.

David Swierzynski is a prime example of perseverance as he followed his dream to earn a college degree. He grew up in foster care, dropped out of high school, became homeless and completed a tour in Iraq as an Army medic. Swierzynski’s journey to UTSA was filled with much heartache and many obstacles yet he’s maintained a positive attitude.

“My time at UTSA has paved the way to my development,” he said. “While here, I’ve managed to solidify the idea that my career choice will be more than just a job, but a rewarding journey that will impact future generations to come.”

This father of three now has his sights on being a physical education teacher to inspire young students who may have similar struggles as he once did. 

Spring 2019 graduates are advised to arrive two hours prior to their ceremony for check-in, located on the ground level of the Alamodome. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.

Graduates must leave purses and bags with family.

>> Watch the UTSA Spring Commencement ceremonies.

All Roadrunners and their families and friends can share their Commencement experience on social media using #UTSA and #UTSAGrad19.

This spring’s graduating class will bring UTSA’s alumni network to 131,000 Roadrunners. They represent UTSA's dedication as a model for student success.

— Courtney Clevenger

Learn more about UTSA graduation and about Commencement.

Celebrate UTSA’s 50th Anniversary and share social media posts about the 50th using the hashtag #UTSA50.

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