UTSA community to commemorate graduates in Commencement Drive

MAY 14, 2021 — The echo of car horns blasting through Downtown in honor of victories and celebrations is a tradition for many San Antonians. And it’s a new tradition that’s been embraced by UTSA Roadrunners as well.

UTSA is hosting the Commencement Drive for spring 2021, fall 2020 and spring 2020 graduates today at 5:30 p.m., starting at the Brackenridge (BK5) parking lot adjacent to the Child Development Center on Main Campus.

Graduates are encouraged to dress in their commencement regalia and decorate their vehicles for the increasingly popular event.

Vehicles may begin gathering at 5 p.m. at the BK5 parking lot. From there, participants will be led by the UTSA Police Department through the designated route when the event starts. All participants should join the parade from the starting point and limit themselves to one car per graduate.

Friends and family members of the graduates can watch the parade in designated viewing areas on campus.

Faculty and staff from nearly 30 campus departments and alumni will be wishing the graduates their congratulations along the route.

Those who aren’t able to celebrate at the Commencement Drive in person are encouraged to honk their horns at 5:30 p.m. wherever they are and share their videos on social media using the hashtag #UTSAGrad21 for a chance to be featured on UTSA’s social media channels.

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The Commencement Drive starts at the BK5 parking lot and concludes at the Brenan Ave. exit to Loop 1604.

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Commencement Drive guidelines:

• Arrive at the event with only individuals you have been isolating with during the last few weeks in your vehicle.
  
  
• Please plan to stay in your vehicle throughout the half-hour event. Most restrooms on campus will be closed on the event day.
  
  
• Please bring your own face covering or mask, as these items are required to be worn if you need to get out of your vehicle at any time.
  
  
• Drivers are asked to stay on the specified route, maintain a speed no greater than 10 miles per hour, and keep moving through the route without stopping or slowing down to speak with those along the route.
  
  
• The tour route will start at the Breckenridge Ave. 5 entrance off of UTSA Blvd. You will not be able to enter the campus through any other entrance as they will be blocked for the tour. The tour will exit onto 1604 from Brenan Ave.

The Commencement Drive started last year amid the pandemic as a new tradition to celebrate the graduating students.

— Valerie Bustamante

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