Storms dampen SWTJC commencement ceremony
(Press Release) Uvalde, Texas – College administration were forced to cut short the 69th Annual Southwest Texas Junior College Commencement Ceremony due to heavy rains on Saturday (May 14) at the Uvalde Honey Bowl Stadium.
The rain began falling approximately 40 minutes after the ceremony began and sent the graduates and their families running for shelter.
“Unfortunately, we ended the ceremony due to safety concerns,” said SWTJC President, Dr. Hector Gonzales in a statement released on May 15. “The rain may have shortened our ceremonies, but it does not remove the true meaning to this memorable occasion.”
A total of 460 graduates participated in the 68th Annual Southwest Texas Junior College Commencement Ceremony held before a standing-room-only crowd.
SWTJC Uvalde Catholic Club member Felicia Padilla of Uvalde delivered the invocation. SWTJC student Ruth Alcantar led the singing of The National Anthem. SWTJC Del Rio Campus Vice President Derek Sandoval was master of ceremonies.
Hector Gonzales, Ph.D., SWTJC President, welcomed the guests and delivered a short address, while SWTJC Vice President for Academic Affairs Mark Underwood, Ph.D., introduced keynote speaker Carlos Uresti, Texas State Senator.
Uresti congratulated students on their accomplishment; he went on and encouraged them to get involved in their community.
Shortly after the conferring of degrees, Sandoval took to the microphone to announce the cancelation of the ceremony due to safety concerns.
Graduates were instructed to report to the college campus in Uvalde, where they could pick up their diplomas.
According to Luis Fernandez SWTJC registrar, graduates who were not able to pick up their diploma on the day of graduation can pick them up at their respective campus.
