SWTJC commencement slated May 16 in Uvalde

UVALDE, TX – Southwest Texas Junior College will hold its 68th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Uvalde Honey Bowl.

Derek Sandoval, SWTJC Del Rio campus vice president, will be master of ceremonies and introduce college trustees and honored guests at this year’s event.

SWTJC student Arianne C. Peñalosa of Uvalde, a member of the Catholic Club, will deliver the invocation. Ruth Alcantar of Uvalde will lead the singing of The National Anthem.

Dr. Hector Gonzales, SWTJC president, will welcome this year’s graduates and their families.

SWTJC vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Mark Underwood will introduce the keynote speaker and recognize honor graduates and outstanding students in individual technical programs.

Ramsey English Cantu, mayor of the City of Eagle Pass will deliver the keynote address. A native of the Eagle Pass, Cantu is an alumnus of SWTJC and is the youngest individual to be elected as mayor of Eagle Pass at the age of 26.

Vice President of Student Services, Margot Mata will present the graduating class and SWTJC trustee Tony Moreno, along with board president Rodolfo R. Flores, vice president Dr. Harry O. Watkins, secretary Dr. Antonio H. Rivera, and trustees Anita Shackelford, and Maria Elena Lara will award diplomas and certificates.

Friends and family are not allowed on the field or track until after the ceremony is over.

“We will have a photographer on hand taking photos of the graduates as they receive their diplomas,” Mata said. “After the ceremony is over everyone is welcome to come on the field and take additional photos.”

In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the La Forge Hall gymnasium on the SWTJC Uvalde campus, located at 2401 Garner Field Road.

Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to a reception by the clubhouse on the South end of the field.