Valeria Tokun Haga/Vaquero Radio
This spring, all UTRGV graduation ceremonies will take place exclusively at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, a shift from previous years when separate ceremonies were held in both Edinburg and Brownsville.
For some students, this change brings mixed emotions. Electrical engineering senior Ryan Vela said he understands the decision but hopes it’s temporary.
“I think it would be nice to consider holding separate ceremonies if possible, but I know it’s really tough just because there are fewer students here in the Brownsville area,” Vela said. “Hopefully, when numbers grow, we’re able to make those accommodations.”
Other students, such as computer engineering senior Tristan Hernandez said the announcement was sudden and caught him by surprise.
“This was something completely unexpected to be honest,” Hernandez said. “I always visualized my graduation at the Brownsville campus, and suddenly this year it’s exclusive to Edinburg. It really came out of nowhere.”
Although he said the change doesn’t affect him in a major way, he acknowledged that it could be more difficult for others.
At the end of the day this could matter with more other people that could experience troubles traveling.
UTRGV is offering limited transportation from Brownsville and requires students to RSVP. Hernandez appreciates the effort from the university, but he’s aware of the challenges this could bring to other students.
“I feel like the university is providing the same sense of transportation for this, and I feel like they’re doing some effort for sure. , it could come with some drawbacks from the people that not only attend by themselves, but also their families and need to transport a lot of their family members. People were even looking for extra tickets,.”
Even with the challenges, Hernandez believes the university is making an effort to support students during this important moment.
He also commented, on the wider implications of the venue change.
“I feel like this move was pushed from the idea that the university is growing, which is in fact for sure growing, but I feel like this was something that it was out of the blue, right? Completely unexpected.”
Additionally, Hernandez supports the idea of bringing graduation ceremonies back to both campuses, if possible.
“I wouldn’t see why not, honestly.” he said. “UTRGV is on their way to make equal offerings and treatment for both campuses, for Edinburgh and Brownsville. So, following that pattern or if that’s their intent to make them as equal in terms of opportunities and offerings, it should be come back. they keep growing in Brownsville, I wouldn’t see why not in terms of coming back and doing at least somewhere in the future more graduation ceremonies in Brownsville”.
For now, students are preparing for a memorable graduation weekend in Edinburg, while still holding out hope for more inclusive options in the future.
This is Valeria Tokun Haga for Vaquero Radio.
