Texas A&M Kicks Off Graduation Ceremonies Thursday With Gov. Perry Convocation Address

Approximately 4,000 Texas A&M University students are scheduled to receive diplomas this week, with three commencement exercises set for Friday (Dec. 19) at Reed Arena. The university’s graduation ceremonies formally kick off Thursday (Dec. 18) with a commencement convocation address by Gov. Rick Perry at 5:30 p.m. in Rudder Auditorium.

The convocation and the graduation ceremonies are open to the public free of charge, university officials noted, adding that tickets are not required for admission.

Commencement convocation brings the semester’s graduating students and their families and friends together on the evening prior to the first graduation ceremonies to hear an inspirational speaker.

Gov. Perry, a 1972 Texas A&M graduate, is the longest-serving governor in the history of Texas. The fifth-generation Texan began his public service career in 1985 and earlier served as a pilot in the Air Force. While a student at Texas A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and was twice elected by the student body to serve as a yell leader. His official biography can be viewed at http://governor.state.tx.us/about/.

“We are obviously delighted that Gov. Perry has accepted our invitation to address our December graduates and their families and friends,” said Interim University President Mark Hussey when he made the initial announcement. “Gov. Perry will undoubtedly present a message that will resonate with those Aggies who will be entering the next phases of their lives—be it beginning their careers, continuing their education at graduate or professional schools, entering the military or pursuing other endeavors.”

While the degree candidates are the honored guests at the commencement convocation, the general public is invited to attend and hear Gov. Perry’s address, Hussey added.

The Friday commencement ceremonies at Reed Arena are set for 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Degree candidates will receive their diplomas in accordance with times set to feature the colleges or schools in which their degrees were earned. A listing of colleges that will be included in each ceremony can be viewed at http://graduation.tamu.edu/ceremon.html.

Military commissions earned through participation in Texas A&M Corps of Cadets will be awarded at the 2 p.m. program. Currently 34 cadets are set to be commissioned as officers in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps, but the final total could vary slightly, officials noted.

Approximately 1,000 of the 4,000 degrees expected to be awarded during the three Reed Arena ceremonies will be presented to students who have pursued degrees at the master’s or doctoral level.

More than 200 additional degrees are scheduled to be presented at designated sites for the institution’s two branch campuses—Texas A&M University at Galveston and Texas A&M University at Qatar—and for the Texas A&M University Health Science Center and the Texas A&M University School of Law.

Continuing a tradition initiated on the main campus in acknowledgment of the university’s commitment to honoring veterans, all graduates who have prior military service will be given special commemorative red, white and blue cords are invited to wear them as part of their academic regalia. Their cords will be available at a 3-5 p.m. reception Wednesday for all active duty and veteran Aggies at the Forsyth Galleries in the Memorial Student Center.

Andrew Dewey of Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston will be presented the Texas A&M University Inspiration Award for Exceptional Education at the 2 p.m. ceremony. He was nominated for the award by a former student, Brookelynn Russey, who will be on hand to see her teacher honored by the university and receive her degree in aerospace engineering. Dewey will be presented a check for $2,000 and his school will receive a $1,000 award.

The Association of Former Students will continue its “Next Tradition” program in which it offers new graduates a “drive thru” opportunity to have representative decals placed on their vehicles and, joined by family members, attend come-and-go open houses at the Clayton Williams Jr. Alumni Center. The “drive thru” will be held 1-5 p.m. Thursday and the open houses will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.