Fall 2022 commencement to be held Dec. 9
As another semester comes to an end, the class of 2022 prepares to cross the stage, receive their diploma and venture on to the next stage of life.
For many students, walking across the stage marks the first steps of a new chapter. This celebratory event represents all the hard work these students have completed, whether it be a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. It also marks the beginning of a new era for each individual.
General Studies major Craig Clemons will be one of the graduates to receive his diploma next month.
“I am really excited to be the first to graduate in my immediate family and not only on time, but ahead of schedule as well. Graduating is a lot bigger than what I got going for me, because it gives my family hope and the kids behind me who want to do the same,” Clemons said.
After he graduates with his undergraduate degree, Clemons will continue attending Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) to pursue a master’s degree in Education and will finish out with his last year of eligibility on the football field.
“TAMUK is the second college I have attended, and it has treated me like a family member through and through,” Clemons said. “I had such a great time, and I will never forget the bonds and memories I have created for they will last a lifetime. The great times aren’t over yet.”
Once he is finished with school completely, Clemons’ career goal is to be a teacher/coach, aiming to assist the young minds of America and help create good and honorable athletes.
This semester, two different graduation ceremonies will take place on Dec. 9 at the Javelina Stadium. The College of Arts and Sciences and The College of Education and Human Performance’s graduation will take place at 10 a.m. and The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, The College of Business Administration and the College of Engineering’s graduation will be at 4 p.m.
“For the commencement ceremony, 562 students applied for graduation this fall – 347 undergraduate, 201 graduate and 14 doctoral,” Dr. Jaya Goswami, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs said. “However, the actual number of graduates will not be known until final grades are posted.”
It is important to know only the graduating student will be allowed to lineup in the processional and cross the stage unless arrangements have been made through Student Accessibility Services. All family and guests must remain in their seats during the ceremony.
With the goal of moving to Baton Rouge, La., to attend Louisiana State University to get
Biological Sciences major Miranda Smith is another graduate anticipating her walk across the stage. After graduation, Smith’s plans are to move to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and to attend Louisiana a master’s degree in biological sciences.
“I have mixed emotions about graduating if I’m being honest,” she said. “I started here at TAMUK in 2020 and unfortunately because of COVID, my years of being here were cut short,” Smith said. “I received my associate degree in high school, which meant I only needed two years left to complete my bachelor’s degree. Though I am saddened that my years here at TAMUK are coming to an end, I am excited to graduate and to venture out into the ‘real world.’”
Smith hopes go into the PhD program at LSU, as well.
“There was a Baffin Bay Development Biology course that took place this past summer in August that I feel really cemented my desire to go into the field of research, and has prepared me to do that,” Smith said. “I give a huge thank you and shoutout to Dr. Bohm, if it wasn’t for him and allowing me to work in his research drosophila lab, I don’t know where else I would be.”
Smith’s ideal job would be in a lab setting, whether that is at a hospital or a stand-alone research lab. She wants to pursue research and hopes to one day call herself a doctor/scientist. Smith would like to do research in either cancer studies or developmental biology, so wherever the road takes her, she will follow.
The graduation cancellation deadline is at 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 and can be done through Blue and Gold Connection.
“It is our hope that graduates are successful in their chosen fields, realize financial security and find happiness,” Goswami said.
