Matthew Camarillo, Bob Schieffer, and President James Spaniolo

Matthew Camarillo, Bob Schieffer, and President James Spaniolo

Matthew Camarillo, student member of the U.T. System Board of Regents

The University of Texas at Arlington
May 9, 2008

Thank you.  I’m delighted to be here in Arlington.

And I’m certainly honored to share the stage tonight with Nathalie, who is an extraordinary representative of your University and The University of Texas System; with the exceptional leaders of UT Arlington; and, of course, with Mr. Schieffer, who is a great journalist and a great American.

But, of course, the reason we’re all here tonight is to honor UT Arlington’s Class of 2008.  On behalf of Chairman Caven and all of my colleagues on the Board of Regents, I congratulate you and say: “Well done!” 

Earning a degree from UT Arlington is no easy task—and it shouldn’t be.  By graduating this week, you have demonstrated not only your great intelligence, but also the patience, discipline, and motivation that’s required to achieve true excellence. 

I understand that a good many of you are the first person in your family to earn a college degree.  Congratulations on this great accomplishment.  Always remember what you’ve achieved here, and what doors now stand open for you because of your education.  In that spirit, I hope you will become active leaders in your community and wonderful ambassadors for your alma mater. 

I believe that every member of the Maverick Class of 2008 will discover that—the great accomplishment of your commencement notwithstanding—your biggest and best successes are still to come. 

And you’ll know that you are armed with a first-rate education from an exceptional University.  In the years you’ve spent living and learning here, I hope all of you have discovered that UT Arlington is not just somewhere to get a diploma.  It’s truly a special University where you can grow and thrive, achieve and understand, change your perceptions and broaden your horizons.  In short, it’s a place of great transformation. 

By studying with the distinguished faculty here, by being engaged in the fabric of this campus, and through your commitment to hard work, you have all been transformed into lifelong learners and true Mavericks.

As a member of The UT System Board of Regents for the last year, and from my personal perspective as a resident of the D/FW Metroplex, I have enjoyed watching UT Arlington become one of the finest universities in Texas.

Every day, the faculty achieve remarkable breakthroughs in laboratories and classrooms all over campus.  Your graduates—like the Class of 2008—achieve unparalleled successes in their careers and in their lives.  Your students, time and again, demonstrate their outstanding abilities as leaders, scholars, and engaged citizens. 

This is your tradition and your legacy.  You can take pride in the fact that your alma mater is internationally renowned and universally respected. 

I’m happy to have been a part of your journey as a member of The Board of Regents and as your guest tonight.  I wish you the best, and I look forward to hearing great things from you. 

Thank you. 

Now, I’m happy to introduce the biggest advocate for UT Arlington, someone who represents all of you well in Austin and across the country—and someone I’ve enjoyed working with during my tenure on the Board of Regents—your president, Mr. Jim Spaniolo.