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|Commencement Convocation
Published in The Shorthorn on May 6, 2005
By James D. Spaniolo
One of my favorite responsibilities as a university president is participating in commencement ceremonies. It's an extraordinary moment, and it's the indispensable function of a university.
This semester I'm excited about a new tradition, too, one that celebrates our graduates' achievement and excellence. Most of you, I'm sure, have heard about our upcoming Commencement Convocation, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on May 13 in Maverick Stadium. This event is in addition to the normal college and school commencement ceremonies-not a replacement. It also reminds us that while our diplomas may say "College of Engineering" or "College of Liberal Arts," we're all graduates of The University of Texas at Arlington. It's important we remember this and embrace it.
In my first 15 months as president, I've tried to incorporate new traditions with those that are longstanding. I was pleased by the response to MavsMeet, the new student convocation we held in August; the combining of our faculty excellence awards with our spring academic convocation; and the investiture last April. These events generate a sense of unity and pride. The Commencement Convocation follows in that spirit.
Still, I understand the value in individual commencement ceremonies for a number of reasons. These include space, time, familiarity, and a personal touch. Such ceremonies celebrate our students' individual identities and recognize the fact that while UTA may be a large university, it's not an impersonal one.
That's why next week's Commencement Convocation does not replace these venerable ceremonies; it augments and enhances them by allowing us to celebrate together.
The Commencement Convocation is intended to be memorable-even inspirational. A 7-minute-long, music-synched fireworks show is testament to that. We're honored to have Kay Bailey Hutchison, a United States Senator who is highly respected throughout Texas and beyond, as our keynote speaker. We're proud that University of Texas System Regent Robert A. Estrada will be part of the celebration. Our fine Combined University Band will perform, and we'll reintroduce the Carlisle Cannon as honor and salute to our Class of 2005.
In other words, it will be a night to remember in the history of this University.
And word is spreading. A couple of UTA parents in Michigan called Monday asking for extra tickets. One student wanted 20 tickets for her entire family. All told, we expect a large gathering at Maverick Stadium. There's a growing sense of importance and necessity surrounding this event as a forum to celebrate and place to gather as a university that cares together and is proud together.
I want to congratulate the Class of 2005 for all your accomplishments and achievements and personally invite each of you and your families to the convocation in your honor. I also strongly encourage our faculty and staff to attend.
At many universities, a commencement convocation is the biggest event of every academic year. Ours, of course, is still growing and planting its roots, but we're taking that important first step. It's our graduation gift to the Class of 2005 and another essential recognition of our excellence.
James D. Spaniolo is the university's president.
