Triumphant Moments at Texas Southmost College

Fall 2023 Commencement Celebrates Achievements and Inspires Futures

BROWNSVILLE – On Saturday, December 16th, the Jacob Brown Auditorium buzzed with excitement as Texas Southmost College (TSC) prepared to celebrate the accomplishments of its Fall 2023 graduates. The air was filled with a palpable sense of achievement and anticipation as friends, family, faculty, staff, and board of trustees gathered to honor the hard work and dedication of the graduating students.

As the clock ticked towards commencement, President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez took the stage, radiating pride and enthusiasm. With a warm welcome, he acknowledged the achievements of the graduating class and set the tone for a memorable ceremony. President Rodriguez spoke passionately about each student’s unique journey to reach this moment, emphasizing the transformative power of education and its potential for the future.

Following President Rodriguez, the Chair of TSC’s Board of Trustees, Adela Garza, addressed the audience. Mrs. Garza conveyed the Board’s collective pride in the graduating class, highlighting the community spirit that defines TSC.

“On behalf of the TSC Board of Trustees and the Scorpion Family, I congratulate you, Class of 2023, on your accomplishments!” said Garza. “You are now TSC’s newest alumni and ambassadors of your college. To commemorate this, we will be presenting each of you with a TSC alumni lapel pin as you receive your diplomas. Wear it proudly, and show the world all of the good that comes from Texas Southmost College.”

She commended the students for their resilience and commitment, encouraging them to carry the spirit of learning and community service into the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony’s highlight was the keynote address delivered by The Honorable Judge Gloria Rincones. Judge Rincones, a distinguished figure in the community, shared her inspiring journey, drawing parallels between her college experience and the limitless possibilities that awaited the graduates. She imparted valuable life lessons and urged the students to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“As I stand before you, I can’t help but feel great pride and joy in your accomplishments through this long-standing, reputable, and amazing college,” said Rincones. “When I came to TSC my first year, I was fortunate to be taught by some very caring professors. Thanks to my counselor at TSC, who stayed in contact with the counselor at UT Edinburgh, I was able to make a smooth transition from my summer session to the fall semester.”  

Rincones initiated her journey into a federal career at a career day event. Addressing the audience, she shared insights into participating in a federal government internship, which she secured by attending the fair. Rincones explained how this internship was pivotal in launching her career as a federal agent.

“One of these career days is when I was hired to do a paid internship for a federal agency,” said Rincones. “The federal agency was so impressed with me they wanted me to finish school so I could come to work for them. So I transferred to Sam Houston State University, where I majored in what is today known as criminal justice and had a job waiting for me upon graduation. I was one of the youngest federal agents to be hired then.” 

Amidst cheers and applause, the graduates proudly walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. Each name echoed in the auditorium, symbolizing not only individual achievements but also the collective success of the TSC community.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of accomplishment and a shared vision for the future. TSC graduate’s jubilation erupted as the traditional confetti released at the end of each commencement ceremony trickled down onto their degrees and certificates, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.  As their loved ones joined in the celebration, the Fall 2023 commencement at Texas Southmost College became a cherished memory, a testament to the power of education and community in shaping the destinies of individuals and the region they call home.