(HARLINGEN, Texas) – On Thursday, June 11, Texas State Technical College honored its spring 2020 graduates with a socially distant celebration on campus.
The drive-thru ceremony was TSTC’s twist on congratulating the graduates while maintaining safety standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“TSTC wanted to put together a celebration for our newest graduates and wish them well before they start their careers,” said Larissa Moreno, a coordinator of new student orientation and activities. “What they have accomplished is significant. And even though we are celebrating in a unique way, we paid attention to every detail with them in mind.”
Families and friends cheered and honked their horns to celebrate the graduates, whose face coverings barely concealed their smiles and excitement.
“My hope is that the graduates leave here feeling celebrated and proud of their accomplishment,” added Moreno. “It’s a big deal. Many (TSTC) employees helped make this day special. I am proud of these graduates, not only because they are our students, but because they are TSTC family. And as in most families, we celebrate milestones.”
TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez reiterated that the ceremony was a token of appreciation for the graduates, who have gracefully handled the very different semester.
“This small celebration is our rainbow during this unprecedented season we find ourselves in,” she said. “While it is not our traditional formal ceremony, it is a small, heartfelt way to honor the accomplishments of our students. We know the importance of graduating, and we did not want it to go uncelebrated.”
Moreno noted that the graduates had adapted well to the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the current global pandemic.
“Many of our students had to adjust to a new way of learning in their final semester,” she said. “It took patience, confidence and perseverance. But they did it.”
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
