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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE

August 10, 2013

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The Commencement of the Eighty-Eighth Annual SessionSaturday, August 10, 2013 • 11:00 a.m • Steinke Physical Education Center

PRESIDING ......................................................................................................................................................................... Dr. Rex Gandy Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

PRELUDE......................................................................................................................................Pianist/Organist Dr. Joachim Reinhuber Assistant Professor of Music

PROCESSIONAL Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 by Elgar .................................................................................................Dr. Reinhuber

Audience stands for PROCESSIONAL and RECESSIONAL

THE ACADEMIC PROCESSIONThe University Banners, The Party of the President, The Party of the Deans, The President of the Faculty Senate, The Regents

Professors, The Faculty of the University, Candidates for DegreesNATIONAL ANTHEM Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key ..................................................................................Daniel Castillo

Senior Music Performance/Education MajorWELCOME ..................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. GandyINTRODUCTION OF PLATFORM PARTY ...............................................................................................................................Dr. GandyPRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED STUDENT AWARDS ...................................................................................Chelsea Nkrumah

President, Student Government AssociationPRESENTATION OF UNIVERSITY RING ............................................................................................................................Oscar Flores

President, Javelina Alumni AssociationINTRODUCTIONS .................................................................................................................................................... Dr. Steven H. Tallant

PresidentGREETINGS ............................................................................................................................................................................. John Sharp Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS ................................................................................................................... Chief Justice Rogelio Valdez Thirteenth Court of Appeals

CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES .........................................................................................................................................Dr. GandyCONFERRING OF DEGREES ................................................................................................................................................... Dr. TallantPRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES ...................................................................................................................... Deans of the CollegesCOMMISSIONING OF ROTC CADET ....................................................................................................... Lt. Col. Richard P. Spainhour ALMA MATER Hail AMK, arranged by Dr. Greg Sanders, Professor, Department of Music ..................................................Mr. CastilloRECESSIONAL Trumpet Tune and Ayre by Henry Purcell ...................................................................................................Dr. Reinhuber

PROGRAM

SPEAKERChief Justice Rogelio Valdez

Rogelio Valdez has been Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals since his election to that post in 2001. He is the first Hispanic to serve as Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals. He has worked his way up through the Justice System since he was first elected as judge of County Court at Law Number One in Cameron County in the Rio Grande Valley in 1983. In 1987, he was elected to the 357th District Court of Cameron and Willacy counties and in 1991, he was selected to serve as local administrative judge of the District Courts of Cameron and Willacy counties. Chief Justice Valdez is an alumnus, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&I University in 1976. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the university in 2012. Chief Justice Valdez received his Juris doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Prior to his judicial career, he had a private practice and served as assistant district attorney for Cameron County.

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PLATFORMDr. Steven Tallant .......................................................................................................................................................................... PresidentDr. Rex Gandy ................................................................................................................ Provost and Vice President for Academic AffairsJohn Sharp ..........................................................................................................................Chancellor, The Texas A&M University SystemChief Justice Rogelio Valdez .................................................................................................................................Commencement Speaker Scott Gines .........................................................................................Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus RecreationManuel R. Lujan ......................................................................................................................Vice President for Enrollment ManagementDr. Terisa Riley .......................................................................................................... Senior Vice President for Fiscal and Student AffairsDr. Mohamed Abdelrahman ..........................................................................Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate StudiesKirsten Compary ................................................................................................................................................................Dean of StudentsDr. Natalya Delcoure .................................................................................................................Dean, College of Business AdministrationDr. Dolores Guerrero ................................................................................................................................................Dean, Honors CollegeDr. Nancy KingSanders .........................................................................................................Associate Vice President for Student SuccessDr. Stephan Nix .........................................................................................................Dean, Frank H. Dotterweich College of EngineeringDr. G. Allen Rasmussen ............................................................................... Dean, Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human SciencesDr. Alberto Ruiz ......................................................................................................Dean, College of Education and Human PerformanceDr. Abbey Zink......................................................................................................................................Dean, College of Arts and SciencesBarbara Caganich ................................................................ Executive Director and CEO, Texas A&M University-Kingsville FoundationDaniel Castillo ................................................................................................................... Vocalist, Music Performance/Education MajorDr. Rajab Challoo ................................................................................................................................................. President, Faculty SenateOscar Flores ................................................................................................................................... President, Javelina Alumni AssociationJuan B. Garza ............................................................................................................................................. Interim President, Staff CouncilChelsea Nkrumah .....................................................................................................................President, Student Government AssociationMillie Slaughter .............................................................................................................................................................Associate RegistrarLt. Col. Richard P. Spainhour ...........................................................................................................................Professor, Military Science

THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM REGENTS

Anthony G. BuzbeeMorris E. FosterElaine Mendoza

Judy MorganCharles W. Schwartz

Jim Schwertner

John D. WhiteNicholas Madere (Student Regent )

Phil AdamsChairman

Cliff ThomasVice Chairman

MARSHALS

PRESIDENT, FACULTY SENATE

Dr. Nelson MillerAssistant Professor in the Department of

Teacher and Bilingual Education

Dr. Jack D. ShorterProfessor in the

Department of Information Systems

Dr. Randall H. WilliamsProfessor in the Department

of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Zak WatsonAssistant Professor in the Department

of Language and Literature

Dr. Rajab ChallooProfessor in the Department of

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

COMMISSIONEE

Ysassi, Cecelia C.Second Lieutenant, United States Army

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TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE REGENTS PROFESSORS

Dr. James R. Norwine - 1997Professor in the Department of

Physics and Geosciences (Retired)

Dr. Leslie G. Hunter - 1998Professor in the Department of

History (Retired)

Dr. John C. Perez - 1999Professor in the Department of

Biological and Health Sciences (Retired)

Dr. Timothy E. Fulbright - 2000Professor in the Department of

Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences

Dr. Jacqueline Thomas - 2001Professor in the Department of

Language and Literature

Dr. Jo Beran - 2002Professor in the Department of

Chemistry (Retired)

Dr. Steven D. Lukefahr - 2004Professor in the Department of

Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences

Dr. Paul M. Hageman - 2005Professor in the

Department of Music

Dr. Michael E. Tewes - 2007Professor in the Department of

Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences

Dr. Scott E. Henke - 2008Professor in the Department of

Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences

Dr. David Sabrio - 2009Professor in the Department of

Language and Literature

Dr. Mauro Castro - 2010Professor in the Department of

Chemistry

Dr. Kathleen Rees - 2012Professor in the Department of

Human Sciences

The university and college banners are presented by the Presidential Ambassadors.

Caso, Arturo Wildlife ScienceGrahmann, Eric Daniel Wildlife Science

Korn, Jennifer Marie Wildlife Science

Parent, Chad Jeffrey Wildlife Science

Doctor of PhilosophyAGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Master of ScienceAlbert, Cassandra Michelle Animal ScienceBarrientes, Marco Antonio Agriculture ScienceBarrow, Jeana Elizabeth Animal ScienceCarter, Joe Curtis Agriculture ScienceDuncan, Jeffrey Raymond Lamb Ranch ManagementFarias, Charlene Annette Plant and Soil ScienceGoertz, Steven Joseph Range and Wildlife Management

Gregory, Ashley Haze Plant and Soil ScienceJenschke, Kristan Elaine Range and Wildlife ManagementKaiser, Tasha Nicole Plant and Soil ScienceLeita, Chereé Danyelle Agriculture ScienceLewis, Sofia Monica Agriculture ScienceLilly, Dawson Walker Range and Wildlife ManagementMoore, Travis Scott Ranch Management

Reed, Daniel Justin Range and Wildlife ManagementReyna, Steven Michael Plant and Soil ScienceStevenson, Major William Jr. Agriculture ScienceTrevino, Jennifer Nichole Plant and Soil ScienceTrewella, Ian Christopher Range and Wildlife ManagementWilson, Asa Sloan Range and Wildlife Management

Candidates for Degrees

The names on this program include all students who have applied for graduation. Conferral of the official degree is based upon completion and certification of all degree requirements.

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Master of Science in Human SciencesBennett, Jessica Lynn Human SciencesBitetto, Emily Adams Human SciencesDeWitt, DaLynn Rogers Human SciencesHansen, Christine Anne Human Sciences

Hicks, Kristen Kelley Human SciencesPratchenko, Abby Rose Human SciencesRamon, Peggy Christine Human SciencesRolfsen, Kristine Marie Human Sciences

Solis-Pena, Brenda Elizabeth Human SciencesSrinivasan, Ranjani Human SciencesWeber, Kathryn Grace Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in AgricultureAmador, Angelica Cavarretta, Bartley Dominic De La Garza, Rogelio IIIGonzalez, Sandra Victoria Gonzalez

Gutierrez, Raul Martinez, Carlos Xavier Jr.Patten, Joy Nicole Schwartz, Melinda Chatel

Smith, John Fisher IV Cum LaudeTreat, Ashley Eileen Waligura, Craig Joseph

Bachelor of Science in Human SciencesAlvarez, Yaneth Alejandra Magna Cum LaudeChapa, Claudia Hayes, Kelsey Alyse Magna Cum Laude

Mauricio, April Marie Mincey, Kimberlee Ann Peña, Isela Lizette Ramirez, Leticia Perez Rios, Bambi Lynn

Treviño, Roxanne Robin-Marie Villano, Danielle Marie Villarreal, Marissa Marie

Garza, Cecilia Lamar SociologyGerd, Deborah Anne English

Perez, Maria Diana Sociology

Shollenberger, Daniela Beatriz Abraham Spanish

Alejandro, Abelina Gomez, Berta Villarreal

Bade, Jessika RenáeBrock, Amy Gail Magna Cum LaudeBustamante, Dolores Renée

Castañeda, Matthew Ernest Cruz, Brandi Nichole DeUrioste, Daniela Maria Magna Cum Laude

Flores, Emilio Benito Gamez, Alyssa Garcia, Amanda N. Garza, Angelica Raquel

Master of Arts

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts

ARTS AND SCIENCES

Atthuluri, Sri Harsha ChemistryBandla, Ashoka Chakravarthy BiologyBatiste, Sherman E. SociologyCantu, Esteban Jr. ChemistryChintalapati, Sameera ChemistryDe La Fuente, Melanie Ann Communication Sciences and DisordersEspinosa, Marylou Ivette Communication Sciences and DisordersGarza, Robelin Marcelo II Communication Sciences and DisordersGomez, Valarie Ann Communication Sciences and DisordersGonzales, Lizette Ilene English

Gonzalez, Christina Communication Sciences and DisordersGuerra, Yvette Ayla SociologyHyndman, Christine Lynn SociologyJáuregui, Christine Janette Communication Sciences and DisordersLopez, Christopher Pablo SociologyLopez, Nereo J. Jr. ChemistryMaldonado, Martha Yesenia Communication Sciences and DisordersMarroquin, Dalia Neidene SociologyMartinez, San Juana Patricia Communication Sciences and DisordersMcAlister, Sarah Elizabeth Communication Sciences and Disorders

Morgan, Rachel Christina Communication Sciences and DisordersMoya, Yadira Communication Sciences and DisordersPrude, Jayne Betts Communication Sciences and DisordersReplogle, Laura Marie Communication Sciences and DisordersRodriguez, Kimberly Alexis Communication Sciences and DisordersSerna, Lora Melissa Cisneros PsychologyWelge, Brittney Marie Communication Sciences and DisordersZepeda, Cynthia Communication Sciences and Disorders

Master of Science

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Garza, Synthia Guadalupe Summa Cum LaudeHernandez, Rebekah Ruby Herrera, Ernesto H. Jr. Herrera, Jonathan Manuel Hinojosa, Mandissa L. Lopez, Desiree Renee Lopez, Lisa Nicole Merrill, Dawn Danelle Cum LaudeMolina, Mark

Niño, Sofia J. Magna Cum LaudeOrozco, Mayra Haidee Ozuna, Samantha Rae Ramón, Gabriella Magna Cum Laude Rios, Clarisa Janisse Robbins, Roslyn La’Nece Rodriguez, Fred Michael Cum LaudeSaenz, Megan Michelle

Tobias, Ciria Ann Cum Laude Vidales, Catherine Viviana Williams, Joshua LeeZaragosa, Luis Eugenio

Alaniz, Virginia

Espinoza, Gerardo Daniel Zapata, Jose Antonio

Barrera, Ariana R.

Ballesteros, Rogelio III Summa Cum Laude Barbosa, Stephanie Ann Barrera, Jennifer Marie Magna Cum LaudeBelmontes, Jenice Marie Calderón, Ruben Roberto Cantú, Maribel Alejandra Garza Casanova, Matthew Alexander Cerda, Yvonne Garcia Cum LaudeChapa, Melanie Danelly Cum Laude Clark, Nicole Leanne Conner, Jessica Renee Cum LaudeCortes, Eddie Gian Magna Cum LaudeCruz, Veronica L. Davila, Brenda Magna Cum LaudeDe La Torre, Michelle Annai De Leon, Alejandra Magna Cum LaudeDiefenbach, Denver Hayden Magna Cum LaudeEsparza, Clarissa L.Flores, Daniel Jr. Magna Cum LaudeFlores, Natalie Nicole Franco, Alondra Ylse Garica, Beatriz Gudalupe Garcia, Erika Kristine Garcia, Leonor Garcia, Matthew Cum LaudeGarza, Christina J. Magna Cum Laude

Garza, Hilda Graciela Cum LaudeGarza, Melanie Cum LaudeGómez, Mariana Cum LaudeGonzales, Brittany Nicole González, Joshua Caleb Gonzalez, Leticia Anna Gonzalez, Priscilla Summa Cum LaudeGonzalez, Rodolfo II Hamre, Michael Jacob Hernandez, Encarnacion III Hernandez, Priscilla Nicole Summa Cum LaudeHerrera, Ernesto H. Jr. Juarez, Nancy Nataly Summa Cum LaudeLeija, Javier Armando Jr. Leos, Marisa Lizbeth Lopez, Josue Magna Cum Laude McLaughlin, Lisa Ann Summa Cum LaudeMejia, Walter Reinaldo Morales, Lorena Elizabeth Magna Cum LaudeMorales, Willie Summa Cum LaudeMorón, Sebastian Noe Magna Cum LaudeNunez, Erik Summa Cum LaudeOlivares, Ana-Alyse Magna Cum LaudeOrtiz, Angelina Monica Perez, Marcy M.

Magna Cum LaudePerez, Monica Denise Cum LaudePerez, Nelva Esther Perez, Ricardo Eden Piñon, Armanda Elisa Quade, Karl Tyler Quintero, Evelyn Lizette Summa Cum LaudeQuintero, Jesus Ivan Ramirez, Stephanie Rae Magna Cum LaudeRamos, Perla Yaneth Cum LaudeResendez, Stephannie Thisbee Reyes, Alejandra Magna Cum LaudeRichardson, Leanna Marie Rios, Juan Manuel Jr. Rocha, Kassandra Roxanne Rodriguez, Vanessa Marie Rosa, Ashley Salas, Edgar Alan Salazar, Crystal Tamez, Paola Cum LaudeTreviño, Denney Uriza, Mayra Leticia Von Ruff, Brittany Summer Cum LaudeWestbrook, Brittany Kathleen Ysassi, Cecilia Celene Zapata, Monique A.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor of Science

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Gallagher, Erin Marie Summa Cum Laude Garner, Kodie McKay Harper, Justin Wayne

Hibler, Joseph David Cum Laude Lyda, Logan Kyle McGhee, Deborah A. Cum Laude

Nieves, Bianca Monique Romo, Sabrina Sanchez, John Jr. Soria, Rosalva

Bachelor of Business Administration

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Master of Arts

Master of Science

Bachelor of Science

Cepeda, Erika Marytza Bilingual Education

Aguirre, Gerardo KinesiologyAlvarez, Crystal Hinkel Educational AdministrationBishop, Rebecca Evelyn KinesiologyCastañeda, Laura Margarita Bilingual EducationGarcia, Alonso Eduardo Counseling and GuidanceGuerra, Marisol Aguilar Counseling and Guidance

Macias, Johnny Counseling and GuidanceMacias, Patricia R. Counseling and GuidanceMoreno, Herlinda Garza Bilingual EducationNink, Vanessa Rae Counseling and GuidanceOelschlegel, Daniel Alden Counseling and GuidanceOlague, Rubén Bilingual Education

Peña, Norma Liza Counseling and GuidancePerez, Michele DeAnn Counseling and GuidanceSalinas, Rebecca Counseling and GuidanceSeiler, Dale Harvey Instructional Technology

Alvarez, Desiree Arce, Stephanie Paige Candanoza, Andrea Marie Carrizales, Zahydee Bernadette Cum Laude De La Fuente, Delma Marie De Leon, Erica S. Flores, Marlin Cum Laude Garcia, Joel Garcia, Sarita IV Garcia, Veronica Lynn Magna Cum Laude

Huerta, Danica Emery Kinney, Marc Xavier Looper, Joel D. Cum Laude Maldonado, Diana Cum Laude Meccariello, Amanda Paige Summa Cum Laude Patterson, Abby Margaret Perez, Rosemary Magna Cum Laude Puente, Maria Cynthia Ramirez, Valerie J.

Rios, Ninfa M. Romo, Anyssa Danielle Roth, Whitney Layne Saldivar, Gabriela Sanchez, Juan Jose Sanchez, Ruben Micheal Trevino, Olga Lydia Magna Cum Laude Vela, Jose Uvaldo Zapata, Michelle

Doctor of EducationEDUCATION AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE

Alvarado, Cynthia Denise Bilingual EducationChen, Hung-Che Bilingual EducationDaniels, Christopher Lee Educational LeadershipDavila, Michelle Arevalo Bilingual Education

De La Garza, Lina Marie Educational LeadershipGarza, Eloisa Puente Educational LeadershipHsu, Shu-Chuan Bilingual EducationKenney-Wallace, Paula Michele Educational Leadership

Kuyatt, Andrea Driver Educational LeadershipPlummer, David Charles Educational Leadership

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Bachelor of Science in Chemical EngineeringChavez, Julio Giuseppe VazquezFigueroa, Maria del Pilar

Jacques, Gerald Eddy Magna Cum Laude Rios, Juan Manuel Jr.

Slayton, Jennifer Lynn Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and Technology

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Gaytan, Joshua Reed

Alfaro, Gisela Lilian

Arnold, Robert Miles Matus, Jeffrey Alan

Ortega, Michael Justin Segner, Otto Brett

McElroy, Cody Wade

Master of ScienceAppiah, Francis Kwadwo Natural Gas EngineeringDavudov, Davud Natural Gas EngineeringDevarapalli, Lakshma Reddy Computer ScienceForootan, Mohammad Amin Natural Gas EngineeringGunturu, Nagarjuna Chemical EngineeringLawani, Gabriel Olumuyiwa Chemical EngineeringOgundele, Olawale Bode Chemical Engineering

Olaseinde, Akintomide Peter Natural Gas EngineeringPutcha, Sushma Chemical EngineeringRao, Supriya Hanumanth Electrical EngineeringReddy, Udaya Bhaskar Computer ScienceSalinas, Robert Environmental EngineeringSejwal, Netra Jung Chemical EngineeringSevordzi, Andy Natural Gas Engineering

Shaik, Samiuddin Arif Civil EngineeringSuppala, Nihar Civil EngineeringSyed, Farooq Abdulla Electrical EngineeringTannous, Nicola Paul Natural Gas EngineeringTelikicherla, Tejaswini Chemical Engineering

Doctor of PhilosophyENGINEERING

Cantu, Raul Cesar Rivas Environmental EngineeringGor, Prajay Anil Environmental Engineering

Kusek, Shaun Thomas Environmental Engineering

Ruiz-Schnupp, Jessica Lee Environmental Engineering

DISSERTATION TITLES

Bilingual EducationAlvarado, Cynthia Denise, B.A., M.S.

“A Narrative Study of Teacher and Student Perceptions of Corrective Feedback on the Speech Production in English”

Chen, Hung-Che, B.A., M.S.“The Impact of the Use of Synchronous and Asynchronous Wiki Technology on Chinese Language Reading and

Writing Skills of High School Students in South Texas”

Davila, Michelle Arevalo, B.A., M.S.“An Analysis of Bilingual Programs in Texas Education Service Center Region Two School Districts”

Doctor of Education

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Daniels, Christopher Lee, B.A., M.S.“A Case Study: Comparing Hispanic Serving Schools on Leadership Styles”

De La Garza, Lina Marie, B.A., M.A“Hispanic Parents’ Aspirations about Middle School Students’ Collegiate Educational Attainment”

Garza, Eloisa Puente, B.S., M.S.“Perceptions of Professional Learning Communities in a Rural Elementary School”

Kenney-Wallace, Paula Michele, B.S., M.S.“An Analysis of the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Constructive Thinking, and Student

Achievement in Developmental Mathematics”

Kuyatt, Andrea Driver, B.S., M.S.“An Analysis of Teacher Effectiveness Related to Technology Implementation in Texas Secondary

Schools”

Plummer, David Charles, B.B.A., M.B.A.“A Study on the Motivators and Inhibitors for Faculty to Teach in Online Environments at Minority

Serving Institutions”

Educational Leadership

Doctor of Philosophy

Environmental EngineeringCantu, Raul Cesar Rivas, B.S., M.S.

“Citrus Waste Biorefinery: Process Development and Modeling for Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Grapefruit Processing Waste Biomass”

Gor, Prajay Anil, B.E., M.S.“Experimental and Life Cycle Assessment for Removal of Flue Gas Elemental Mercury Using Enhanced

Oxidation and Wet Scrubbing”

Kusek, Shaun Thomas, B.S., M.S.“Elucidation of SGDs-Submarine Groundwater Discharges in a Semi-Arid Region of South Texas”

Ruiz-Schnupp, Jessica Lee, B.S., M.S.“Antimony and Arsenic Partitioning, Availability and Release from Contaminated Stream Bed Sediment”

Hsu, Shu-Chuan, B.A., M.A.“The Adoption of Learning Strategies of Multilingual Adult Learners in Chinese in South Texas”

Wildlife ScienceCaso, Arturo, B.S., M.S.

“Spatial Differences and Local Avoidance of the Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and Jaguarundi (Puma yaguaroundi) in Northeast Mexico”

Grahmann, Eric Daniel, B.S.H.S., M.S..“Using Patch-Burning and Grazing to Improve Structure of Buffelgrass-Dominated Landscapes for Northern

Bobwhites”

Korn, Jennifer Marie, B.S., M.S.“Spatial and Ecological Response of Bobcats to Prescribed Fire”

Parent, Chad Jeffrey, B.S., M.S.“Northern Bobwhite Population Dynamics in Relation to Multi-Scale Management, Weather, and

Heterogeneity Factors”

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THE TOWER CHIMES

Striking on the hour and every quarter hour, the “Westminster” chimes of the College Hall tower were played for the first time in March 1999 for the inauguration of President Marc Cisneros. In addition, “Hail AMK,” the Texas A&M-Kingsville alma mater, rings out every day at noon and “Jalisco” is played at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. On special occasions, the “Javelina Victory March” also chimes from the tower.

The origin of academic gowns, caps and hoods is a matter of speculation. Unheated buildings may have necessitated the gowns. The remaining regalia might reflect the influence of the clergy during medieval times. The hoods, for example, might have served as head-coverings before skull caps were adopted. In any case, when American schools decided to adopt academic dress, they agreed, through a series of meetings and conferences, on some standard designs and colors. The gown design becomes more intricate with advanced degrees. Velvet trim, for instance, is reserved for doctors’ gowns. The hoods, too, become longer as one proceeds from the bachelor’s to the master’s to the doctor’s degree. The cap is plain for both bachelor’s and master’s. Velvet is reserved for the doctorate. The tassel on the cap may be black or the color appropriate for the major field of study. A doctor’s tassel, however, may be made of gold thread.

The color of the facing of the hood denotes the type of degree, and doctors’ gowns may also be trimmed in the same color. Examples are as follows: Arts and Letters - white, Commerce and Accounting - drab, Economics - copper, Library Science - lemon, Music - pink, Education - light blue, Pharmacy - olive, Fine Arts and Architecture - brown, Humanities - dark crimson, Law - purple, Engineering - orange, Philosophy - dark blue, Physical Education - sage green, Science - golden yellow. The color of the lining of the hood denotes the university or college granting the degree. Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s colors are blue and gold.

Students wearing the blue and green or gold honor cords are members of national honor societies. The honors presented during this ceremony are calculated on the student’s cumulative grade point average for the semester prior. Official honors designation, which includes the calculation of the current semester’s grades, will be indicated on the final transcript and diploma.

ACADEMIC REGALIA / HONORS

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THE UNIVERSITY MACE

Eight banners signify the university and its academic areas: Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences; Arts and Sciences; Business Administration; Education and Human Performance; Engineering; Graduate Studies and Honors College. Each banner displays the university logo, which includes the College Hall tower and the university name. The tower has stood as a symbol of the institution since 1949, reflecting the architectural elements of the campus that draw upon the university’s regional heritage. The blue and gold banners are five feet by three feet, trimmed with fringe at the bottom. The banners were introduced in May 1999 for formal ceremonies. The university and college banners are presented by the Presidential Ambassadors.

THE UNIVERSITY BANNERS

THE UNIVERSITY RING

A symbol of authority, the mace is traced to an ancient weapon of war. William the Conqueror is seen flourishing a wooden mace in the eleventh-century Bayeux Tapestry. The military use of the object gradually gave way to its ceremonial function, and maces became jewel-encrusted symbols of high office. The Texas A&M University-Kingsville mace was crafted March 1999 in the department of industrial technology to reflect many of the unique characteristics that have made the university a leader in South Texas. The black walnut that comprises the main body symbolizes the history and traditions that have been established by the university. The top is crowned with the university seal engraved in gold.

In early 1998, a committee of students, alumni, faculty, and staff began discussing the idea of an official ring for graduates of the university. The committee members wanted the ring to reflect symbols that represented the university’s history and traditions. Working with a professional designer, they chose symbols including the school’s mascot, the javelina, because of its tenacity; mesquite and cactus because they are found all over campus; the Lone Star because it symbolizes the State of Texas; and the College Hall tower because it is a recognized landmark on our campus. Graduates can choose a plain gold ring or opt for a gemstone in the ring. The ring design was unveiled February 16, 1999.

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Hail AMK! We pledge anewAims that are high,

Devotion deep and true.And though we may part,

And though we’re far away,Still loyal each heart

To AMK.

ALMA MATER