Message from VPSA- Sam Gonzales
Imagine walking into the classroom where you are planning to take your last final exam before graduating. This is precisely what will be happening across campus this month as our students simultaneously complete their final exams and remaining degree requirements.
I vividly remember how I felt when I walked into that classroom. A bitter sweet feeling…a moment I had anxiously waited for, hoped for, prepared for, was now staring me right in the face. That classroom represented all my years of inquiry, hard work, determination, and sometimes, stress and uncertainty. That classroom had led me to a monumental and pivotal point in my life.
As I turned in my last final exam, I knew in that moment that I had arrived at the exact place I wanted to be. The exact place I needed to be to begin a new chapter in my life. Was I nervous? Yes. Was I relieved? A definite yes! Was I excited to know that what lay ahead for me was bigger and better than I could have ever envisioned? Absolutely yes!
With 4,000+ students expected to cross the stage, we are closely approaching 100,000 graduates which will be a great milestone for our university. This year, our students and their families will celebrate commencement for the first time at the Alamodome. Commencement is a wonderful and fitting tribute to the efforts put forth by so many dedicated individuals…especially our students. Commencement is a time to reflect, give thanks and bask in the excitement of what is to come!
This is without a doubt one of my favorite times of the year. Congratulations to all of our graduates! We are proud of you! Go Runners!
All my best,
Sam
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How To Cope With Post Graduation Life For Parents AND Students
It can be quite an adjustment for all members of the family when a student decides to move back home after college graduation. The video below offers some great tips and perspectives for everyone to keep in mind when making this post-graduation adjustment. See video here
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Roadrunner Express Graduation Packages
Do you want to show your student how much you care about him or her as finals quickly approach? Roadrunner Express has the perfect gift to help them work through this busy time! A variety of care packages are now available in time for finals week or any occasion. Packages may be picked up at Roadrunner Express or delivered to an on-campus address, including a mailbox at The UPS Store for a fee of $5 to $10 depending on package size. Contact Roadrunner Express for more information on Roadrunner Care Packages at RRExpress@utsa.edu or by calling 210-458-6159.
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Meg Tompkins- Graduation, Student Spotlight
Name: Meg Tompkins |
So in a couple of weeks you will be a UTSA alumni, are you anxious, excited, what are your feelings? I am unbelievably excited for the next step of my life but the closer I get to graduation, the more anxious I get about not knowing exactly where I will be going.
How has UTSA impacted you since you been here and what values will you take into your future from your Roadrunner experience? UTSA has been extremely influential in the person I am today. What I love most about UTSA is the diversity. In my four years at UTSA, I have been provided more opportunities than ever before to experience new things and meet new people. UTSA educated me just as much outside the classroom as inside the classroom.
Are there any favorite collegiate experiences or memories you have? Of course there are. I am going to cherish the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the experiences I had. I have created a family at UTSA; my sisters, my Littles, and my Big, and my friends will forever have a space in my heart. From my trip to Italy to my week at LeaderShape, I experienced things I would never have dreamed of. College has been the best part of my life thus far and I believe UTSA has prepared me for what is yet to come. I will miss the friends I’ve made, but what I love most about them is how supportive they are and how they are always challenging me to move forward and continue to learn and grown more. UTSA helped instill that drive and ambition in all of us and I could not be more grateful.
What plans do you have after graduation? I know what I want to do and I know where I want to go, now it is just a matter of getting my foot in the door. However, I have faith that I am prepared for the next step in my life and I couldn’t be more excited.
Will you still reside in San Antonio or will you move home, maybe to your parents? Not at all. I love San Antonio and I love Texas; but I am ready for the next phase in my life. UTSA has given me two of the greatest drives: one is that of my roots, and the other is that of my wings. San Antonio, Texas, and UTSA will always have a place in my heart but it is time for me to spread my wings. I’ve got to have the worst case of wanderlust there is and I am ready for not only a new town, but hopefully a new country. I am ready to see the world!
Have you noticed a large quantity of your graduating class or previous classes going home to live with their parents after graduation? Honestly, no. I see more often than not, the graduates before me finding success to live on their own. However, I see most of them staying in San Antonio and working for local companies or major firms in town.
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Institute of Texan Cultures: Girl Power! The Next 100 Years of Girl Scouting
WHAT:
In partnership with Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, “Girl Power!” is an exhibit that heralds the next century of Girl Scouting. The exhibit will offer visitors a unique perspective on the iconic organization. Through personal stories, artifacts and memorabilia, the exhibit will highlight the values and traditions of Girl Scouts that are as relevant today as when the movement was founded in 1912.
What began with 18 girls on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, set into motion the nation’s premier leadership program for girls. A century ago, Juliette Gordon Low believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. These values have empowered more than 59 million American women to advance and achieve, taking their places as leaders in community, business, and government.
WHEN:
February 22 – July 14, 2013
Regular hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE:
Institute of Texan Cultures
UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205
ADMISSION:
$8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification.
CONTACT:
For additional information, call (210) 458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.
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Downtown Hotspots- Post Graduation Celebration
Graduating from college is definitely a reason to celebrate! With UTSA’s graduation ceremonies taking place at the Alamodome this year, students and their families have the opportunity to celebrate in a different area of town. The Alamodome is nestled in the center of San Antonio’s historic downtown district and offers a wide variety of possible post- graduation celebratory dinners!
Rosario’s Café y Cantina- Located in the historic King William’s district of downtown San Antonio, this Mexican restaurant offers great atmosphere with its brightly colored walls, décor and live bands. http://www.rosariossa.com/
Lüke San Antonio- Located on the River Walk, this restaurant specializes in combining classic German and French cooking with a New Orleans touch. http://lukesanantonio.com/
Biga on the Banks- Located on the River Walk, this restaurant offers new American cuisine and an upscale, posh feel. http://biga.com/
La Gloria- If you’re looking for a more casual, low key venue to celebrate, check out this restaurant located next to the Pearl Brewery. It’s known for its tacos, and Mexican “street food”. http://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria/
Mi Tierra Café and Bakery- Located in the Market Square, this San Antonio staple restaurant offers all of what San Antonio is about: bright, colorful lights, sweet pastries and great music. http://www.mitierracafe.com/home.php
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