More than 1,000 Graduates Earn Degrees from TAMU-CC during Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Commencement represents a different milestone for each graduate. For some, it’s the culmination of a journey started years earlier. For others, it’s another stop on a path of lifetime learning. For members of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Fall 2024 graduating class, it was all these things and more.
More than 1,000 Islander graduates received their degrees on Dec. 14. Among them was Stacey Sanders ’24, who earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Community and Mental Health.
“I will treasure the lasting friendships that I have made, connections with amazing faculty, and mental health awareness activities that enriched my Islander time and made me feel part of something impactful,” Sanders said. “I had the privilege to share my unique perspective of being a mother and the challenges it brings — all while balancing difficult classes and finishing a degree.”
Sanders, a non-traditional, first-generation college student, commuted nearly an hour to campus every day from her home in Beeville, Texas. She faced several obstacles during her time at TAMU-CC, but persevered.
“Knowing what finishing my bachelor’s degree would mean in my career and finances, I remembered the words of my father, ‘You always finish what you start,’” Sanders said. “This is for you Dad!”
For many graduates, like Kaleb Luna ’24, memories of their time at TAMU-CC will include time spent enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Island University.
“Whether it’s studying on the shoreline or attending events overlooking the water, the landscape serves as a constant reminder of the unique experiences available at this university,” Luna said. “This has helped make my time at TAMU-CC not just an educational journey, but a truly transformative experience.”
Luna, another first-generation college student, earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He started his time as an Islander unsure if he’d succeed but leaves self-assured and ready to serve his community.
“My challenges have instilled resilience and determination in me,” Luna said. “I’ve learned to advocate for myself and to seek out opportunities for growth. I’m proud to be paving the way for others in my family, especially my two little sisters.”
Tiffany Dansby ’24 is also among the Islander graduating class of 2024.
“My time at TAMU-CC has made me more confident and motivated than I have ever been,” Dansby said. “From day one, I was surrounded by teachers and staff who cared about me and wanted me to succeed.”
Dansby, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, one day hopes to own her own accounting firm. She gained real-world experience while a student by working in the university’s Accounting Services Department.
“I was so grateful to join a group of people who cared about improving their work and doing the best job possible,” Dansby said. “TAMU-CC has always impressed me with the care that every staff member puts into making the university the best it could be. I am grateful that, for a short time, I was part of the staff I admire.”
The fall commencement speaker was Rudy D. Garza, President and Chief Executive Officer for San Antonio-based CPS Energy.
“It’s important that you never forget where you came from or take for granted the journey that got you here today, sitting in your cap and gown,” Garza said. “It’s equally important to remain open to the unexpected blessings that come after you cross this stage. There is no opportunity worthwhile that doesn’t involve risk. Don’t let fear limit you!”
To view a recording of the Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony, visit commencement.tamucc.edu.