Celebrating Our Fall 2021 Graduates!
Undergraduate Students
Cesar Estrada
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
“As an international student, this path has been challenging and with obstacles along the way, but now at the end of the path I can say that I am proud and happy for what I have achieved since I have done it representing my country. This achievement goes to my family, my girlfriend, and my friends for all the support they have given me throughout this journey. Without your advice, help and support, I would not be where I am now, I know that I will continue to count on you for my future goals. I want to warmly thank the political science department and its professors for providing me with a great education and for inspiring me to explore new ideas, topics, and concepts.”
Gabriel Loya
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude
“People who know me will know what my life philosophy is: “go big or go home.” And that’s exactly what I did; I did everything I possibly could, and I still feel like I did not do enough. However, my time at this university has finally come to an end and it’s time to go big at law school. First, I want to thank everyone at the department of political science for helping me every step of the way and motivating me to be the best version of myself. Second, I want to thank my family for helping me get through this. And last but not least, I want to thank Dr. Rebecca Reid for being the best mentor someone could ask for. This university means the world to me, and I don’t know who I would be without it. ”
Esteban Loza
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
"I want to thank God for this achievement and blessing, as well as my family who has been very supportive of everything, especially my parents who have been there for me since day one. I am truly honored and proud of this opportunity to graduate college in the United States and be among the first in my family to do so."
Bryan P Mena
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude and Outstanding Undergraduate Student
"It’s an incredible honor to be graduating with a 4.0 GPA, with six internships under my belt, and as the former editor-in-chief of The Prospector, UTEP’s student newspaper. I also have the pleasure of being the undergraduate student marshal at UTEP’s College of Liberal Arts graduation ceremony this December. I’d like to thank my family and friends for their emotional support throughout my educational journey at UTEP. And many thanks to the Terry Foundation for fully funding my education through a Terry Scholarship. Because of my successes at UTEP, I will begin working as a full-time economics reporter for The Wall Street Journal immediately after graduating. I will eventually be based in Washington D.C."
Eduardo Vargas
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude
"I would like to say thank you firstly to my family for being so involved in my academic life. My parents both have been very supportive of my academic goals and my changing career plans. I would especially love to thank my older sisters, Jazmin and Kristal, for truly being people I can trust and confide in and their unconditional acceptance of me was what kept me going. I would also like to thank my friends for being the calm in the storm. Everyone currently in my life has made it better, and I am not sure what the future holds although I'm very excited to find out."
Graduate Students
Yusuf O. Adenusi
Master's in Public Administration, Outstanding Public Administration Graduate Student
"This is by far a beautiful, tense and great journey. I’m dedicating this day to Myself, Me and I. I would like to thank my professors and instructors for their exceptional help through my studies. My beautiful family for their support. My chain of command and leadership at Fort Hood. Congratulations to those graduating on this day as well and I hope this would mark the beginning of a great wonderful journey."
Javier A Aguilar
Master's in Political Science
"To my family, friends, faculty, and classmates, I want you all to know how much I appreciate all the time, energy and support you put into helping me throughout my grad school days. It was a comforting feeling knowing that I could always count on your support and encouragement. I know that the road of education was not easy but thanks to you I was able to achieve it. Education is the best investment I could make in myself. I’m so happy I was able to complete my graduate education, but even more so that I was able to do it at UTEP. "
Nallely Santiesteban
Master's in Political Science, Outstanding Graduate Student
"As I complete another important milestone, I want to thank my family and friends for all their support. Also, to my professors..Thank you so much for your guidance during my time here, and for being an important part of my journey. Picks Up!"