51���� celebrated a milestone on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as hundreds of graduates and their families  filled the Jacob Brown Auditorium for the college’s Fall Commencement ceremonies.

The college hosted two separate ceremonies, a reflection of the continued growth of its academic and dual enrollment programs and the remarkable number of students reaching this significant milestone. A total of 347 graduates participated in the Commencement ceremonies, representing academic programs across the college and Dual Credit students from partner high schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

As the final graduating class before TSC enters its centennial year in 2026, the event carried a sense of history, gratitude, and anticipation for the century ahead.

The 9:30 a.m. ceremony recognized 224 graduates, including 114 students from the Division of Arts and Sciences and 110 Dual Enrollment graduates representing more than a dozen partner schools. Students from Hanna Early College High School, Rivera Early College High School, Veterans Memorial Early College High School, Pace Early College High School, Lopez Early College High School, Porter Early College High School, Port Isabel, San Benito, Harlingen South, Los Fresnos, Santa Maria, La Villa, Jubilee, and Raymondville proudly crossed the stage.

TSC President Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodriguez served as the master of ceremonies for both events, offering opening remarks that highlighted student perseverance, the support of faculty and families, and the significance of reaching this moment at the threshold of the college’s 100th year.

Board Chair Adela G. Garza, the longest-serving member of the Board of Trustees and a proud TSC alumna, shared a message rooted in personal experience and encouragement. Garza reflected on her own journey as a student who enrolled in college later in life, a decision that became the starting point of the path that eventually led her to serve as Board Chair. She spoke about the transformative impact TSC had on her life and reminded graduates that their time at the college may be the beginning of opportunities they cannot yet imagine.

The 1:30 p.m. ceremony honored 123 graduates, including 22 summer completers, 62 graduates from the Business, Education, and Technology Division, and 39 graduates from the Division of Health Professions. Many of these students are preparing to enter high-demand careers across the region, reflecting TSC’s long-standing role in strengthening the local workforce.

Joining the ceremonies to deliver a keynote address was delivered by Dr. Gilberto Flores, Jr., an Internist who divides his time between practicing medicine in the Rio Grande Valley and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Flores offered an inspiring message centered on resilience, sharing candid reflections on his own early academic struggles and the shift in mindset that set him on the path toward a career in medicine:

“When you doubt yourself, keep going. When the world underestimates you, keep going. And when the dream feels too big, remind yourself that big is exactly what dreams are supposed to feel like. I stand here today, not as someone who figured it all out from the beginning, but as someone who learned that greatness is built through small, consistent acts of courage.”

As the college prepares for its centennial celebration in 2026, this class stands as a bridge between TSC’s proud past and its promising future. This latest group of graduates’ achievements embody the mission that has guided TSC since its earliest days: expanding access to education, uplifting the community, and equipping students with the skills to thrive.

A milestone moment for hundreds of students took place as 51���� (TSC) held a trio of Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.

A total of 816 graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas and certificates in front of their proud families and loved ones. Among the hundreds of graduates were dual-credit students from 18 local high schools, earning their college credentials before even finishing high school.

A gathering of TSC administration were on-hand as part of the ceremony, dressed in the traditional academic regalia, delivering their congratulations to the new graduates, as well as offering words of encouragement as they prepare to take the next steps in their lives.

“No matter what program of study you chose at TSC, our Trustees, faculty, and staff had one goal: your success,” TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez told the crowd of new graduates. “In the end, your individual success helps sustain a thriving local economy and improved overall well-being for all members of our community.”

The events also featured guest commencement speaker Ms. Teresa Ann Capistran, Superintendent of Point Isabel Independent School District. As a first-generation college graduate, Ms. Capistran offered a message focusing on creating milestones and blazing trails for future students to follow.

“All of you can achieve anything you set your mind to do,” Capistran told the graduating classes. “You can be the first in your family to do what hasn’t been done before. You have heard the saying ‘the sky is the limit’ and may not really have personalized it to your life, but it is true.”

Each ceremony concluded with a final congratulations from Dr. Rodriguez and a triumphant burst of confetti cannons to mark the occasion with a signature TSC style of spectacle. As the graduates and their loved ones filed outside for photographs and further adulation, it painted a proud picture of the region’s commitment to education and a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity and determination come together.

On behalf of everyone at 51����, congratulations to the graduating class of Spring 2025!

Esteban del Angel
Media Production Specialist
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Fall 2024

A group of exceptional students from La Feria Early College High School have made history by becoming the first group from that school to earn a degree from 51����, a remarkable achievement that sets them apart.

Marianna Cervin, Noah Lozano, Jazmin Guajardo, Midaly Cazares, Clarissa Beltran, Sebastian Flores, and Antonio Rodriguez now share the distinction of being the first students from La Feria Early College High School to earn an associate degree in General Studies from TSC just a few weeks before their high school graduation.

These students were part of TSC’s Dual Credit program, which gives high schools across the Rio Grande Valley the opportunity to offer concurrent classes that students can take in addition to their required classes.

Yolanda Chamberlain, Early College High School Director for La Feria ECHS, believes that these graduates have set a shining example for their peers. “These students have paved the way for others to follow,” Chamberlain said. “Their journey is a testament to the potential of our Dual Credit program, and I am confident that they will continue to inspire and achieve great things.”

For each dual credit class completed, students earn college credit hours before they have begun their first semester of college, allowing them to gain an incredible head-start on their studies in higher education.

The program is emblematic of one of TSC’s significant goals, which is to help local students pursue their educational goals more quickly and at a lower cost than other schools, assisting students to save time and money.

The seven La Feria students were among 490 additional TSC dual credit students from other local high schools to be awarded their associate’s degrees at the college’s most recent Spring Commencement Ceremony.

On Saturday, May 11, 51���� (TSC) celebrated a remarkable day filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment as it hosted its Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Held at the Jacob Brown Auditorium, the venue reached full capacity with attendees during three distinct ceremonies at 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m., each brimming with the excitement and anticipation of over 1,000 students ready to mark a significant transition in their lives.

The auditorium was filled with the cheers of family and friends, who came together to honor the graduates, 490 of whom were dual credit students from local school districts. These students, who earned their college degrees ahead of their high school diplomas, showcased the successful integration of high school and college education through TSC’s dual credit program. Their achievement is a testament to their exceptional dedication and the unique opportunities provided by TSC’s dual credit program. Graduates from Hanna, Lopez, Rivera, Porter, Veterans, Raymondville, San Benito Early College High Schools, Harlingen South High School, and Pace High School were among those celebrated for this dual accomplishment.

The 2:30 p.m. ceremony included dual-credit graduates from Brownsville, Rio Hondo, Pace, La Feria, Port Isabel Early College High School, Los Fresnos High School, and Jubilee Brownsville. 

Dr. Jesus H. Chavez, 51���� alumni and the keynote speaker for the event, extended his warmest congratulations to the students. “I want to congratulate you, the students, for completing your high school degree and obtaining your Associate of Arts simultaneously,” he expressed. His speech highlighted the dedication, perseverance, and persistence these students demonstrated, qualities he assured would serve them well as they pursue their bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

Dr. Chavez also made it a point to emphasize the invaluable support from the families and educators who played a pivotal role in reaching this day. “Now, students, you did this because of the unwavering support and assistance you received from your family and teachers. Please help me express our gratitude to your family and teachers for their continuous support. Parents, faculty, and staff, congratulations to you as well, and thank you for the support you have given these graduates. Your support has been instrumental in their success and we encourage you to continue supporting them in their future endeavors,” he stated, acknowledging the collective effort involved in each student’s journey.

In his address, Dr. Chavez shared inspiring stories of individuals from the Southmost area who have achieved great success, including Dr. Juan Sanchez, a renowned surgeon, and Juan Quintanilla, a successful entrepreneur. These stories not only celebrated past successes but also served as a reminder to the new graduates that they too can achieve great things with dedication and perseverance.

Adding to the day’s highlights, TSC president Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez addressed the graduates with enthusiasm and pride at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. “Class of 2024, Congratulations! You did it! You are here, crossing the finish line, becoming a college graduate. What makes it even more extraordinary is that you are earning an associate degree before you earn your high school diploma,” he remarked.

Dr. Rodriguez also noted the impressive growth of the dual enrollment program, stating, “Of the 1,052 students graduating from TSC this spring, 490 are dual enrollment students. Our dual enrollment cohorts keep growing and growing. In fact, your class represents a 66% percent increase, setting a new record for TSC.”

The Spring 2024 Commencement at 51���� was a celebration of personal achievement and a testament to the power of education and community support in shaping futures. As the ceremonies concluded, the graduates left with more than just diplomas; they carried with them the hope, encouragement, and inspiration needed to continue their educational and professional journeys. Congratulations to all the graduates, and here’s to the bright futures ahead!

Spring 2024 Commencement: Ceremony 1 – 9:30 a.m.

Spring 2024 Commencement: Ceremony 1 – 2:30 p.m.

51���� celebrated a milestone achievement for students in its Patient Care Technician program with an official pinning ceremony on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Ten students were honored as part of the ceremony, joined by their family members and TSC faculty and administration at TSC’s International Technology, Education, and Commerce Center (ITECC).

Ms. Jennifer Treviño, an instructor for TSC’s Vocational Nursing program, addressed the graduates before leading them in the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge. Since 1893, the pledge is an oath taken by new nurses in which they swear to uphold the ethics and principles that define the nursing profession.

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) have become increasingly in demand within the medical field. PCTs begin with training in the same general skills of a nursing assistant, but the overall diversity of their skill set is continually expanded upon to provide them with more experience in an array of different areas and tasks.

Most often, working directly under a registered nurse, a PCT can handle tasks that typically include monitoring patient vital signs, helping collect and prepare lab specimens, and, in some cases, even assisting minor surgical procedures by preparing sterile trays or performing sterilization procedures for surgical instruments.

As part of their curriculum, the students who participated in the PCT program gained valuable hands-on experience at Valley Regional Medical Hospital, which served as the site for their clinicals. While there, they not only had the opportunity to put into practice what they had been learning in the classroom portion of their studies, but they also were given experience in the more nuanced aspects of work in the medical field. One such aspect is building rapport with the patients under their care, allowing them to provide medical and emotional support to those enduring the recovery process.

We extend our most sincere congratulations to our newest group of graduates, and we wish you the best as you begin your careers as health professionals and work to impact the lives of people in our community positively!

Click on the image above to see more photos.