Inaugural MavGrad celebrates newest alumni
Hundreds of graduates and their families turned Brazos Park at The University of Texas at Arlington into the city’s biggest graduation party during the inaugural MavGrad Celebration.
Put on by the Division of Student Affairs, the May 11 event served as an opportunity for students to celebrate with their peers, friends and family with free food, drinks, activities and music.
“We want this to be the place where graduates get to show off our campus to family members and take a moment to reflect on their experiences and accomplishments here at UTA,” said Seth Ressl, senior director of involvement and engagement.
Cindy Orellana, who graduated with a Master of Science in nursing administration, said that even as a mostly online student, she always felt connected to campus. She saw the MavGrad Celebration as one more chance to experience UTA in person.
“The university was always so engaged with and supportive of students,” she said. “It made me much more interested in campus.”
Aliza Shrestha, graduating with her bachelor’s in electrical engineering, reflected on when she first visited UTA. When she combined the campus’ beauty along with the quality of its education, she knew this was the place for her.
“When I came to visit, the campus looked beautiful and nature-friendly,” she said. “And I knew it was very good in engineering. It was the perfect place for me.”
Closing out the evening was a drone show by Sky Elements Drone Shows, a company owned by UTA alumni. The show’s designers, artist and animators are also all Maverick alumni.
UTA President Jennifer Cowley congratulated the graduates on their achievements during their time as students here.
“One of UTA’s greatest strengths is the diversity of our campus. We have students from all backgrounds and all walks of life,” Cowley said. “No matter what path you took to UTA, I know that you have found yourselves.”
