Island University Fall 2024 Commencement Features Rudy D. Garza as Keynote Speaker

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As 2024 draws to a close, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is set to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduating Islanders. The Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the American Bank Center. Students from the Colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, and Nursing and Health Sciences will graduate at 10 a.m., followed by graduates from the Colleges of Education and Human Development, Engineering and Computer Science, Science, and the School of Arts, Media, & Communication at 2 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is Rudy D. Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy. A graduate of Roy Miller High School, Garza earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of North Texas. His ties to Corpus Christi are strong — his father, Rudy Garza Jr. ’89, is an alumnus of Corpus Christi State University, now TAMU-CC, and his wife, Emily Salinas Garza ’95, ’97, is also an Islander alumna.

“It is an honor to be invited to share my experience with TAMU-CC graduates in my hometown,” Garza said.

Garza previously served as Corpus Christi Assistant City Manager, where he played a key role in economic development, tourism, and airport operations, while leading downtown revitalization initiatives. Beyond his municipal work, he served on several local and state boards, was a 40 Under 40 honoree, and represented the city on legislative committees.

In his commencement address, he hopes to inspire graduates to strive for greatness.

“I love that TAMU-CC invites students to be a part of something bigger,” Garza shared. “In all that we do, we are part of something greater.”

Additionally, the ceremony will include seven students who have been selected by the TAMU-CC Office of the Provost for their individual achievements. These Outstanding Islander Graduates are:

• Said Mohamed Boussoualim ’24 – College of Business
• Karla Flores ’19, ’24 – College of Education and Human Development
• Lizette Gonzales ’24 – College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Ashlyn Holmes ’24 – College of Science
• Bailey Otter ’24 – College of Liberal Arts
• Olivia Smith ’22, ’24 – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Ashley Jimenez ’24 – School of Arts, Media, & Communication

The ceremonies are free and open to the public and do not require tickets upon entrance. Seating for guests is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and arena doors will open one hour prior to the ceremonies.

For those who are unable to attend, the ceremonies will be live-streamed at tamucc.edu. For more information, visit tamucc.edu/commencement