Island University to Celebrate More than 1,100 Graduates this Fall: Patrick Murray, National President and CEO of Coastal Conservation Association, tapped as Commencement Speaker

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – As families are celebrating the holidays, they’ll also be celebrating their beloved Islanders who are earning degrees during the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony. More than 1,100 students from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are set to walk across the stage on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Hilliard Center.

This year, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is honored to welcome Patrick Murray, National President and CEO of the Coastal Conservation Association, as the commencement speaker. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Murray brings nearly three decades of leadership in state and federal conservation efforts. In addition to his executive experience, he spent several years running his own light-tackle fishing guide service along the upper Texas coast.

“The opportunity to speak is incredibly dear to my heart because of my years of volunteer work with the Harte Research Institute at TAMU-CC,” Murray said. “Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a true capital for all types of research and education, and I am honored to be a small part of the upcoming commencement ceremony.”

Murray is an active advisory board member for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute, and under his leadership, CCA has been a significant supporter of HRI’s Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation. The organization has contributed to major initiatives such as Bringing Baffin Back™ and the Sink Your Shucks™ Oyster Recycling Program, helping advance habitat restoration and coastal stewardship across the region. CCA also established the Mark W. Ray CCA Texas Endowed Directorship of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation, further strengthening its long-term commitment to marine research and conservation on the Texas coast.

In his commencement address, Murray hopes to encourage graduates to pursue what truly inspires them, to follow their passions with conviction, and to relentlessly chase the work that speaks to their heart and spirit.

“Progress is impossible without some form of education in every facet of our development, so I find that it is inseparable from growth,” Murray said. “TAMU-CC embodies that spirit, and it never stops inspiring its students and its community.”

 The ceremonies, to be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., are free and open to the public and do not require a ticket 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.