In a blend of academic achievement and cultural heritage, Lone Star College's commitment to inclusivity was on full display at the first Spanish-language commencement ceremony for its Latino graduates. The Houston-based institution celebrated almost 100 students in a ceremony infused with Latino culture, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Lone Star College Chancellor Mario Castillo highlighted the significance of the ceremony by sharing his personal experience with language barriers at graduation, saying, “I’m glad these parents had an experience my parents didn’t. Students won’t have to explain to their parents what was happening or what was said.”
Despite recent storms limiting attendance, the event showcased traditional Folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians as students, adorned in attire that honored their heritage, walked the stage. Giselle Vences, engaging proudly with her Mexican American heritage at the ceremony, expressed her emotions, "It was a gift," she told the Houston Chronicle. Moving forward, she plans to continue her education at the University of Houston-Downtown and study business.
Lone Star College, fully aware of the diversity in its student body, held various commencement ceremonies across its eight campuses from May 9-11, culminating in the Spanish language ceremony on May 18, as detailed by The Woodlands Online. The ceremonies recognized graduates from an array of degrees and certifications, a testament to the college system's growing status and contribution to local education.
Addressing the Class of 2024 was a roster of speakers sharing insights across the different ceremonies, ranging from industry experts to political figures like U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. Embedded within the celebrations, LSC Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, taking part in various ceremonies, echoed the sentiment of achieving academic success and urged graduates to harness this milestone as a stepping stone for future endeavors. "Graduation is a milestone signifying reaching academic success," expressed Gerald F. Napoles, Ph.D., LSC vice chancellor, Student Success, highlighting the significance of the commencement events.
Lone Star College's spring 2023 graduation celebrated 9,709 students receiving degrees or certificates.
