Commencement Spotlights

Sam Houston State University graduates have made remarkable strides in their lives to reach commencement day. Here are a few examples of Bearkats graduates, who have demonstrated a “can-do” spirit through challenges and service, and remind us of the many ways Sam Houston State is preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement.

Jaime Peña

Jaime Peña has always felt a strong connection to Sam Houston State University.

Spotlight on Jaime

Jemma Medina

Commencement season is an exciting time for any graduate; for Jemma Medina, it represents a milestone not just for herself, but for her family.

Spotlight on Jemma

• Spring 2024
  

  Matthew and Whitney Boineau

  In a Bearkat love story for the ages, two members of the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (COM) first cohort of student doctors found a perfect match for their residencies and lives.

  ---

  

  Iliana Nanyes

  Ilianna Nanyes is preparing to complete a major step in her educational journey when she graduates from Sam Houston State University May 11. She will then continue her pursuit in law enforcement by attending the University of Texas at San Antonio to earn her master's in criminal justice and criminology.

  ---

  

  Sara Cox

  Born and raised in Huntsville, Texas, it seemed like destiny for this multimedia creator to propel herself into a formidable journey at Sam Houston State University. With an ongoing passion, Sara Cox not only pivoted herself towards an early communications career but became a well-known face within the campus and community.

  ---

  

  Enrique Paz

  When graduating Bearkat Enrique Paz first came to Sam Houston State University, he didn’t expect to get involved with as many things as he has over the years. As a mass communication major with a concentration in public relations and advertising, Paz naturally gravitated to the Public Relations Student Society of America.

  ---

  

  Megan Herzog

  As Megan Herzog prepares to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in public relations and advertising, she reflects on her transformative experience at Sam Houston State University. The soon-to-be graduate's journey has been marked by self-discovery, involvement in campus life and a newfound passion for higher education.

  ---

  

  Hunter King

  They say if you follow your passion, you'll never work a day in your life. In essence, doing what you love never feels like work, and that's how graduating Bearkat Hunter King felt about his time at Sam Houston State University.

  ---

  

  Kristina Block

  As she neared the end of her time at Sam Houston State University, one College of Criminal Justice (SHSU CJ) doctoral student was able to see her work recognized in a way that few can boast. Kristina Block's work quoted in the New York Times in an article focused on the tragic events that unfolded during a Super Bowl celebratory parade in Kansas City, Kansas earlier this year.

• Fall 2023
  

  Hayden Marshall

  To Hayden Marshall, attending Sam Houston State University was an easy decision. He had multiple friends and a family member study here who highly recommended the university for its programs and homey feel.

  ---

  

  Sidney Boyles

  Choosing a degree by accident may seem impractical, but it’s how Sidney Boyles, a studio arts student, found her love for ceramics and sculpture.

  ---

  

  Kalan McBride

  After leaving home at just 17 years old, Kalan Mcbride didn’t think she would make it past freshman year of high school and dropping out seemed like the only option. Once she moved out of her parents’ house and in with a friend, she found a support system that helped her pull through and pushed her to graduate high school.

  ---

  

  Catalina Little

  In the colorful realm of fashion, Catalina Little discovered her sweet spot where business savvy met her keen eye for style. Growing up, fashion wasn't just a choice for her—it was an expression. However, it wasn't until her college years that she found the perfect fusion of her interests, fashion merchandising.

  ---

  

  Chris Bingle

  Chris Bingle, a banking and finance senior at Sam Houston State University with nine awards and over 15 different scholarships, looked back on his time at SHSU and how the faculty and his peers made his college experience worthwhile.

  ---

  

  Jentrell Kerlegan

  Jentrell Kerlegan persevered through graduate school to earn her Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety while using the knowledge she obtained in the program to navigate some of the most difficult experiences of her life.

• Summer 2023
  

  Brian Cary

  Brian Cary prefers to go off the beaten path and make his own unique mark on the world. His passion for leadership led him to pursue a degree in criminal justice and aim for working with a federal or international justice organization.

  ---

  

  Tausha Leilich

  Like many first-generation students, Tausha Leilich’s road to graduation was paved with twists and turns. As she prepares to experience her 33-year dream come to fruition with her official commencement on Aug. 5, the communications major offers high praise to Sam Houston State University’s First-Generation Center and the role they played along the way.

• Spring 2023
  

  The Williams Siblings

  The commencement of a loved one is an unforgettable experience for any family, but one bunch of Bearkats relished in three times the glory when the Williams siblings recently collected their diplomas. Tony Williams, Trevor Williams and Taylor Williams, who were all involved with the Sam Houston State University football program, continued their tradition of family and togetherness during the special occasion.

  ---

  

  Natali Maness

  Natali Maness first came to Sam Houston State University as an undergraduate student exactly 100 years after her great-grandfather, Hugo F. Hummel, began his studies at Sam Houston Normal Institute in 1907. Despite the changes and hardships endured since earning her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology a decade ago, she prepares for another Bearkat graduation and her Master of Business Administration diploma.

  ---

  

  Quan Chung

  Quan Chung's creative prowess and passion for design has been evident since the early days of his childhood, when he built Lego and K'Nex models on the floor of his bedroom. As the years progressed and his abilities sprouted with his outgoing personality, he used that drive and Sam Houston State University to establish a roadmap for the future.

  ---

  

  Star Brown

  People often say that when life gets you down, you can either stay down or get back up and start again; upcoming graduate Star Brown believes you should come up swinging.

  ---

  

  Danielle Laird

  “I never thought I would be able to graduate. I didn't know how I was going to juggle everything at all. I just thought at some point it was all going to fall apart, so I am so thrilled to be graduating in May.”

  ---

  

  Andrew Mojica

  Andrew Mojica came to Sam Houston State University from Dallas, and like many of his peers, grappled with the transition from life in the city to the more quiet environment of Huntsville.

  ---

  

  Mateo Seghezzo

  Seghezzo has been devoted to music ever since he was four. He started with the African Djembé, took drum set lessons when he was seven, then developed a love for jazz that led him to move to the States.

• Fall 2022
  

  Kenyon Whiting

  From a young age, Kenyon Whiting has enjoyed making things and observing how systems and operations function. His interests led him to pursue a degree in electronics and computer engineering technology at SHSU.

  ---

  

  Patty Lynn West

  Fifty and Finally Finished. This is a fitting motto for Sam Houston State University First-Gen graduate Patty Lynn West, who will proudly cross the stage in December and receive her diploma at the age of 50. West is completing a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a major in applied science and a minor in management, all online, while working as an inspector for the oil and gas industry.

  ---

  

  Jose David Ramos

  Since middle school, Jose David Ramos knew that criminal justice was the path for him. Ramos’ hard work and language studies have paid off and provided him the opportunity to become an intern at Interpol in France upon graduation.

  ---

  

  Gerald Banaag

  Gerald Banaag started teaching while he was still in school himself back in the Philippines and since then knew he wanted to dive deeper into mathematics and teaching. Thanks to support from his husband, professors and mentors, Banaag was able to complete a Master of Arts in Mathematics degree online while teaching in South Carolina.

  ---

  

  Jessica Mayhew

  Breaking the glass ceiling in any industry is a feat in itself but breaking into the field of agricultural mechanics is a mountainous task that Jessica Mayhew has conquered. After deciding to major in agricultural engineering technology she had to ignore the naysayers and show them that women can lead and succeed in the male dominated industry.

  ---

  

  Devin Glass

  To Devin Glass, service is more than an obligation; it’s a lifestyle. As an active military member and firefighter, you’d be hard-pressed to find an individual graduating this fall who personifies Sam Houston State University’s motto more.

  ---

  

  Dorcas Temitope Adetoyinbo

  Dorcas Adetoyinbo has an unbeatable passion for teaching that has carried her through her college career despite the tremendous challenges she has faced. She began her college career as a first-generation student and graduated with a bachelor’s in mathematics and statistics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, before pursuing a master’s in mathematics at Sam Houston State University.

  ---

  

  Colton Adams

  Colton Adams has never been interested in your sympathy. In fact, he describes the horrific incident that resulted in the loss of his leg from the knee down as a “temporary setback” on his life journey.

• Summer 2022
  

  Alyssa Fitzgerald

  At the young age of 16, the Houston native earned another associate degree as well as a cosmetology license before attending SHSU.

  ---

  

  Hagui Fernando Cardona Sanchez

  Hagui Fernando Cardona Sanchez came to the United States with his family at the age of 14 in pursuit of a better life that would ultimately lead him to SHSU. But starting out, he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

  ---

  

  Tiffany Luna

  Passionate about being a teacher in her future, the self-proclaimed “lover of learning” embraced her college life and grew as an SHSU student, both in and outside the classroom.

  ---

  

  Ashley Ford

  U.S. Army veteran and mother of seven, Ashley Ford is an expert at overcoming hardships. The obstacles in her path never stopped her from finishing school and showing her family and friends that anything is possible.

• Spring 2022
  

  Joshua Rachita

  Sam Houston State University history major, Joshua Rachita, enjoys helping preserve American history. Rachita worked at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum for almost four years, where he gives historical demonstrations as a blacksmith.

  ---

  

  Deirdre Holloway

  When Deirdre Holloway isn’t helping others pursue their educational dreams, she works on continuing hers. While earning her doctoral degree she has also served as director of student affairs in Fort Bend ISD, where she still works today.

  ---

  

  Justina E. Benson

  Justina Benson graduated from high school in Nigeria at age 15 before moving to the US to join her family, who had previously left. Starting over in a new country while also beginning college was intimidating.

  ---

  

  Brandon Fierro

  A first-generation student, Brandon Fierro was raised by a single mom in Carlsbad, New Mexico. With the help of his mother, Fierro decided what to study and what other passions to follow.

  ---

  

  Y Luong

  Studying abroad can be tricky due to the language barrier. When Y Luong joined the Sam Houston State University community as an international student from Vietnam, hardships during the pandemic made her experience even more challenging. With support from the campus community, she was able to still pursue her academic and career dreams.

  ---

  

  David Jimenez Gomez Jr.

  In a span of 2.5 years at Sam Houston State, David Gomez will graduate early this May and plans to continue his path in graduate school next.

  ---

  

  Annette Gutierrez

  An accounting graduate student at Sam Houston State University, Annette Gutierrez plans to give back to the community that gave so much to her when she needed it. After graduating this semester, Gutierrez will begin her career in Houston, Texas as an audit staff at Ernst & Young.

  ---

  

  Shamika Kelley

  As a research director at The Forensic Center, a doctoral student, and a mother to three children, Shamika Kelley has had to learn the meaning of the word “balance.”

  ---

  

  Destiny Burton

  Destiny Burton was able to find herself and the type of teacher she wants to be within the different organizations she participated in at SHSU. Burton was the president of College of Education Ambassador, co-president of Texas Association of Future Educators, member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, TRiO SSS, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and Truth College Ministry.

• Fall 2021
  

  Courtney Paulson

  Originally from Belize, Courtney Paulson’s dedication to her education at Sam Houston State University and the United States Army is evident in her work ethic. Paulson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

  ---

  

  Courtney Malecek

  Courtney Malecek didn’t anticipate being a college student and a new mother at the same time. She also didn’t expect to experience such tremendous grief. During that time, she found comfort knowing she wasn’t alone. Within her campus community she met others dealing with loss, hardship and stress.

  ---

  

  Anne Weathersby

  Mother to a second-grader, graduate student and full-time staff member are all titles that describe Sam Houston State University’s Anne Weathersby. Weathersby will graduate with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, and she plans to continue working as assistant to the chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

  ---

  

  Jessica Smotherman

  A criminal justice major at SHSU, Jessica Smotherman has closed a chapter of life that took her over 10 years to write. Despite the struggles, she has earned a bachelor’s degree and dedicated it to her mother.

  ---

  

  Jeannine Ramirez

  Learning the ropes of college can be tricky for any student, but when Jeannine Ramirez’s life was suddenly interrupted by fears of presumed deportation, it took her stress to a new level. Despite the challenges of uncertainty, she continued on her educational path in pursuing her dream of a career in accounting.

  ---

  

  Tiffany Taylor-Jordan

  For Tiffany Taylor-Jordan, being a Bearkat graduate has become a family tradition, even if the journey was not a traditional route. Taylor-Jordan, who is graduating this fall with a bachelor’s degree in education, decided to finish her degree 20 years after she started.

  ---

  

  Carlos Zimmerman

  Carlos Zimmerman has seen plenty of victories celebrated as a play-by-play announcer for 90.5 KSHU radio in Huntsville. This fall, Zimmerman celebrates a victory of his own by crossing the stage at commencement with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Sam Houston State University.

  ---

  

  Carson Gordon

  Carson Gordon, a third generation Sam Houston State University student, will be continuing her education after graduation by pursuing an MBA at SHSU. Her Bearkat family legacy begins with her grandfather who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree at SHSU. The trend continued as Gordon’s father and mother met here. After her father graduated, he served in the Army for 26 years, carrying Bearkat pride to Afghanistan with an SHSU flag.

  ---

  

  Vasty Nazario

  A bilingual health care studies major at Sam Houston State University, Vasty Nazario plans to continue helping bridge the language barrier gap, specifically when it comes to medical information and care. Upon graduation this month, Nazario will begin her career as a qualified mental health professional with Marvelous Counseling & Therapy, PLLC in Houston, where she began as a receptionist three years ago.

  ---

  

  Mikah Boyd

  Mikah Boyd’s passion for journalism led her to Sam Houston State University’s mass communications department as a transfer student. Once she arrived at SHSU, she soon found her sense of belonging, a strong support system, and things began to improve.  

  ---

  

  Emily McMillen

  Emily McMillen will be using her degree in Human Resource Management with an HR consulting firm, Achilles Group, after graduation. In her new role, she is hoping to improve the lives of employees by working with businesses on bettering employee accommodations. 

  ---

  

  Kismot Kamal

  As a first-generation student from Lagos, Nigeria, adjusting to college life wasn’t easy for Kismot Kamal. Although finance and transportation difficulties made it hard while working several jobs, that didn’t stop her from fulling her dream of earning a degree in healthcare administration from Sam Houston State University.

  ---

• Summer 2021
  

  Danielle and Quenton White

  “My biggest supporter has definitely been my husband. He was there with me going through the same experiences as a college student, and we encouraged each other not to give up.”

  ---

  

  Brianne Russell

  “I couldn’t have completed my time at Sam without staying up late studying with my friends, great professors, my internship supervisors and my family’s support.”

  ---

  

  Joana Rivas

  “I feel that in these short years at Sam that I have grown so much, not only as a student, but as a person.”

• Spring 2021
  

  Rachel Menchaca

  “The School of Music, The College of Education, and Sam Houston State as a whole, have helped me accomplish the soul, the musician, the student, and the educator that I was meant to be.”

  

  Dustin Gaona

  After completing 47 hours of core curriculum through Brazosport College, Gaona continued his educational journey at SHSU in 2019 and just two years later, he is happy to be graduating. While his studies at SHSU may have been brief, he certainly made an impact with the campus community, recently earning the ‘Outstanding Freshman Leader’ Sammy Award.

  

  Ariana Horner Sutherland

  “Coming all the way from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I was happy to find a family in the School of Music here at Sam. I will never forget the connections and memories I've made here with the incredible faculty and students.”

  

  Jonathan Owens

  As a first-generation student starting out a SHSU, Jonathan Owens was faced with the many challenges of navigating through a brand-new world with little experience. Despite the struggles, he found the support he needed and the spirit of perseverance to pull-through and earn a degree.

  

  Eric Webster

  “Service toward the wellbeing of others is not a switch that can be turned on or off. It is something one must choose to embrace. It is during disastrous times and experiences such as these, that the meaning of, "The measure of a Life is its Service" is truly understood.”

  

  Adrian Lira

  “I was very impressed by the representation and diversity of the faculty in the Counselor Education program. This was instrumental in my decision to apply and attend the graduate program. It was the first time that I was taught and, ultimately, mentored by professors who shared my ethnic and cultural background, and who understood the intricacies of being bilingual and providing services in languages other than English.”

  

  Christian Hockless

  “Learning more about myself has really helped me understand my work ethic and transformation from a kid with ideas, but was too self-conscious and insecure, to someone who speaks up as a leader.”

  

  Jessica Caceres

  “My mother taught me that the adversity can bring perspective, and my grandmother showed me the strength found in humility. After I graduate, I hope to live a life that is worthy of their sacrifices.”

  

  Jordan Johnson

  Jordan Johnson has been the Sam Houston State University student body president since May 2020. During her time at SHSU, she was also a part of the Orange Pride, served as co-executive director of the Center for Diversity & Intercultural Affairs, was the 2020 Miss Piney Woods Pageant winner, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Kappa Psi.

  

  Katie Willard

  Katie Willard currently serves as an inventory specialist with SHSU Facilities Management. She is the recipient of the Wood Matthews Scholarship Fund, the Loretta J Hankins Endowed Scholarship, the John C. and Wilma McAdams Memorial Scholarship, the Joe M. MacKenzie Scholarship, and the Jim Stevens Information Technology Scholarship.

Summer 2025 FAQs

• Is there a change to the commencement stage procedure?

  For the safety of all students, increasing accessibility, and like other universities in the state, we are moving the stage to the floor as part of the ceremony. Graduates will be recognized by name and receive their diplomas from President White. This change will not limit the audience’s view of the graduates.

• What should graduates bring or not bring to Commencement?

  What to Bring and What Not to Bring

  • Bring your graduation cap (with tassel), appropriate gown, and appropriate hood (masters and doctoral candidates), and hat (doctoral candidates).
  • Purses and backpacks are not permitted on the coliseum floor. Items left unattended in the line-up rooms of the HKC are not the responsibility of the graduation personnel.
• Where will the Commencement ceremonies be held?

  All ceremonies will be held at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum at Sam Houston State University.

  Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
  1964 Bobby K Marks Drive
  Huntsville, TX 77340

  Open on Google Maps Parking Map

• I am graduating. When should I arrive?

  Graduates should check-in at the Health and Kinesiology Center at least one hour prior to their scheduled ceremony. Signage will be posted in the general area to follow to the check-in location. 

• How do I know which college ceremony to attend?

  Students can locate the college to which they belong in DegreeWorks. Information regarding specific college ceremonies can be found on the Commencement website. 

• Where should guests park?

  Guest may park in several lots at no charge for Commencement. Complimentary shuttles will be available 90 minutes prior to each ceremony for ADA or mobility impaired guests. Vehicles with ADA rearview parking tags should park in the lower lot, east of the Coliseum.

  Commencement Parking Map

• Will tickets be required for guests?

  Tickets are required for Commencement and eligible graduates will receive an initial guest ticket allotment of 8 tickets per graduate. Additional guest tickets may be available at a later time. Graduates will be notified if additional tickets become available. Graduates may reserve tickets using their SAM ID starting DATE COMING SOON. Graduates will not need to claim a ticket for Commencement; however, all guests must present a ticket to gain admittance. A live webcast will be provided for all ceremonies for those who are unable to attend.

  To Claim Guest Tickets

  1. Visit GoBearkats.com.
  2. Select Tickets Tab & then select Buy Tickets.
  3. Select Login button to access your account.
  4. Use your SHSU Email to login.
  5. You will then use a password that you have previously set up or have a 6-digit code sent to your SHSU email.
  6. Select Commencement Tickets.
  7. Select Find Tickets for your ceremony.
  8. Choose up to 8 seats on the seat map.
  9. Click Add to cart button after selections are made.
  10. Select the Check Out button.
  11. Enter your number and check the Text my Tickets box if you want to receive your tickets by text. Your tickets will be emailed to you regardless.
  12. Select the Place Your Order button when you are done.
  13. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket information shortly afterwards.
  14. Please review this guide for transferring digital tickets before transferring or adding your tickets to your phones wallet. 

  Claim Guest Tickets

  Seat Map

• What if I have guests that need ADA seating?
  • Those guests with disabilities who wish to sit in special sections on the coliseum floor will be directed to those areas by University Police Officers and ushers.
  • Additional information, please visit the Guests with Disabilities page.
• How can I request disability accommodations for the Commencement ceremonies at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum?

  Graduates may request reasonable accommodations through the Office of the Registrar.

• Do guests with disabilities require tickets?
  • All guests will require a ticket to gain entrance to the coliseum.
  • There are not specified tickets for ADA seating, tickets will be reserved with the other allotted tickets.
• Can disabled guests have someone accompany them?
  • Disabled guests are allowed no more than one individual to accompany and sit with them in ADA seating.
• How early should disabled guests arrive?
  • Guests with disabilities should arrive roughly 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
  • Enter the Coliseum through the east tunnel (see parking directions below).
• Do children require a ticket?
  • Children ages 3 and under (or capable of sitting on someone’s lap) will not require a ticket.
• Do I need to wear regalia to the ceremony?

  Yes, SHSU approved regalia can be ordered through Herff Jones prior to the commencement ceremony. 

  Regalia can also be purchased through the SHSU Bookstore up until Commencement. Deadline to order regalia is COMING SOON.

• When should my guests arrive?

  Doors will open an hour and a half in advance of each ceremony. It is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour prior to the ceremony to allow time to park, navigate to Johnson Coliseum, have tickets scanned, and find seats.

  Seat Map

• Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

  Yes, the ceremony will be live and immediately available for on-demand viewing. After the ceremony, the video will be archived on the university’s Commencement website. 

• When will I receive my diploma?

  Actual diplomas will be mailed to the permanent legal address on record (check your permanent legal address) approximately eight weeks after commencement. Students should confirm address information prior to the last day of the term in order to ensure diplomas are mailed to the correct address.

• Are there established social media hashtags?

  #SHSU25. We would love for you to share photos of yourself in your regalia, with your family, making commencement memories. You can share those with us on social media using our hashtag.

• Are noise makers allowed?

  As a courtesy to all graduates, we do not allow noise makers during the graduation ceremonies.