Press Release by Southwest Texas College

  PHOTO ID: Mia Castro of Uvalde at one of the five ceremonies, which were held at the Uvalde County Fairplex Arena on May 8 and 9.

05-20-26                                                                                                                                                             5/20/26

(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) marked its 79th commencement with ceremonies in Uvalde on May 8 and 9, celebrating graduates from dual credit, liberal arts, and applied sciences programs. According to SWTX Registrar Steve Martinez, 1,126 of the 1,363 graduates took part in the spring 2026 ceremonies, joined by family, faculty, and staff in recognition of the achievement. LIST OF GRADUATES

  Ceremony highlights

  The ceremonies featured remarks centered on perseverance, preparation and opportunity, with Vice President of Academic Affairs April Ruhmann telling graduates their success was “the beginning” of new accomplishments. Families, faculty, staff and school district partners were thanked for helping students reach graduation day. PHOTOS

  Academic honors

  The ceremonies recognized graduates earning honors such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude and Phi Theta Kappa distinction. College leaders also noted the role of dual credit and early college partnerships in helping students earn college credit while still in high school.

 Program details

  The commencement schedule included two dual credit early college high school ceremonies, a liberal arts ceremony and two applied sciences ceremonies. Officials from Southwest Texas College, including board members and administrators, participated in the ceremonies and conferred degrees and diplomas. The ceremonies were streamed on the college’s official YouTube channel.

  Graduates can purchase their photos by using the link below.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The college’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

   To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

Uvalde, TX, February 24, 2023 – Southwest Texas Junior College graduated 16 powerline technicians on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Tate Auditorium in Uvalde.

The graduates include Jody Belman, Toshua Camacho, Roberto Garcia, Jose Gauna, Adrian Gonzales, Crider Hardin, Paul Hernandez, and Christopher Lopez.

Other graduates include Michael Lopez, Logan Martinez, Oscar Meza, Joaquin Puente, Santiago Reyna, Michael Rios, Troy Ruiz, and Alberto Vera.

Jimmy Earnest, AEP External Affairs Manager, delivered the keynote address to the graduates, their families, and friends.

Others on hand were SWTJC Dean of Applied Sciences Johnny Guzman, SWTJC Vice President Dr. Mark Underwood, Workforce Training and Development Director Kristel Sanchez, Workforce Coordinator Marisa Hinojosa, and powerline instructor Rodolfo Ballesteros.

About Southwest Texas Junior College 

Founded almost 70 years ago, Southwest Texas Junior College is a comprehensive, public college serving eleven counties in Southwest Texas. The College provides accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.swtjc.edu.