Commencement Fall 2024

2024

CO M M E NC E M E NT

A S E RV I C E O F C O M M E N C E M E N T December 7, 2024

GATHERING Welcome

Dan Gregory, ‘06 Vice President of Finance & Administration

Procession

WORD Invocation

Rev. Jake Boessling Campus Pastor, Vice President of Faith Identity and Culture

Reading: John 15:1-5

Deborah Rich Herczeg Board of Regents

Commencement Address

Dr. Donald Christian President Emeritus

Faculty and Staff Awards

Presented by Dr. KC Pospisil, MBA, ‘12 Vice President of Academics

CELEBRATING Presentation of the Candidates and Conferring of the Degrees

Dr. Kristi Kirk, ‘95 President and Chief Executive Officer

SENDING Words of Gratitude and Encouragement Benediction

Dr. Kristi Kirk President and Chief Executive Officer Rev. Jake Boessling Campus Pastor, Vice President of Faith Identity and Culture

Recession

We ask that you be courteous to others by turning off all cell phones and electronic devices and refrain from standing in the aisles. While it is appropriate to rejoice at this festive moment, the use of air horns and other disruptive devices is not permitted. Following the service, please remain in your seats until our graduates recess and exit.

2

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

Z I E L K E P R O C E S S I O N A L M AC E The Zielke Processional Mace is a gift of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Carved from ebony by the Makonde people of Southeast Tanzania, the mace illustrates Proverbs 4:13, “Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life—guard it well” (TEV). Carved on the mace are students in various roles of study and worship.

The symbol of the Trinity and the cross in the world are also carved on the mace. Maces have been used as symbols of authority by governmental and educational entities for centuries. At Concordia University Texas, the mace represents the symbol of authority of the faculty to grant degrees. The mace is named after Dr. Donald Zielke who served as University Marshall for 21 years. Concordia Texas celebrates the life of Dr. Donald “Don” Zielke, who passed away in 2021 after more than 50 years of faithful service to Concordia Texas.

ABOU T DR. DONALD CHR IST I AN Commencement speaker

Former President and Chief Executive Officer | Concordia Texas’s 9th Executive Leader Dr. Donald Christian served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Concordia University Texas from August 1, 2014, until his retirement in 2024. With a career dedicated to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Dr. Christian brought a wealth of experience, faith-driven leadership, and a commitment to excellence during his decade-long presidency.

His tenure was marked by transformative achievements that reshaped the University’s identity and mission. Under Dr. Christian’s guidance, Concordia Texas earned recognition as a Hispanic-serving institution in 2019, underscoring its dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Dr. Christian championed two strategic plans that defined the University’s path forward. “A Strong Foundation” strengthened Concordia Texas’s operations, expanded community engagement, and cultivated centers of excellence across campus. The subsequent “Build. Connect. Thrive.” initiative advanced student success, reinforced the University’s faith identity, and extended its impact throughout Central Texas.

Prior to his presidency, Dr. Christian served as Dean of the College of Business at Concordia Texas for nine years, overseeing significant enrollment growth, the launch of new academic programs, and the development of community-focused initiatives like the Incubator CTX and a community-wide speaker series.

Beyond Concordia Texas, Dr. Christian actively contributed to the broader Austin and Lutheran communities. He served on various boards, including the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he was recognized as CEO of the Year in 2021 for his visionary leadership and contributions to education and the community.

Throughout his career, Dr. Christian remained dedicated to the mission of Lutheran education alongside his wife, Deb. Since moving to Texas in 1986, the couple has faithfully served Lutheran schools and churches in Houston and Austin, exemplifying a life of service and devotion.

With a background spanning education, music, and organizational leadership, Dr. Christian’s legacy is one of innovation, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to Concordia Texas’s Christ-centered mission. His impact on the University and higher education at large endures as an inspiration for future generations.

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

3

DEGR EE EXPLANAT IONS

Doc tor of Educat ion

Concordia University Texas confers the Doctor of Education upon students who have advanced their practical and theoretical knowledge in the field of education through post-master ’s-level coursework, which includes researching, writing, and defending a doctoral dissertation. Candidates for the Doctor of Education degree wear black academic gowns with purple velvet and academic hoods. Hoods are the same color(s) of the college or university conferring the degree (purple and white). Binding or edgings for the hoods are light blue Education.

Master of Business Administration, and Master of Education Concordia University Texas confers master’s degrees upon students who have successfully completed the required credit and have fulfilled all other obligations. Candidates for the Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Master of Public Health degrees wear black academic gowns with academic hoods. Hoods are the same color(s) of the college or university conferring the degree (purple and white). The binding or edgings for the hoods reflect the color distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Concordia University Texas confers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees upon students who have completed at least 120 semester hours of valid credit and have fulfilled all other obligations. Candidates for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees wear black gowns.

Acad e mic Honor s Degree-seeking undergraduate students who have earned at least 30 credit hours at Concordia University Texas and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 are eligible to graduate with honors awarded as follows: summa cum laude 3.900 – 4.000, magna cum laude 3.750 – 3.889, and cum laude 3.500 – 3.749. Latin honor graduates wear purple and white cords with their academic gowns.

4

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

COM M ENC EM EN T NOT E S Tradition of Academic Dress

The history of academic dress dates from at least the 12th century, when long gowns were needed for warmth in the unheated buildings used by medieval scholars. Today, gowns from different institutions vary in color, but most are black, except the associate gown, which is gray. Neither the bachelor’s nor the master’s gown features trim, but doctoral gowns are faced down the front with velvet and hold three horizontal bars of the same fabric across the sleeves. Hoods for master’s and doctoral attire are the same color(s) of the college or university conferring the degree. The binding or edgings for the hoods reflect the color distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.

For academic purposes, the color associated with the different academic subject fields are as follows:

Arts, Letters, Humanities White

Nursing Apricot

Commerce, Business Drab

Oratory (Speech) Silvery Gray

Economics Copper

Philosophy Dark Blue

Education Light Blue

Physical Education Sage Green

Fine Arts, incl. Architecture Brown

Public Administration Peacock Blue

Journalism Crimson

Public Health Salmon Pink

Law Purple

Science Science Gold

Library Science Lemon

Social Work Citron

Music Pink

Theology Scarlet

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

5

HONOR SOCIET IES AND ST U DENT ORGANI ZAT IONS Α Χ | Alpha C hi

Alpha Chi - Alpha Chi is a nationally affiliated honor society for juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.50 or greater and who rank in the top 10% of their classes. Members wear blue and green cords with their academic gowns.

Λ Π Η | Lambda P i Eta

Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. Membership is open to juniors and seniors who have completed at least 12 semester credit hours in communication studies, have a minimum 3.0 overall cumulative GPA, and have a minimum 3.25 GPA for all communication courses.

P L Q | Pi Lambda T heta

Pi Lambda Theta is a nationally affiliated honor society for junior or senior undergraduate, graduate, and certificate/diploma Education students with a GPA of 3.50 or greater. Members wear gold cords with their academic gowns.

Ψ C | Psi C hi

Psi Chi is an international honor society with the purpose to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. To be eligible, students must rank in the upper 35% of their respective classes in general scholarship, earn an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and demonstrate superior scholarship in psychology by earning a GPA of least 3.0 or better in psychology courses. Members of Psi Chi wear platinum and dark blue cords or a platinum sash with their academic gowns.

S B D | Sig ma Beta Delta

Sigma Beta Delta is the highest nationally recognized honor society for junior or senior undergraduate and graduate students of business management and administration. Members must rank in the top 20% of the class and be invited to membership by the faculty officers. Members wear green and gold cords with their academic gowns.

Σ Τ Δ | Sig ma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta is an international academic honor society, with service components in 11 countries and the 50 United States. Members represent all majors as undergraduates and English programs as graduate students.

Undergraduates meet a GPA of 3.0 or greater in English, and graduate students meet a GPA of 3.3 or greater.

Members wear red and black cords or stoles with their academic gowns.

Black St ud e nt U nion K e nte Stole

Graduates who adorn the Black Student Union Kente stole are members of the Concordia University Texas Black Student Union, a student-run organization committed to sharing and celebrating the African Diaspora with the campus community. Kente cloth is a symbol of African heritage, and the wearing of the Kente stole during commencement is in recognition of students as members of the Black Student Union and as graduates of Concordia University Texas.

C hr ist ian Mission D ist inc t ive P in

The Christian Mission Distinctive pin is awarded to those who served on a mission trip during their time at Concordia University Texas.

6

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

HONOR SOCIET IES AND ST U DENT ORGANI ZAT IONS Concordia Vete ran s Cor ps Cords

Graduates who adorn the Concordia Veterans Corps Cords are recognized as student veterans by the student organization, which serves to provide support, advocacy, and community for student veterans on campus. The wearing of the red, white and blue cords during commencement is in recognition of students as military veterans and as graduates of Concordia University Texas.

Fir st – Ge n e rat ion Cords

Graduates who adorn the purple and gold braided cords are First-Generation college students. A First-Generation student is whom identifies as first in their family to attend college.

Tor nado Trailblaze r s P rog ram Cords

Graduates who adorn the lime green cords were members of the Tornado Trailblazers Program in their freshman year at CTX. Students in Trailblazers are committed to developing their identity as scholars and leaders and exploring their unique contributions to the world.

Lat in Am e r ican St ud e nt O r ganizat ion S e rape Stole

Graduates who adorn the serape stole are members of the Concordia University Texas Latin American Student Association, a student-run organization committed to building and sustaining a community of shared heritage and cultural values. The serape is a symbol of the Hispanic heritage, and the purple in the stole represents the Concordia Texas community’s support of our Latin@ graduates.

L ead e r s w ith Impac t Stole

Leaders with Impact is an honor society which recognizes student leaders who serve 20 or more hours for a minimum of two semesters with the Concordia Texas Service-Learning Program. All eligible service must be done at organizations that are formal service partners of the Service-Learning Program. The purpose of the society is to give students who are passionate about service a place to grow, serve, and build community among each other.

St ud e nt Gove r nm e nt & L ead e r s hip A ssoc iat ion Cords

Graduates who adorn the Student Government & Leadership Association Cords are members of the Concordia University Texas Student Government & Leadership Association, the principal student organization on campus that exists to provide a means of effective communication and cooperation between students and the administration, leading to a beneficial exchange of ideas and programs for improving religious, social, and academic life. The wearing of the red and blue cords during commencement is in recognition of students as members of the Student Government & Leadership Association and as graduates of Concordia University Texas.

Honor s Medal

The purple and gold honors medal is worn by students who received awards within their college or school.

S c hool of Minist r y Stole

Graduates who are completing degrees or programs within the School of Ministry wear purple stoles with white lettering.

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

7

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Fall 2024

College of Arts & Sciences School of Fine Arts

Dr. Kelly Gordon, Director BACHELOR OF ARTS Calen Croft (Music)

School of Humanities & Social Sciences Dr. Ann Schwartz, Director

BACHELOR OF ARTS Mathew Armes (Multidisciplinary Studies) Nestor Castellanos (Multidisciplinary Studies) magna cum laude Melissa Centeno (Criminal Justice & Criminology) cum laude Mercy Centeno (Psychology) Miranda Collier (Multidisciplinary Studies) cum laude Ciarrah Garofalo (Behavioral Sciences) magna cum laude Rachel Gorgo (Multidisciplinary Studies) Brandon Goynes (Multidisciplinary Studies) Michael Havron (Multidisciplinary Studies) summa cum laude Patricia Heckendorn (Multidisciplinary Studies) Cristian Jimenez (Multidisciplinary Studies) Bailey Johnson (Multidisciplinary Studies) Darryl Jones (Criminal Justice & Criminology) Janiya Laikram (Psychology)

8

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

Elizabeth Lewis (Psychology) summa cum laude Miranda Maddox (Multidisciplinary Studies) Maria Malolos (Multidisciplinary Studies) Serenity Mcintosh (Psychology) Kevin Morales (Criminal Justice & Criminology) Jamie Porter (Criminal Justice & Criminology) Tamia Reese (Psychology) Jousie Rodriguez (Multidisciplinary Studies) Haydon Russell (Psychology) Jamie Springfield (Psychology) cum laude Molly Stewart (Multidisciplinary Studies) summa cum laude Maddison Weddle (Psychology) Heather Young (Multidisciplinary Studies)

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Fall 2024

College of Arts & Sciences School of Ministry

Dr. Grant Carey, Director BACHELOR OF ARTS Ty Broyles (Religious Education) Connor Colangelo (Religious Education) Raley Ehlers (Religious Education) summa cum laude John Samuel Ravikumar Manuel (Religious Education)

School of Natural & Applied Sciences Dr. Eric Staron, Director

BACHELOR OF ARTS Brandon Allen (Computer Science) cum laude Mercy Centeno (Biology) Terra Wallace (Computer Science) cum laude

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Randi Best (Mathematics) magna cum laude Cameron Engstrom (Computer Science) Ashton Fisher (Biology) summa cum laude

Ross Greves (Computer Science) Lynette Swanson (Environmental Science and Conservation) cum laude

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

9

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Fall 2024

College of Business & Communication Angela Clements, Director

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Viviana Alonso Sharon Carter Cerita Dockery Katherine Duran Hang Diem Mai Jennifer Martinez

Oabona Moncho Jackie Peaslee James Pratt Tevin Smith Angelica Smithwick Gina Stuart

BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS & SCIENCES Jessica Gonzalez (Applied Business) summa cum laude Samantha O’Leary (Applied Business)

BACHELOR OF ARTS Averi Blood (Communication) cum laude Julian Ferraro (Communication) magna cum laude Avery Meiteen (Communication)

Catherine Sanders (Communication) summa cum laude Taylor Smith (Communication) summa cum laude

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Ryan Bailey cum laude Joeri Bregman Marco Casulli Valerie Daniels magna cum laude Aya Elhadidi summa cum laude Nicholas Evans Julian Galaviz Colin Garrett cum laude Theo Givens Gustavo Hernandez Lizbeth Herrera summa cum laude Chelsea Huntley magna cum laude Colby Kalbacher summa cum laude 10

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

Keyler Maguilbray summa cum laude Matthew Mccoy Samantha Miethke magna cum laude Rayna Pack Dakota Palmer summa cum laude Abigail Petering cum laude Nicholas Reak cum laude Taylor Rocheleau magna cum laude Kaitlyn Ruiz Gavin Seesholtz magna cum laude Michelle Sirles cum laude Jenna Townsley magna cum laude Kangxuan Xu cum laude

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Fall 2024

College of Education Dr. Stephanie Hartzell, Director

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION Lora Berrong

Dissertation: A Qualitative Case Study Examining How School Leaders Cultivate a Positive School Culture

Bradley Brittain

Sandra Merriweather:

Dissertation: General Education Teachers’ Perceptions and Understanding of Trauma Informed Practices and Pedagogy and Its Impact in Elementary Schools

Dissertation: Mentoring Relationships in Youth Ministry Internships

Marcello Monterrosa

Katrice Elder

Factors

Administrators Address Bullying

Dana Qaimary Siaj

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Study of How Middle School

Kelvin “Manny” Iloba

Dissertation: Examining the Impact of Professor-Student Relationships on Student Level of Engagement at a Private, Non-Profit Institution

Dissertation: Bilingual Teacher Perceptions of Self-Efficacy and Technology

Dissertation: The Role of AI-Driven Marketing Campaigns in Enhancing University Student Recruitment and Retention: An Evaluation of Effectiveness and Challenges​

Edna Sokoll-Arévalo

C-R-I-P Title: Virtual Career Exploration Coaching Program Research

MASTER OF EDUCATION Reid Bradley Felix Gonzalez Natalia Marquez

Christopher Mendoza William Stephens

BACHELOR OF ARTS Mikayla Howard (Interdisciplinary Studies) Elizabeth Jones (Interdisciplinary Studies) cum laude

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

11

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Fall 2024

College of Health Sciences Dr. Amber Shammas, Senior Director

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Kylexus Block (Kinesiology) Jada Calais (Kinesiology) Vianney Frias (Kinesiology) cum laude Gerardo Guevara (Kinesiology) Sheridan Habeeb (Kinesiology) summa cum laude Zoe Hunt (Kinesiology)

Kallie Krenz (Kinesiology) Adrian Munguia (Kinesiology) Joshua Redding (Kinesiology) Antwan Stephens (Kinesiology) Marc Valdoria (Kinesiology) cum laude

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Deepti Agarwal magna cum laude Ingrid Aguirre summa cum laude Kayla Aulet Elizabeth Browning Graycee Burke Sofia Caracheo Nadiah Celedon Karissa Cortez magna cum laude Chacitty Cunningham Aundria Cyrs Ana Diaz cum laude Joycelyn Dubois Sharina Duncan Samantha Dunn Kelly Garcia Danely Garza Chastity Gilmore Williams Lindsey Green cum laude Diana Guerrero Flores Addie Hackney cum laude Mariah Harvey cum laude Serenity Helaire Haley Herry Leora Hourizadeh Carlee Igau Lindsy Jacobs Victoria Jaimes cum laude Aileen Jaimes Jaimes Mecca James Savannah Kari Grace Kierney Emily Kirkpatrick Monica Kruger cum laude 12

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

Goeun Lee Rheyanna Lewis Marlee Lovell cum laude Allison Lowe magna cum laude Axel Medina cum laude Nykema Mpama Crystal Njoku Katelyn Nutt Larissa Perez Felicia Petersen cum laude Falynn Pyterek cum laude Cody Quichocho Jasmin Ramirez Guerrero Halle Reames Maria Rebollar Tavira cum laude Eboni Reeves Julie Reynolds cum laude Yesica Rivas Jose Rodriguez Emarlia Russ Rachael Sanders Shealene Sevier Miranda Sierra Kamryn Smith Stephanie Torres cum laude Aesha Valia Yisel Vargas Emma Visser magna cum laude Ryleigh Ward Daniel Weseloh Trimile White Natalie Yanez Samantha Zuniga magna cum laude

CONCOR DI A U N I V ER SI T Y T EX A S B OA R D O F R E G E N T S Dr. Michelle Abrego Harlingen, TX Kristy Carr Austin, TX Dr. Sandra Doering New Braunfels, TX Casey Fisher Austin, TX Dr. Mary Beth Gaertner Magnolia, TX Rev. Lonnie Gonzales Houston, TX Peter Hames Willis, TX Raymond L. Kym Tomball, TX Scott Linebrink Walburg, TX Raymond Kym Tomball, TX

David Meade San Antonio, TX Rev. Michael Newman San Antonio, TX Dr. Denise Patrick Cedar Park, TX Mike Ratke Farwell, TX Deborah Rich Herczeg San Antonio, TX Sylvia Schmidt La Vernia, Texas Rev. Dr. Stephen Sohns Spring, TX Lance Thompson Houston, TX Betty Voshage Austin, TX

OUR MISSION Concordia University Texas empowers students of all backgrounds to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action and courageous leadership. As a liberal arts university rooted in the Lutheran tradition and aligned with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia develops the mind, heart, soul, and body, preparing leaders for lives of service.

V ISION We are the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning, and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work.

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

13

Whether it’s funding student scholarships, academic programming, or campus growth and development, you can have a significant impact on the future of this institution by including Concordia University Texas in your will.

For more information on how you can include Concordia University Texas in your estate plans, contact the Office of Philanthropy at 512-313-5101.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024 Welcome to the Alumni Association

14

CONCORDI A U NI V ER SIT Y TEX AS COM MENCEMENT

STAY CONNECTED - Stay connected with CTX by updating your contact info at concordia.edu/alumni/stay-connected.

Receive invitations to special events, keep in touch with friends and build new connections within a network spanning nearly 100 years of alumni.

SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT - Use #CTXGrad to share your commencement memories.

alumni@concordia.edu | 512.313.4321

SH AR E YOU R COM MENCEMENT MOMENTS USING #CTXGR AD

15

W I TH G O D W E SH A LL D O VA LI A N TLY. PSALM 60:12