Welcome Dan Gregory, ‘06 Vice President of Finance & Administration Procession
WORD
Invocation
Reading: John 15:1-5
Commencement Address
Faculty and Staff Awards
Rev. Jake Boessling Campus Pastor, Vice President of Faith Identity and Culture
Deborah Rich Herczeg Board of Regents
Dr. Donald Christian President Emeritus
Presented by Dr. KC Pospisil, MBA, ‘12 Vice President of Academics
CELEBRATING
Presentation of the Candidates and Conferring of the Degrees
SENDING
Dr. Kristi Kirk, ‘95 President and Chief Executive Officer
Words of Gratitude and Encouragement
Benediction
Recession
Dr. Kristi Kirk President and Chief Executive Officer
Rev. Jake Boessling Campus Pastor, Vice President of Faith Identity and Culture
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.
ZIELKE PROCESSIONAL MACE
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.
ABOUT DR. DONALD CHRISTIAN 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.
DEGREE EXPLANATIONS
Doctor of Education
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.
Academic Honors
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.
COMMENCEMENT NOTES
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
Commerce, Business Drab
Economics Copper
Education Light Blue
Fine Arts, incl. Architecture Brown
Journalism Crimson
Law Purple
Library Science Lemon
Music Pink
Nursing Apricot
Oratory (Speech) Silvery Gray
Philosophy Dark Blue
Physical Education Sage Green
Public Administration Peacock Blue
Public Health Salmon Pink
Science Science Gold
Social Work Citron
Theology Scarlet
HONOR SOCIETIES AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Α Χ | Alpha Chi
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 Pi 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 Theta
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 Chi
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 | Sigma 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 | Sigma 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 Student Union Kente 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.
Christian Mission Distinctive Pin
The Christian Mission Distinctive pin is awarded to those who served on a mission trip during their time at Concordia University Texas.
HONOR SOCIETIES AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Concordia Veterans Corps 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.
First – Generation 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.
Tornado Trailblazers Program 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.
Latin American Student Organization Serape 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.
Leaders with Impact 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.
Student Government & Leadership Association 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.
Honors Medal
The purple and gold honors medal is worn by students who received awards within their college or school.
School of Ministry Stole
Graduates who are completing degrees or programs within the School of Ministry wear purple stoles with white lettering.
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)
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
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
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
Dissertation: Mentoring Relationships in Youth Ministry Internships
Katrice Elder
Dissertation: A Phenomenological Study of How Middle School Administrators Address Bullying
Kelvin “Manny” Iloba
Dissertation: Examining the Impact of Professor-Student Relationships on Student Level of Engagement at a Private, Non-Profit Institution
Sandra Merriweather:
Dissertation: General Education Teachers’ Perceptions and Understanding of Trauma Informed Practices and Pedagogy and Its Impact in Elementary Schools
Marcello Monterrosa
Dissertation: Bilingual Teacher Perceptions of Self-Efficacy and Technology Factors
Dana Qaimary Siaj
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
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Mikayla Howard (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Elizabeth Jones (Interdisciplinary Studies) cum laude
Christopher Mendoza
William Stephens
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)
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
Kallie Krenz (Kinesiology)
Adrian Munguia (Kinesiology)
Joshua Redding (Kinesiology)
Antwan Stephens (Kinesiology)
Marc Valdoria (Kinesiology) cum laude
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
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
BOARD OF REGENTS
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.
VISION
We are the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning, and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work.
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
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