The listing of graduates is based upon information provided prior to printing of the program. The appearance or absence of any name in the program does not constitute recognition or denial of completion of degree requirements nor the conferring of honors.
The program is issued as a ceremonial publication and is not an official record of graduates. The awarding of degrees will be based on the outcome of final examinations and final grades. The university apologizes for any errors or omissions.
Letter from the Chancellor
Dear University of Houston-Clear Lake Graduates,
On behalf of the University of Houston System, I congratulate you on reaching this remarkable milestone. Receiving your college degree is an incredible achievement, and today we celebrate you.
Your degree not only reflects your intellect and knowledge, but it also signifies your grit, drive and ingenuity. At UHCL, you’ve developed character and invaluable life skills to propel you throughout your career and lifetime. Be confident knowing you are equipped to reach your full potential.
You now join the ranks of UHCL alumni who have gone on to remarkable success in their fields, and I know you’ll do the same.
As you leave this university and embark on a new path, please thank your professors, advisors, family and friends who supported you along the way. Keep them posted on your progress. Moreover, stay connected to your university as a volunteer or student mentor. I know you’ll continue to grow and have so much to share.
Once again, congratulations. We’re proud of you and look forward to news of your future success. Go Hawks!
With warm regards,
Renu Khator Chancellor, University of Houston System
Ceremony Program
College of Science and Engineering and College of Human Sciences and Humanities
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.
PROCESSIONAL
CALL TO ORDER
NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION
PRESIDENT’S GREETING
COMMENCEMENT GREETINGS
STUDENT ADDRESS
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES
COMMENCEMENT READERS
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
INDUCTION INTO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL
COMMENCEMENT MARSHALS
Pomp and Circumstance , Elgar
Jason Makepeace, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Art,
College of Human Sciences and Humanities
The Star-Spangled Banner, Key
Darin Kliesing
B achelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Richard Walker, Ed.D.
President, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Adrian Caraves
U HS Student Regent
N elson Carter, Ed.D.
S enior Lecturer, Mathematics
C ollege of Science and Engineering
Faculty Council Secretary
Patrick Cadriel
B achelor of Science in Behavioral Science
Edward R. Waller, Ph.D.
Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Jennifer Irvin, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Science and Engineering
G lenn M. Sanford, J.D., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Human Sciences and Humanities
Pradeep Buddharaju, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Computer
Information Systems
C ollege of Science and Engineering
Maria Wilson, Ed.D., LMSW, LVN
Assistant Professor of Social Work
College of Human Sciences and Humanities
Richard Walker, Ed.D.
President, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Reece Tuscano
Master of Science in Software Engineering
J uana Rodriguez, ‘18 B.S.
Chair, UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors
Ramya Sri Achanta
Master of Science in Computer Science
Crown Imperial March , Walton
Jason Makepeace, M.F.A. , President’s Marshal, College of Human Sciences and Humanities
L arry Rohde, Ph.D. , Grand Marshal, C ollege of Science and Engineering
College of Science and Engineering
Cynthia L. Howard, Ph.D. , Dean’s Marshal
Richard L. Puzdrowski Jr. , Ph.D. , Student’s Marshal
College of Human Sciences and Humanities
Kimberly Dodson, Ph.D. , Dean’s Marshal
Paul Fullmer, M.S. , Student’s Marshal
College of Business and College of Education
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 3:00 p.m.
PROCESSIONAL
CALL TO ORDER
NATIONAL ANTHEM
I NVOCATION
PRESIDENT’S GREETING
COMMENCEMENT GREETINGS
STUDENT ADDRESS
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES
COMMENCEMENT READERS
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
INDUCTION INTO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL C OMMENCEMENT MARSHALS
Pomp and Circumstance, Elgar
Caroline M. Crawford, Ed.D. Professor of Instructional Design and Technology, College of Education
The Star-Spangled Banner, Key Melanie Rojas Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Richard Walker, Ed.D. President, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Adrian Caraves UHS Student Regent
Lisa B. Gossett, J.D. Associate Professor of Environmental Management Department Chair of Management College of Business
Alishan Lalani Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Edward R. Waller, Ph.D.
Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Troy Voelker, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business
Kim Martin-Long, Ph.D. Interim Dean, College of Education
Kathleen Garland, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer of Environmental Management, College of Business
Omah M. Williams-Duncan, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction College of Education
Richard Walker, Ed.D. President, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Crystal Leibas Master of Healthcare Administration
Juana Rodriguez, ‘18 B.S. Chair, UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors
Shanita Renee’ Sheppard-Johnson Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Crown Imperial March, Walton
Caroline M. Crawford, Ed.D., President’s Marshal, College of Human Sciences and Humanities
Anne Anders, Ph.D., Grand Marshal, College of Business College of Business
Clifton Mayfield, Ph.D., Dean’s Marshal
Jian Lin, Ph.D., Student’s Marshal College of Science and Engineering
Randy L. Seevers, Ph.D., Dean’s Marshal
Elizabeth Walsh, Ed.D., Student’s Marshal
Letter from the President
Dear Graduates:
On behalf of the entire University of Houston-Clear Lake community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on this extraordinary achievement. Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and perseverance. It’s a privilege to celebrate this moment with you and to honor all you’ve accomplished during your time at UHCL.
As you step forward from this university, I encourage you to recognize the incredible potential within you. The world will challenge you and bring uncertainty, but you are ready to lead, innovate, and inspire. Your knowledge, skills, and resilience are your greatest assets. Lean into them with confidence and stay committed to your pursuit of excellence.
Graduation is not only a personal triumph; it is a shared success. Behind every graduate is a network of encouragement: family, friends, faculty, and mentors who believed in you every step of the way. Their support has been a powerful force on your journey, and we celebrate them, too.
Today, you join a proud and growing network of more than 83,000 UHCL alumni. I invite you to stay connected to your alma mater and remain active in our alumni community. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or giving back, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we continue to strengthen UHCL’s impact and inspire higher for generations to come.
I am incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished and excited for all that lies ahead. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement. Go Hawks!
Sincerely,
Richard Walker, Ed.D. President University of Houston-Clear Lake
Letter from the Provost
Dear Graduates:
On behalf of the entire academic leadership team, it is my distinct honor and joy to congratulate you on this extraordinary achievement. Today, we celebrate not only your personal success, but the collective pride of your families, friends, mentors, and the entire University of Houston-Clear Lake community.
Your graduation marks a significant milestone. Take a moment to reflect on the hard work, perseverance, and growth that brought you here, and a moment of anticipation for the exciting journey ahead. You are now part of a distinguished legacy of UHCL alumni who continue to make meaningful contributions across the globe. We are proud to welcome you into this vibrant network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
This accomplishment would also not be possible without our dedicated faculty and staff, whose commitment to academic excellence and student success has helped shape your path. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in your potential have laid a strong foundation for your future.
As you step forward into new opportunities, I encourage you to carry with you the values that define a UHCL education - integrity, service, and a deep respect for learning. Let your journey be guided by purpose, and may you always find ways to uplift others as you rise.
Please stay connected with your alma mater. Your story is a powerful inspiration to those who will follow in your footsteps, and we look forward to celebrating your continued success in the years to come.
Congratulations once again. We are incredibly proud of you.
Warmest regards,
Edward R. Waller, Ph.D. Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost University of Houston-Clear Lake
Academic Regalia
The academic regalia worn during commencement is derived from practices originating in the 12th and 13th centuries, beginning with scholars who were usually also clerics in long, hooded gowns of dark-dyed wool. Gowns remained largely drab until universities gradually began to pass from the control of churches. Some aspects of academic regalia began to take on brighter hues. The tradition was exported to America in colonial times.
In 1895, the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume established standards for caps, gowns and hoods, which was adopted by all U.S. universities. The cap’s mortarboard square shape is meant to suggest a scholar’s book. The flowing gown is symbolic of the democracy of scholarship, as it covers modes of dress which might indicate rank or social status. The hood not only indicates the type of degree, but is lined with the official colors of the university from which the degree was obtained.
The Gown
BACHELOR
Black, full-cut, long sleeves cuffed with a blue band on which "UHCL" is emblazoned in green.
MASTER
Black, long sleeves with an arc-shaped panel on each sleeve. The panel is finished with a blue band on which "UHCL" is emblazoned in green.
DOCTORAL
Black, with black velvet down the front along with a golden seal school crest. The sleeves consist of three velvet stripes outlined in gold.
CAP
AND TASSEL
UHCL recipients of degrees wear a black mortarboard with a blue-and-green tassel. The doctoral cap may have a gold tassel.
The Hood
Recipients of master’s and doctoral degrees wear a hood, placed over the graduation gown. The hood’s lining bears the university’s official colors, while the velvet trim represents the academic discipline of the degree conferred. The colors and their meanings follow long-established academic traditions observed by colleges and universities across the United States.
The UHCL Alumni Association is your association. As a graduate or recipient of a teacher’s certificate, you are automatically a member – no dues necessary! This means you have access to a host of great events, activities and benefits.
Founded in 1981, the UHCL Alumni Association represents more than 83,000 alumni. It was created to enhance the pride, loyalty and engagement of its alumni by connecting them to fellow UHCL alumni, students, parents and friends of the university through support services, activities and events.
THE UHCL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PIN
Only UHCL alumni are given this pin, which identifies all of you as members of the UHCL Alumni Association. The pin features the university seal and, every time you see it, it will remind you of your hard work and dedication to achieving your goal.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Your official Alumni Association membership card gives you access to a variety of benefits and services, including exclusive alumni communications and invitations, networking opportunities, discounts, library privileges, and more.
For a complete list of benefits and other information about the Alumni Association, visit www.uhcl.edu/alumni.
STAY CONNECTED
Your time as a student has ended, but your journey as a UHCL alumnus is just beginning.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION
Keep us updated on your employment. Update your mailing address, phone number and email address so that you do not miss important information from UHCL.
