UHD 80 TH COMMENCEMENT
Friday, May 8, 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Dear University of Houston-Downtown 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 UHD, you’ve developed character and invaluable life skills to propel you throughout your career and lifetime. Be confident knowing you are equipped to
You now join the ranks of UHD 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
Once again, congratulations. We’re proud of you and look forward to news of
Renu Khator, Ph.D. Chancellor, University of Houston System
MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations on achieving this significant milestone. The completion of your degree serves as more than a testament that you have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to enter and advance in your career; it also demonstrates your resilience, critical thinking, and capacity for collaborative problem-solving. A degree from the University of Houston-Downtown, in particular, further signals your understanding of the vital intersection between leadership and service.
As you celebrate your achievement, please take a moment to acknowledge the family members and friends who contributed to your success. Those who supported your studies, offered encouragement, provided financial assistance, or assisted in any other way played a vital role in your degree attainment. You are here now because their steadfast support helped you complete this leg of your academic journey.
As a graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, you join the ranks of more than 73,500 UHD alumni, including prominent leaders, public servants, teachers, and entrepreneurs. I encourage you to join UHD’s alumni network for access to exclusive events and professional opportunities planned with you in mind. You will find invaluable mentorship and form enduring connections with fellow Gators.
Once again, I commend and congratulate each of you, and I wish you the absolute best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President, University of Houston-Downtown
University of Houston-Downtown
Administration
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D.
Interim Senior Vice President
Academic Affairs and Provost
Daniel M. Maxwell, Ed.D.
Vice President
Student Success and Student Life
Carole Clerie, MBA
Vice President Human Resources
Kimberly Thomas, MPA
Vice President
Administration and Finance
Long Huynh, DBA
Vice President
Enrollment Management
Javier “Jay” L. Zambrano, MPA
Vice President
Advancement and University Relations
Academic Deans
Wendy A. Burns-Ardolino, Ph.D. College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Akif Uzman, Ph.D. College of Sciences and Technology
Kevin Jones, Ph.D. (Acting)
Marilyn Davies College of Business
José Ricardo-Osorio, Ed.D. College of Public Service
University of Houston System
Jack B. Moore, Chairman
Ricky Raven, J.D., Vice Chairman
Gregory C. King, J.D., Secretary
Alonzo Cantu
Bryan F. Clark
Renu Khator, Ph.D., Chancellor
Board of Regents Administration
Patrick Fertitta
Thomas “Tommy” Lucas, O.D.
Beth Madison
Lynden B. Rose, Sr., J.D.
Adrian Caraves, Student Regent
History of the University of Houston-Downtown
In 1974, the University of Houston acquired the assets of South Texas Junior College and opened the University of Houston-Downtown College (UHDC) at One Main Street as a four-year institution. By the end of the 1970s, the Texas Legislature approved UHDC as a distinct university in the University of Houston System.
UHDC focused on meeting the needs of Houston’s diverse and dynamic workforce. The first fouryear degree was a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and resident students paid $4 per credit hour. By the early 1980s, it was clear that UHDC was more than a college. It was officially renamed as the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD).
In the 1990s, UHD was the state’s third-fastest-growing university and focused on becoming a premier, metropolitan university, appealing to traditional and nontraditional students as well as working professionals. Campus growth continued with the opening of the Academic Building and the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center.
UHD then earned full approval from the Texas Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer graduate programs, beginning with a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. The University also expanded its partnerships with Lone Star College (LSC) to offer select degrees and courses at UHD-Northwest, housed in the LSC-University Park, LSC-CyFair, and LSC-Kingwood to create pathways for more transfer students to earn UHD degrees.
In the late 1990s, the Commerce Street Building opened as the new home for the College of Public Service, followed by the Shea Street Building opening as the home for the College of Business in the early 2000s. In 2012, UHD celebrated another milestone as it enrolled the first class of MBA students in the College of Business.
In 2016, a 26,000-square-foot Welcome Center opened its doors, and the O’Kane Gallery landed a new home featuring exhibitions for students, faculty, local, and national artists.
In 2017, a historic $10 million endowment was received from native Houstonian Marilyn Davies to support the College of Business’ growing programs, including one of the largest MBA programs in the region. In recognition of the gift, the College is now the Marilyn Davies College of Business.
UHD then expanded its campus footprint—thanks to the addition of more than 17 acres—with the award-winning, state-of-the-art College of Sciences and Technology Building in 2020. Dedicated to the health and wellness of the campus community, the new Wellness and Success Center (WSC) opened its doors in January 2023. The WSC features an indoor running track, customized bouldering wall, a large multipurpose space with demonstration kitchen capabilities, and study/meeting spaces.
In early 2025, UHD expanded to the 10th floor of 1801 Main Street, which houses the Office of Continuing Education and the Office of Alumni Relations. This year, UHD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of Transportation for the acquisition of 11.93 acres of land, which lie adjacent to and under the existing I-10 highway and will be decommissioned as part of the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, as well as secured $2.6 million in state funding for its new Center for Crime, Urban Research, and Education.
Today, UHD is the second-largest university in the city, offers bachelor’s degrees in 47 areas of study and 12 master’s programs, and boasts more than 73,500 alumni.
Symbols
The Seal
The University of Houston-Downtown’s official seal reflects the history of the community. It is an adaptation of the coat of arms of the family of Sam Houston, the hero of San Jacinto. The Houston coat of arms is centered by a shield that dates back to the 11th century when William the Conqueror invaded England.
The Procession
Bearing the official mace of the University, the Grand Marshal leads the procession of candidates for graduation, along with the Associate Marshal, bearing the banner of the university. The faculty follow the candidates, accompanied by Assistant Marshals. The official platform party then takes its place, including the Board of Regents and the Chancellor of the University of Houston System or a designee, the President of UHD, and other officers and friends of the university.
The Mace
The ceremonial mace, derived from medieval weapons, acquired academic significance when Queen Elizabeth I presented a replica of her own royal mace to the University of Oxford in 1589. King Charles I made a similar gift to Cambridge University in 1625.
The University of Houston-Downtown’s mace is a ceremonial symbol of the Office of the President that represents strength and scholastic integrity and is carried by a distinguished member of the faculty. Protocol requires the use of the mace in the processional and recessional of major academic ceremonies.
The University of Houston-Downtown’s mace is 5.6-feet long with a tapered shaft constructed of walnut. Four, three-inch University seals cast in antiqued bronze are affixed on each side of a rounded square atop the mace, which features a brass finial depicting a round flame. Along the mace’s shaft, five bronze plates feature the words: Excellence, Student Success, Inclusiveness, Respect, Integrity.
Academic Dress
The attire worn in the academic procession reflects symbolism dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Medieval scholars resembled the clergy of the era in dress and in some practices, such as taking vows and shaving heads. Standard costumes in academic settings included hoods and long gowns, perhaps worn for warmth in drafty buildings.
Academic institutions in the United States in 1895 first adopted a code of academic dress, which has been revisited at various times by the American Council of Education, the major coordinating body for the nation’s higher education institutions.
While most universities and colleges adhere to the basic elements of the academic costume code, the guidelines can be adapted for individual institutions. At UHD, for example, bachelor’s candidates do not wear hoods. A black mortarboard is worn with a tassel hanging over the right front quadrant of the cap. Traditionally, the tassel is shifted to the left after degrees are conferred.
The gowns worn by master’s candidates have a slightly different style from those worn by undergraduates. All master’s graduates receive a hood from a representative of their college or academic department. The colors in the satin lining of these hoods traditionally represent the colors of the university. For UHD, the colors are dark blue and red.
The honors cords draped across the shoulders of a gown indicate academic honors. Graduation with the highest distinction—a grade point average (GPA) of 3.80 or higher—is Summa Cum Laude and is represented by combined red and white cords. Red cords indicate graduation with great distinction—a GPA of 3.6–3.79—or Magna Cum Laude. White cords indicate Cum Laude honors or graduation with distinction—a GPA of 3.4–3.59.
Academic dress for faculty is distinctive. The doctor’s gown is trimmed in velvet, and hoods are worn with colors that hold significance. The hood lining is in the colors of the college or university conferring the degree, and the color of the binding indicates the degree subject.
Faculty Hood Colors
Apricot
Nursing
Brown
Fine Arts, including Architecture
Citron
Social Work
Copper Economics
Crimson
Journalism
Dark Blue
Philosophy
Drab
Commerce, Accountancy, Business
Golden Yellow Science
Green Medicine
Light Blue Education
Orange Engineering
Peacock Blue
Public Administration
Pink Music
Purple Law
Salmon Pink
Public Health
White Arts, Letters, Humanities
Academic Degree Programs
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts Communication Studies
English
Fine Arts
History
Humanities
Philosophy
Social Sciences
Spanish Translation
Bachelor of Science
Health and Behavioral Science
Interdisciplinary Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Social Sciences
Sociology
Technical Communication
Master of Arts
Non-Profit Management
Rhetoric and Composition
Strategic Communication
Master of Science
Technical Communication
College of Public Service
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Teacher Certification)
Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Social Work*
Master of Arts
Teaching
Master of Educational Leadership
Master of Science
Criminal Justice
Master of Social Work (coming Fall 2026)
College of Sciences and Technology
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
Safety Management
Bachelor of Arts
Biology
Mathematics
Bachelor of Science
Applied Statistics
Biological and Physical Sciences
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Geosciences
Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
Control and Instrumentation**
Structural Analysis and Design**
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
R.N. to B.S.N.***
Master of Science
Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
Marilyn Davies College of Business
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
Applied Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration
Accounting****
Finance****
General Business****
Human Resource Management****
Risk Management and Insurance****
International Business****
Management****
Management Information Systems****
Marketing****
Supply Chain Management****
Master of Business Administration****
Master of Professional Accountancy****
Master of Security Management
* Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
** Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
*** Accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
**** Accredited by AACSB International—Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY /
MARILYN DAVIES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS - 10 AM
Processional
Call to Order
Welcome
National Anthem
Recognition of Platform Party
Katherine Shoemaker, Ph.D. Grand Marshal
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D. Interim Provost
Jackelene Bravo UHD Student, Class of 2026
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D. Interim Provost
Greetings from the University of The Honorable Bryan Clark Houston System Board of Regents UHS Regent
Student Speaker
President’s Remarks
Awarding of Honorary Degree
Commencement Address
Mitchell Nasser Student, College of Sciences and Technology
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President
Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D. President, California State University Long Beach
Presentation of Degree Candidates Akif Uzman, Ph.D. Dean, College of Sciences and Technology
Kevin Jones, Ph.D. Acting Dean, Marilyn Davies College of Business
Conferral and Awarding of Degrees
Concluding Remarks
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D.
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D.
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D.
Recessional / Alma Mater, Standing Proud (UH Downtown)
Calling of Degrees by Susan Henney, Ph.D., Professor, Social Sciences, and Timothy Redl, Ph.D., Professor, Mathematics and Statistics
University Marshals
Grand Marshal
Katherine Shoemaker, Ph.D., College of Sciences and Technology
Associate Grand Marshal
Chris Zhang, Ph.D., Marilyn Davies College of Business
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D. President
California State University Long Beach
Dr. Loren J. Blanchard transitioned from the University of Houston-Downtown to California State University on April 30, 2026, after serving as UHD’s seventh president. During his five-year tenure, Dr. Blanchard led the University through a number of remarkable accomplishments, including reducing the University’s structural budget deficit by more than 90%. UHD’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, A New Paradigm, was developed with Dr. Blanchard’s guidance and resulted in effective student success programming, strategic partnerships, and more sustainable operations. A New Paradigm remains in effect today, and the University continues tracking progress towards the established goals.
Under Dr. Blanchard’s leadership, UHD completed the Wayfinding Project, launched its Gator Expansion project, and created an extensive Campus Master Plan that details campus growth and development in tandem with the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. Dr. Blanchard executed a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Department of Transportation through which UHD acquired 11.93 acres of land and three revenue-generating parking lots. Additionally, during Dr. Blanchard’s presidency, the University received funding for an exceptional item request for the first time in 25 years, securing $2.6 million to establish Houston’s first Center for Crime, Urban Research and Education (C-CURE). In keeping with Dr. Blanchard’s commitment to higher education access, UHD entered several enrollment partnerships with local school districts, including a historic Guaranteed Admission Program in partnership with Houston ISD, during his presidency.
Dr. Blanchard previously served as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Affairs at California State University (CSU), the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the United States. Before CSU, he served as Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana. Other past leadership positions include Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Multicultural Affairs at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and two roles within the University of Louisiana System: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Vice President for Accreditation, Leadership & Accountability.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Blanchard holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology Education from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree in Education from McNeese State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia.
STUDENT SPEAKER
Mitchell Nasser
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science College of Sciences and Technology
Mitchell Nasser is earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science after an academic journey that reflects persistence, Gator grit, and purpose.
After beginning his studies at a community college, Nasser made the decision at age 27 to fully commit to his education—first by raising his GPA after a rough start, then by transferring to UHD in fall 2023. As a commuter student balancing his studies with work and a roughly 45-minute drive to campus, he quickly found both direction and community through the Scholars Academy, a competitive academic program providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and faculty mentoring.
Through the program’s mentorship, structure, and peer network, Nasser gained the skills and confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. He secured a competitive robotics internship with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he worked on autonomous robotic systems, an experience that clarified his career direction and strengthened his technical and professional skills.
Building on that opportunity, Nasser applied for and was accepted into multiple graduate programs, and will attend the University of Minnesota to pursue a master’s degree in robotics. He was also selected for a highly competitive scholarship that will fully fund his graduate education, provide paid summer internships, and guarantee employment following graduation.
For Nasser, UHD provided a pathway to opportunity and a clear career direction forward.
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
MARILYN DAVIES
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Heather Leilani Brasher
Luis Miguel Fuentes
An Thien Giang
Michael Raymond Jones
Jamshaid Qamer
Michael Suchko
Joanna Flores Tubat
Master of Science in Data Analytics
Madhav Bhandari
Rubi Cornejo
Nathan Michael Diffey
Tymothee Dewayne Jones
Hamna Khalid
Christin Elizabeth Knight
Vincent X. Nguyen
Allison Portillo
Jesus Narciso Serrato
Grecia Fernanda Torres Pacheco
Nathan Ngai-Jun Wong
Bachelor Programs
Yusur Al Juboori
Ali Hussein Aldawah ***
Zahraa Hussein Aldawah ***
Yousef Mousa Ali
Iban D. Alonso **
Veronica Alviso **
Cristina Elizabeth Ambrosio
Armando Margarito Arguello
Dorothy Arogunjo *
Maria Del Pilar Asue Mansogo
Zarina Baikoshkarova *
Selene Balandran
Tania Barcenas **
Julie Van Hnem Bawi
Aaron J. Belmares
Oumayma Ben Aoun *
Steven Anthony Bermudez *
Marlene G. Berrios
Chelsea Anne Bonyata
Chelsea Q. Bui **
Alex Bustos Sosa ***
Jessica Caamal
Brayan Janiel Cabaza Osorio
Misael A. Calderon
Ingrid Elisa Canales
Ashley Cantu
Shirley Celeste Centeno Orellana ***
Jacqueline Renee Cervantes ***
Marcos Ernesto Chavez
Roberto Adrian Chavez Sr. *
Amber Micaela Claudio
John C. Cruz *
Sommojoty Dasgupta *
Tyrielle J. Davis
Jordy Moises De Leon
Emily Elise Deleon *
Yessenia L. Deleon
Irisbel Delfierro
Dominique Delgado
Diana Diaz
Franklin Efrain Diaz *
Masiel Diaz
Thanh Long Do
Harmony Le’Shae Edgley *
Jennifer Chidimna Ekezie
Merari Betsani Escobedo
Jennifer Estrada
Mike-Eldons Aghachi Eziuloh
Brenda Jasmine Flores
Karina Valeria Flores *
Milly Flores
Juan Fuentes **
Sherlyn Dayana Fuentes
Emma D. Garcia *
Leopoldo Garcia
Lizbeth A. Garcia ***
Daniel Garzon
Matthew Giacometto
Niani A. Gibson
Amy G. Giron
Lea Elyse Gould Mitchell
Gabriel Guel
Lotus My Thien Ha ***
Eric Brandon Harris ***
Alexandra Abigail Hernandez ***
Jose M. Hernandez **
Purple Marie Hernandez ***
Connor Zachary Hunt
Charles Ijomah
Eric Anthony Johnson
Ahmad Kachmar ***
Kankana Kayal
Etsubdink Alemu Ketema
Parmida Keymanesh ***
Maryam Khan ***
Razin Nizar Ali Khoja *
Youssoupha Dinah Kone
Viviana Lara **
Megan T. Le
Minh Quang Nhat Le **
Angel A. Leon
Avry B. Lester-Vital
Jennifer Lim
Jinghan Joshua Liu
Oscar Liu
Dilean Lopez
Agustin D. Loredo
Juan Daniel Loza Cholula
Anthony Gray Mancini ***
Chase A. Marquardt **
Andrew Joseph Martinez
David Martinez *
Alejandro Martinez Hernandez **
Juhi Mehta *
Jorge Emiliano Mendez ***
Monica Michelle Menjivar-Avila
Kibru Menore ***
Adnan Anwar Mohammad
Kyle A. Mohammed
Jacqueline Moreno
Marium Mughis
Arman Mujahid
Stephanie Nicole Murrile **
Riam Kusai Nadim *
Dylan A. Nanthavongdouang
Mitchell Alan Nasser
Susanna Carrianne Neben
Minh T. Nguyen
Thu V. Nguyen
Noah R. Nixon *
Stephanie Ukamaka Nwosu
Madeleine Rose Nytes *
Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Nzenwa
Shaimaa Obaid
Gian Carlo Beltran Obias
Chijindu Ohalete
Boluwatife H. Oladokun
Jean Gwenael Ondo
Nguema Beka
Isaac Tetteh Opata
Arnaldo Jose Owen
Ramos
* Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude *** Summa Cum Laude
Oyinkansola Adesewa Oyefusi **
Margie Nicole Padilla Galeas
Teodoro Padron
Ruben Isai Palomino Alanis
Kayla Veronica Palucho
Prajwal Parajuli ***
Anirudha B. Pathak
Eunice Jehieli Pelcastre Villanueva
Eriberto Perez **
Maximiliano Perez III
Guillermo Pereznegron Jr.
Tyler Q. Pham
Roy Stevens Portales
Tina Naresh Prajapati ***
Esther Alice Quaye
Balqeez Ibiyemi Bolu Rabiu
Tebria Chantae Reich
Matthew Angel Romero
Ronnie Christopher Romero
Audrey Yamileth Rubio ***
Maryam Saed
Mushda Sahed
David A. Sanchez
Emanuel Enrique Sanchez **
Ezekiel Aidan Sanchez *
Oriana Raquel Sanchez Jimenez ***
Crystal Santibanez *
Landon T. Sanz ***
Richard L. Schweizer **
Maral Shareghi Borojeni **
Simonsha Shrestha ***
Mukhtar Abayomi Siddiq
Muhammad Huzaifa Siddiqui *
Eric David Simmons *
Palwinder Singh
Micah Edward Smith
Melanie Solano ***
Melanie Rosette Sosa
Azul Naomy Soto Herrera
Varsha Srikanth Banu *
Punjan Subedi ***
William Tang
Junior Dingana Tankoh ***
Yasli B. Tax *
Brayan Eduardo Teran Gutierrez
Mekonnen Wondyfraw Teshale *
Alexander Tobias ***
Khoa M. Tran
Phung K. Tran
Reese Lane Trcalek
Jose Luis Udave
Abel Ulloa Jarquin ***
Edidiong John Umoh *
Gerardo Uriostegui
Isabel S. Vaca
Feba Susan Varughese
Justin Angel Vasquez ***
Briana Isabella Vazquez
Valeria Vazquez
Jessica Sosa Velazquez
Ana Patricia Vicente
Jose Viera **
Emilia Villa
Anthony Paul Villacis
Cruz Villafuerte Cardoso
Noah Villanueva
Hai Dai Vo
Tamana Yaqoubi
Javier Zuniga * Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude *** Summa Cum Laude
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
MARILYN DAVIES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Master of Business Administration
Casey L. Adams
Valerie Nicole Arevalo Garcia
Eric Omar Ascencio
Baffour Agyeman Attafuah
Jasmine Ayana Cockrell
Heather Cummings
Tammy Devine
Shayla Bre’Aughn Eagleton
Christopher Edison
Sara El kharif
Maria Laura Espino
Zareen Fathima
Mercy C. Galabawa
Kimberly Garay
Destiny A. Gasper
Nguyen Thanh Vinh Huynh
Kernita Sacha Jno-Baptiste
Helen Jonathan
Fairaita Noriane Kone
Adam Laird
Jasmine Lara
Garion Aundrea Lewis
Charon Joyce Little
Jessica Marie McCraw
Marc Antony Medrano
Aidahta Natama
Whitney Philbert
Hamadoun Plea
Jaqueline Portillo
Tamara Denise Preston
Chanani Guadia Ricks
Natalya Rodriguez
Natalie Marie Rosas
Patricia Rosas
Rodolfo Salazar
Claudia Sofia Santos
Garold Dwight Sears
Jarrod Mauro Solis
Eduardo Luis Torres
Cynthia Marlene Umana
Jordyn Nicole Waters
Beatriz Zelaya
Eric Zett
Master of Professional Accountancy
Leslie Nicole Alvarez
Mir Azharuddin
Lily Barcenas
Anthony Matthew Beishir
Alvin Chodo Bell II
Fidelina Carranza
Michael Delgado
Imelda Dominguez
Sanjuana Elizabeth Gaspar
Jawanza Lumumba Green
Ebenezer Kofi Gyamfi
Caleb Austin Hayden Herring
Cristian Alexis Montiel
Malik Mustafaa
Asim Maheboob Narsinh
Jennifer A. Paredes
Esteban Ramirez
Natalia Resendiz
John Adrian Ramos Reyes
Kelsea Dawn Settle
Yi Tian Teo
Shirley Walls
Master of Security Management
Andrew Edward Allen
Kenneth D. Alvarado
Emely J. Alvarez
Christian Alan Barber
Tenasia S. Campbell
Sonceria Garrett Carolina
Brenda Ebele Ejiobi
Michael Peter Esparza
Juan Gama
Danny O. Igiehon-Fyzer
Cornelious William Jackson
Timothy Jerome Jacob
Joseph Jones
Smilejit Kaur
Panagiotis Kopulos
Christopher Anthony Lee
Melvin L. Mason
Sandra Noemy Munoz
Vu Tran Quoc Nguyen
Argenis Nino
Adeola Oguntuga
Angel S. Reeves
Cheryl White
Zachary Kamaal York
Bachelor Programs
Syed Abbas
Audra Michelle Acevedo *
Andril D. Adams **
Kerstin Lajae Adams **
Joe Aguilar ***
Brandon Aguilar Armenta ***
Ayaan Ahmed
Mehmood Ahmed *
Gissel Ahumada
Daniyal Akhtar *
Gabriela Azeneth Alcala Gonzalez
Jonathan Remi Alcantara *
Jaquelin G. Alegria
Ramiz M. Ali
Kendrick Ja’var Allen
Monica Kahealani Allen *
Leslie Melissa Almaguer ***
Jayden Alvarado **
Jisel N. Alvarado
Yajaira Diareliz Alvarez Ramirez ***
Asia B. Ashon *
Imuwahen Franca Asoro **
Ayah Awda ***
Wilson Andres Baena
Emily Balderas **
Catherine Nicole Ball *
Amanullah Baloch
Ivan Alexander Barahona
Kristen Alise Barba
Valeria Nicole Bardales
Homero Barrio
Useni Bawili
Sam Bayati ***
Rebeca Kyla Beaird-Vargas
Aubrey N. Beason **
Segev Joseph Bellaish *
Veronia Belman
Trevor Laurence Bergin
Jennifer Bermudez
Servando Bermudez **
Denise Betancourt ***
Rohama Mengistu Beture **
Sachin Bhandari **
Christopher Hunter Bingham
Codie E. Blessing *
Zackery Wayne Boatright
Grace Susan Boone
Lafarris D. Borens
Brinttany Bowers
Norma Dalilah Bravo
Jovana Breton *
Alicia Raquel Briseno *
Derrick Dewayne Brown
Ariana Brumfield
Axel David Bulux
Sharde Aykeisha Butler **
Vikki Butler
Katya Butron-Rangel ***
Matthew Tulabot Cabrera
Gabriela Calderon
Abraham Emiliano Camacho
Elizabeth Camacho
Niyoka Campbell ***
Astrid Carolina Campos
Izamar Naisie Cancino
Leah Bethany Renae Cannon
Andrea Cardoso
Juan Carlos Cardozo **
Billie Jean Carter **
Jacqueline Carter
Jacqueline Castaneda
Oliver Castellanos *
Jossue Santiago Castilleja
Mary Elle Castillo **
Darianna A. Castro
Brandon Cazorla
Stephanie Ceballos
Andrea Rene Cedeno ***
Emily Ceja
Alexis Ceniceros
Liliana Jasmin Cespedes
Sara Chanthapaseut
Celeste Chapa ***
Cheuk Ming Chau **
Noelia Chaverria *
Jessica Chavez
Kevin Ulises Chavez
Pete Lozano Chavez ***
Parth Chawda ***
Tyler Chen
Saurav Chhetri
Sabrina Cima
Aileen Diana Civallero
Michael Charles Clark
Annette Lourise Clarke Aguilar
Michael W. Clayborn
Wesley H. Cleaver **
Jasmine Clemons *
Jahleel Rashad Code
Alvalisha Cole
Alexys Rjeahnae Coleman
Ericka Collins
Arnaldo Conde Gonzalez
Michael W. Cooper
Reed Allen Cooper *
Adelmira Cortes
Ivana Coto *
Michael W. Coutee *
Jennifer Paloma Cuadros Mon-
dragon *
Alexis Jose Luis Cuevas
Leslie Annette Cuevas **
Devin Dang
Usman Dar
Hubaldo Davalos **
Stephen Edward Edmond Davila
Rhodia Davis ***
Vanessa Lizeth De La Rosa
Romane Debon **
Kenneth Jeremmie Reyes Dela Cruz
Maxime Pj Delagrange **
Christopher A. Delgadillo **
Ashley Nicole Demars
Farrell V. Dias ***
Bryan Diaz
Karla Gabriela Diaz
Miguel Diaz
Hilal Dostyar *
Carol Ann Dougherty **
Amanda Michelle Dragon **
Katarina M. Dunn **
Kathleen Vinh-Nigh Duong *
Abigail Enriquez
Alejandra Beatriz Escobar
Bryan Espinosa *
Gregory Daniel Faerman **
Karla Judith Falcon *
Gabrielle Josephine Farley
Jakob Robert Farrar **
Joanna Adamary Fernandez
Karen Flores
Leslie Gicel Flores
Yovany Flores Beiza ***
Koshi Fujita
Andrew Furr-Tracy *
Victoria Paige Gallman *
Lamine Ganame
Anabel Promencio Gano
Heqi Gao
Carina C. Garcia
Carolina Garcia
Edwardo Vincent Garcia
Jocelyn Xiomara Garcia **
Kristine Maria Garcia
Lizbeth Garcia
Maria Del Rosario Garcia *
Marisela Garcia *
Nancy Estela Garcia **
Yesenia Garcia Rojas
America G. Garcilazo **
Sam Garrett
Edgar Garza ***
Giselle Garza *
Matthew Roy Garza
Nancy E. Garza
Raquel Garza *
Paula A. Garzon
Claire E. Gerke **
Merion Tekle Ghermai
Cynthia Angel Gipson **
Roylisha Glaze
Jacqueline D. Gomez
Nicholas Gomez
Biance N. Gonzales
Adrian Leo Gonzalez ***
Aile Gonzalez *
Ailin Lisette Gonzalez *
Ariana R. Gonzalez
Ashley Gonzalez
Brandy Guadalupe Gonzalez
Brayan Gonzalez
Brenda Araceli Gonzalez **
Chiara Vanesa Gonzalez **
Giselle Gonzalez
Jose Angel Gonzalez ***
Juan Pablo Gonzalez
Maria G. Gonzalez **
Mariam E. Gonzalez
Samantha Rae Gonzalez
Saul Gonzalez
Crystal Gonzalez Rodriguez ***
Abigail Gracia **
Leonel Guajardo Jr. **
Oralia A. Guerra *
Gloria Anabel Guicol **
Juan J. Gurrusquieta ***
Jaqueline Maria Gutierrez
Jesus Javier Gutierrez
Jorge L. Gutierrez
Yaneth Gutierrez Mondragon
Brenda Guzman
Tuong D. Ha *
Keila Carolina Haro-Cortes
Jasmine Denise Harris **
Jenna Marie Harris
Samantha Christine Hartman **
Shahzeb Hasnain *
Raha Athira Hassan **
Gretisha Jenne Henson *
Angel Miyolo Hernandez *
Ashley S. Hernandez
Eric Hernandez
Esmeralda Hernandez *
John Anthony Hernandez
Karla Janneth Hernandez
Rigoberto Hernandez
* Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude *** Summa Cum Laude
Samuel C. Hernandez
Stephanie Michelle Hernandez
Estefania Herrera
Nicholas A. Herrera
Colin Hicks **
Tiana Marie Hines
Victoria J. Hinojosa *
Kim Hoang ***
Makayla Cheyenne Hollins
Shanita Bianca Holloway ***
Abid Hossain
Yueyuan Huang
Johnny Nahum Huesca Gonzales *
Grace Eunhye Hwang
Anaih Isabel Ibarra *
Selene Ibarra
Esther Muna Ibeson **
Muhammad Ibrahim *
Shahyaan Iqbal
Zareef Iqbal ***
Marie Kevin Irishuye
Jordan Marquelle Jackson **
Lisa Jacquez
Catherine I. Jaffres *
Angel Sosimo Jaime
Angelica Jaimes **
Benjamin Edward James ***
Stephanie Erin Janak **
Hunter Charles Janicek ***
Ariyana R. Jasso
Dominique Rainier Jefferson
Unity Lariana Jefferson **
Johan Camilo Jimenez
Alexandria Andrada Jones
Camila Aisha Joseph *
Desmond J. Joseph
Galen R. Joseph
Deija Corrine Journet-Fields
Alfonso Juarez ***
Andy Benito Juarez **
Marta S. Juarez
Layla S. Kadem
Amber Danielle Kalish ***
Shane Bradley Kasner **
Farah Khammash *
Abdul Basit Khan
Inah Mohsin Khan
Mohammad M. Khan
Muhammad Rayyan Kheiri ***
Angela D. Kinchen
Patricque Mlela Kisindja *
Ryan Seth Knauer **
Christopher Ryan Knudsen
Debra Kay Kourt ***
Nevina Kryeziu
Haisley La *
Paola Lisset Landero
Alysa Gwynne Lane **
Bryan Emmanuel Larin Diaz
Lucinda Marysol Lavagnino *
Marsha Stephanie Lazo **
Brian Le *
Lily Tram Le ***
Vern Le ***
Tori Lynn Leal Salinas ***
Luis Antonio Limon
Jennifer Lopez Bolanos ***
Jocelyn Lopez-Albarran
Mariana Luna
Alyssa Ma
Christopher Machado
Aleshia Lynette Maglitto
Allison Aniela Mairena-Tellez **
Stephen Andrew Major
Kathleen Malone
Kyle Anerrou Manasseh **
Stephanie J. Mancia **
Max C. Mani **
Kimberly Marinelarena
Christina Nicole Marshall
Estefania Martin **
Tristan M. Martin *
Angelli Martinez ***
Daniel Julian Martinez
Geraldy Martinez
Hector Uriel Martinez
Jesse Martinez
Karla Citlaly Martinez **
Laura Jessica Martinez
Leonard Bernard Martinez
Roger Alexander Martinez
Sophia Catherine Martinez *
Jaqueline Martinez Guardiola ***
Andrei Ioan Maruntelu *
Mariel Alondra Maza Belmar
Bianca Jeannetta McCann
Jordan Elliott McCary
Brittany Jere McKinney
Rosa Pham McLoda *
Leslie S. Medina *
Ada Jasmin Medrano
Juana L. Medrano-Anguiano *
Amy S. Mejia
Antonio Mendez
Armando Mendoza
Caroline Marie Mendoza *
Nayzeth Mendoza
Alondra Mendoza Almanza
Mikey Mercado *
Monica Olivia Meza ***
Nicole Danielle Micetich
James Rodolfo Mier **
Brittany Jaymes Miller **
Brittany Yvette Miller
James Foster Miller **
Jose L. Miranda **
Montserrat Mireles
Desirea C. Molett *
Ignacio A. Montano
Demetrio Montemayor
Angie Celeste Monterroso ***
Enrique Mora
Nadeska Morales
Rodrigo Morales **
Fernando Jose Moreno
Luis Moreno
Nestor Daniel Moreno
Angelica C. Morris
Alia Mortada
Skyler Louis Liu Muller
Natalia D. Munoz **
Manuel Samuel Nader **
Yoseline E. Najar
Angel Nazario
Britney Ann Newhouse **
Shari Newman **
Binh Thi Nguyen
David Nguyen *
Lan Hoang Nguyen ***
Nguyen H. Nguyen **
Phillip Tan Nguyen *
Phuc Thong Nguyen ***
Ryan Justin Nguyen **
Cinthya Nieto ***
Kelechi Weregwe Nkwocha
Jacques Cedric Noah
Lisa M. Novakoski
Fabienne Ntedika Nzita **
Maria O. Ogunwomoju
Emmanuel Okah ***
Onyekachukwu Jesse Okolie
Abril S. Olivo
Elham Nuru Omar
Fatma A. Omar
Julissa Ontiveros
Francella Oporta-Rugama
Rebeca Denise Orellana *
Margaret Shanta’ Orphey
Nora Posana Ortiz **
Patricio Orvananos
Destiny Margarita Owen
Christopher Portillo Palacios *
Siria L. Palacios
Valerie R. Parada **
Alexis I. Partida
Dhruv Patel
Samantha Lynn Patino
Jasmine DChell
Patterson
Tamera Paxton
* Cum Laude, ** Magna Cum Laude, *** Summa Cum Laude
Rodney Lewis Payne
Brian Alexander Paz
Jose Luiz Pedraza
Ashley Penaloza *
Ivory C. Pennygraph **
Everardo Perales Trevino **
Maria Elena Peraza
Freddy Daniel Pereira
America Perez
Milysa Ivette Perez
Zachary Taylor Perez
Erika Perez-Bonilla
Kyla Lan Pham *
Ariadne Lizeth Pineda
Olivio Plancarte
Angel Gabriel Portales ***
Issabela G. Portillo
James Cody Powers *
Melissa Ann Precella
Iram Naseer Price **
Hadley Jade Qatato
Kennedi J. Quiett
Ridah Rizwan Qureshi
Sazin Rahim
Vanessa M. Ramagnoli *
Aylin Ramirez
Cindy Samantha Ramirez
Tiffany Jane Ramirez
Dain Ramirez Vilchis
Santiago Otoniel Ramon
Adriana Ramos **
Cesar Omar Ramos *
William D. Ramsey
Keith Garrett Randolph **
Christian Lazaro Raymundo Perez
Ruby Razo
Anthony H. Reaidy
Huzaifa Rehman
Kyron Noel Reid
Richu Reji
Karah N. Remi
Bryan Reyes ***
Darnell Reyes ***
Nora B. Reyes
Ximena Elizabeth Reyes
Priscilla Reyna ***
Hope N. Richard
Mustafa S. Ridhwaan
Elizabeth Rios **
Erica Denise Rios
Joel A. Rios
Oscar Rios
Karen Michelle Rivera
Syed S. Rizvi
Arabian Marie Robertson
Heather Robinson
Samantha Robles
Melissa Ann Rocha *
Christopher E. Rodriguez
Jaylene Rodriguez ***
Jose D. Rodriguez
Noemi Rodriguez
Troy Gary Rodriguez *
Valeria Cecilia Rodriguez
Yanisel Rodriguez ***
Gabriela Summer Rodriguez
Zambrana **
Katlyn M. Rokohl
Cindy Roman
Jaqueline M. Roman
Briana Gissel Romero
Carla A. Romero
Lesley Rosas *
Nadia G. Rosas *
Stephanie M. Rosas
Pedro Alejandro Rosi
Shaquille O. Ross ***
Efrain Anthony Rubio **
Juan Diego Ruedas
Diego Ruiz
Alejandra Saavedra Torres ***
Andres Sebastian Sabillon Orellana **
Ariana Salles **
David Sanchez
Janet Anne Padilla Sanchez
Jorge Sanchez ***
Jose Herberto Sanchez *
Juliana Jasmin Sanchez
Neyda I. Sandoval
Diego Sandoval-Reynolds
Andreana Marie Santana **
Pablo Santibanez
Karla J. Santoyo **
Nelson Saravia ***
Jaqueline D. Saucedo Matute
Valentin Stefan Schmid *
Joseph Paul Schwaiger *
Joshua M. Scrase
Anusha R. Seelam *
Jodee Keishonda Segura
Victoria Elizabeth Sellens
Bryan Y. Serrano
William Serrato
Mayra Lisbeth Servin
Mikhail Sevostyanov
Jeremiah Demarcus Shafer ***
Mohammad Shakin Rahman
Mohammad Mohsin Sharif ***
Sambhav Sharma
Kenterrica Monique Sheppard
Sarah S. Siddiqui
Scott J. Sienkowski
Monica Silva
Craig Anthony Simmons **
Toni Simons
Prabhsharan Singh
Sahib Singh
Mahmoud Saadallah Sleiman
Howard Eugene Smith
Katelin Kiahn Smith *
Kayla M. Smith
Cheltsy Smith-Raven **
Jonathan I. Soria
Stephanie Sotelo ***
Judith Andrea Soto
Mayra Soto *
Tiwana Stewart
Keandra Shanice Stovall **
Frank M. Stuart
Sam Summer
Muzamil Ali Syed
Amanda Tamayo
Adrian Tankovich
Laura Shnell Tatum
Asiah Monet Taylor
Rosalind Taylor **
Ashley Burt Tedford **
Ashley Cheyenne Tennant
Ahleeyar Ti
Bethelhem Tilaye
Karina Torres
Ruby Torres Torres ***
Alexis Tovar **
Anson Huu Tran *
Du Uyen Tran
Katelyn Thanh Thy Tran *
Maria Altagracia Trancoso ***
Monique Trevino
Xuan Nhi Y. Trinh *
Aaron P. Tristan
Trey R. Trude *
Chun Kit Tse ***
Jearim Azeneth Turrubiartes
Victoria Monique Tyson
Jade Zyearia Underwood *
Gustavo Urizar
Diego Valdes *
Endhir Francisco Valenzuela
Jacob S. Valladares
Juan Francisco Vallejo Jr. *
Jeffrey Alexander Vazquez
Alfredo Vazquez Sosa
Alexandra A. Vega
Areli Arlette Velazquez
Marisol Velazquez
Esau Veliz ***
Thaly Angela Vences **
Eva Nicole Ventura
Ronnie Justin Ventura *
Idali Villa **
Nicole Villanueva
* Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude *** Summa Cum Laude
Dianna Rose Villatoro **
Marcela J. Villatoro
Michelle Vanesa Villatoro
Sarah Villegas
Tate Waggoner ***
Luis A. Waldo **
Serena Joyce Wannemacher ***
Nicole Monique Washington
Ivonne Tatiana Wigginton ***
Bailey Williams ***
Jazlyn Travon Williams *
Kyra Marie Williams
Mersades Williams
Royce Williams
Kate E. Wilson ***
Tiffeny Lachelle Wilson
Emily Dianne Winters *
Bryan Yanez
Fallon Rochelle Young *
Sakina Syeida Zaidi **
Syed Zaidi
Gabriel M. Zapata *
Hamzah Mohammed Zaqout **
Adam Zuazua **
Cynthia Zuniga
* Cum Laude
** Summa Cum Laude
*** Magna Cum Laude
COLLEGE
OF PUBLIC SERVICE
/ COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES - 3 PM
Processional
Call to Order
Welcome
National Anthem
Recognition of Platform Party
Krista Gehring, Ph.D., Grand Marshal
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D. Interim Provost
Jackelene Bravo UHD Student, Class of 2026
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President
. Greetings from the University of The Honorable Adrian Caraves Houston System Board of Regents UHS Regent
Student Speaker
President’s Remarks
Commencement Address
Alexis Sky Beltran Student, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President
Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D. President, California State University Long Beach
Presentation of Degree Candidates José Ricardo-Osorio, Ed.D. Dean, College of Public Service
Wendy Burns-Ardolino, Ph.D. Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Conferral and Awarding of Degrees
Concluding Remarks
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D.
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D.
Jonathan Davis, Ph.D.
Recessional / Alma Mater, Standing Proud (UH Downtown)
Calling of Degrees by Susan Henney, Ph.D., Professor, Social Sciences, and Timothy Redl, Ph.D., Professor, Mathematics and Statistics
University Marshals
Grand Marshal
Krista Gehring, Ph.D., College of Public Service
Associate Grand Marshal
Luke Fedell, MFA, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D. President
California State University Long Beach
Dr. Loren J. Blanchard transitioned from the University of Houston-Downtown to California State University on April 30, 2026, after serving as UHD’s seventh president. During his five-year tenure, Dr. Blanchard led the University through a number of remarkable accomplishments, including reducing the University’s structural budget deficit by more than 90%. UHD’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, A New Paradigm, was developed with Dr. Blanchard’s guidance and resulted in effective student success programming, strategic partnerships, and more sustainable operations. A New Paradigm remains in effect today, and the University continues tracking progress towards the established goals.
Under Dr. Blanchard’s leadership, UHD completed the Wayfinding Project, launched its Gator Expansion project, and created an extensive Campus Master Plan that details campus growth and development in tandem with the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. Dr. Blanchard executed a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Department of Transportation through which UHD acquired 11.93 acres of land and three revenue-generating parking lots. Additionally, during Dr. Blanchard’s presidency, the University received funding for an exceptional item request for the first time in 25 years, securing $2.6 million to establish Houston’s first Center for Crime, Urban Research and Education (C-CURE). In keeping with Dr. Blanchard’s commitment to higher education access, UHD entered several enrollment partnerships with local school districts, including a historic Guaranteed Admission Program in partnership with Houston ISD, during his presidency.
Dr. Blanchard previously served as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Affairs at California State University (CSU), the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the United States. Before CSU, he served as Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana. Other past leadership positions include Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Multicultural Affairs at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and two roles within the University of Louisiana System: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Vice President for Accreditation, Leadership & Accountability.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Blanchard holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology Education from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree in Education from McNeese State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia.
STUDENT SPEAKER
Alexis Sky Beltran
Bachelor of Science, Political Science College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Alexis Beltran graduates with a degree in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Twice elected as a student senator for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beltran gained firsthand leadership experience in the role, as well as an understanding of how to participate in governing institutions.
Academic and leadership experiences led to opportunities beyond the classroom. With UHD’s support, Beltran secured internships in Houston family and criminal courts, which allowed for direct insight into the judicial system and preparation for law school.
Through coursework in world politics, U.S. foreign policy, and Model United Nations, Beltran developed a deeper understanding of global systems and diplomacy, strengthening analytical, research, and communication skills.
These experiences also shaped Beltran’s confidence in working within complex systems—interpreting policy, engaging across perspectives, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts. Beltran’s work as an advocate with Justice for Children reflects a commitment to serving vulnerable communities and pursuing justice in practice, not just theory.
A multilingual student leader and eSports team member, Beltran graduates today equipped to advance in the legal field and contribute to making our region a more just place to work and live.
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Master of Arts in Teaching
Celese Dallai Bacon
Chelsi Jayne Johnston
Mayra Haydee Lazcano
Joselyn Velazquez
Master
of Educational Leadership
Judith Magen Alvarado
Lisa Avina
Yessica Yamilex Castillo
Cecilia Contreras
Sandra Guadalupe Hernandez
Yaressy Guadalupe Hernandez
Jessica Caitlyn Hughes
Christine Guillot Johnson
Joe Edward Perez
Erin Elizabeth Walker
Gina Yvette Zenor
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
David Lee Almanza
Benjamin Craig Bass
Jasmine Loraye Michia Braimer
Jessica Marie Cantu
Joseline E. Cortez
Nathanael Washington Dillard
Jonathan Michael Dixon
Cynthia Marie Ellsworth
Darius Lavance Franklin
Erin Lee Guillory
Christopher Kelly
Connor Allan McMurtry
Dymond J. Rebollar
Christopher Armand Sierra
Kevin Israel Torres
Bachelor Programs
BreAnne Patsy Abbate *
Alondra Acevedo
Cynthia Michelle Acosta ***
Alexa Agurto *
Pricella Giselle Alanis **
Briana J. Alba *
Demetrius M. Alcantar ***
Ramzey Ismael-Aboulla Almasree
Ana Marcela Alvarado ***
Alena Altagracia Andujar **
Talita A. Anguiano ***
Adriana Isabella Aragon
Veronica Moreno Araujo **
Judy Estefania Arce ***
Angelina L. Avil A **
Kayleen Tiffany Avila ***
Carlos Jahir Banegas ***
Steven Charles Barnard ***
Raul E. Barrera
Kalee JoAnna Barrientos Mendoza **
Elizabeth Yolanda Becerra
Fabiola Alejandra Beckler *
Leticia Laura Beltran
Joana Benitez *
Amber Bernal
Karla Bernal ***
Julio Cesar Bernal Aguilera **
Ryan Mathew Blough
Naomi Liseth Bonilla
Senia Lizeth Bonilla **
Jonathan Bonilla Pena **
Carmen Lydia Borras
Jackelene Bravo
Curry L. Britton
Jonski Brooks
Jordan Broussard
Broderick Brown *
Anthony Henry Floyd Bullock ***
Stephanie L. Bulos **
Celeste Janelle Bunkem ***
Fabiola Janiret Cabrera Ramos **
Shem Kasceen Campbell
Ryan John Carroll **
Alondra Casillas ***
Christian Castaneda
Dominic Castellanos
Emily Nayeli Castellon ***
Gabriela Castillo **
Maria Estefani Castillo ***
Marilyn Narery Castro
Dulce Rosario Cervantes
Danay Latrice Charles ***
Keiara Charles
Isamary Chavez **
Diana Cisneros **
Crystal Shanta Clinton ***
Dinica Nicole Colbert **
Adriana Contreras ***
Halie Genai Cormier
Nerissa Correa
Tania Vanessa Cortes ***
James Anthony Cortinas
Kristine M. Costa ***
Jhandy Paola Crespo Castro ***
Kenya Tzel Cruz
Nalleli Cruz **
Johanna Nagai Davila ***
Sofia Davila ***
Ene Yisel De Leon ***
Jocelyne De Leon
Samantha Anahi De Leon
Leslie Y. Diaz ***
Christopher Diaz Castaneda **
Sarai Donjuan Jimenez ***
Darren Ramar Dues
Manuel Dulanto *
Luis Fernando Escobar
Oliva Escoto
Emely Estrada ***
Giselle Fabian **
Zenaida Farias ***
Amber Farooqi
Vianney Nazaret Figueroa Peralta ***
Diana Marie Flores
Lydia Frimpong ***
Cory George Fullerton ***
Kimberly Gallegos **
Samantha Galvan ***
Jasmine Garcia **
Debanhi Garza ***
Laila L. Garza ***
Margo Gibson ***
Jaclyn Grace Gonzales *
Jocelyn A. Gonzalez ***
Regina M. Gonzalez ***
Dyanarra America
Guerrero
Ashley Suzanne Guevara **
Christian E. Guevara ***
* Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude
*** Summa Cum Laude
Julia Guillen ***
Alexxia Bethany Gutierrez Villarreal ***
Chaniqua La’shay Hale **
Yalda Hamidi ***
Haley Rene Henderson
Briana Casandra Hernandez **
Kayla S. Hernandez *
Luis Enrique Hernandez
Kathryn Eileen Hogan
Mason Shannon Hughes ***
Ashley Hunter ***
Elizabeth Yolanda Hurtado
Laiya G. Jackson *
Victoria Alejandra Jasso *
Taylor Phillip Kennedy *
Lizbeth Elizabeth Landa-Landa **
Amos James Landor *
Sabrina Marie Leal ***
Hector S. Leanos
Jennifer P. Ledesma
Nancy M. Lemus ***
Craig D. Lofton
Gwendolyne Lopez *
Jennifer Lopez
Marissa Lopez
Mario A. Lozada Gallegos ***
Aurelio Manriquez **
Christine Angela Marcelo *
Aimee A. Martinez ***
Analucia Martinez
Daisy Marie Martinez *
Henry Hernan Martinez **
Paula Jasmine Martinez
Alexis Marie McGregor ***
Valeria Medina ***
Gabriela Medrano Garcia ***
Nathalia Mendoza
Itzel Abigail Mendoza Ortiz *
Danielle Briunna Merritt ***
Luis D. Milan *
Janice A. Miranda ***
Jesse Albert Miranda **
Alicia Renee Mitchell ***
Gabriela Guillen Montemayor **
Jacquelynn Alejandra Montes ***
Bettsy Michelle Morales ***
Denise Ivette Moreno Lara **
Ashley Ngo *
Rita Estefania Ochoa Gomez ***
Jennifer I. Orellana ***
Isabel Gabriela Osuna **
Morayo Angelina Otubaga ***
Leslie G. Perdomo **
Manuel Angel Perez ***
Sheila Joy Perez *
Ismelda Perez Serrano *
Micah Pittman
Mikaila Catherine Proctor ***
Lesli Puente ***
Neelam Punjwani **
Alejandra Quezada Rivera
Elizabeth Quintana ***
Walid Munir Rabah **
Valeria Radillo Pena **
Lauren Elizabeth Ragan ***
Maria Erendira Rajakaruna **
Yani C. Ramirez **
Glenda X. Ramos ***
Nallely Anahi Reyes Flores *
Kady Megan Rhodes ***
Nicole Destiny Rios ***
Jame J. Rivas
Breauna Henice Robinson **
Samantha V. Rodriguez *
Leslie Rodriguez Samano
Mary Anne Romero ***
Rylee Elizabeth Rowe ***
Nathaniel Glen Ruffner ***
Alexis Omar Sagastizado
Christina Munoz Salazar ***
Natalie Salinas **
Karla Magdalena Salmeron **
Valeria Sanchez ***
Yesenia Sanchez ***
Daniela Sandoval Yosikawa *
Rianna Ramos Sarmiento ***
Jacqueline Saucedo
Vanessa Sebastian
Jordan R. See
Yareniz Sequera
Sofia Louise Serna
Kayla Madison Sidney
Lakeisha Renee Simms ***
Angela Flory Solis *
Jesus Evelin Sonier ***
Imari Astar Stevens
Ian Patrick Stewart ***
Karen M. Stovey ***
Robqlantequian K. Strowder
Kristi Lynnette Taylor ***
Patra S. Taylor ***
Zakiya Taylor Davis *
Keundra Danielle Thomas **
Kylee Janae Thomas **
Anali P. Torres ***
Giada Alyssa Trapani ***
Evelyn Trejo ***
Alyssa Tatianna Trevino ***
Rachel J. Umana Guzman **
Liliana Vaca ***
Alejandra Emma Valladares
Jasmine Monserrat Vallejo ***
Jaquelin Vallejo Castillo ***
Arely Vargas **
Ashley J. Velasquez ***
Stephanie Velasquez-Martinez ***
Ximena Villalta ***
Maddox Wilkinson *
Jourdan M. Williams *
Johneshia Shanae Willis **
Leketria Willis **
Jamari Nykole Wilson **
Camille Alyson Young **
Titus Keshawn Young
Carlos Javier Zepeda ***
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Master of Arts in Rhetoric & Composition
Deborah Lynn Dick
Nicolai Allan Lactaoen
Bardia Tyler Talabi
Salam Khaled Yousef
Master of Arts in Non-Profit Management
Leyra Mireya Cano Luviano
Julian Casares
Charles Graves
Angelica Palmer
Elizabeth Perez
Elizabeth Faye Persinger
Shawne Wilson
Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Valeria Suzeth Bello
Ralph St. Vincent Bradley
William Leonard Gough Jr.
Anthony Mireles
Lila Maria Sheffer
Lindsay Ware
Master of Science in Technical Communication
Lisa Monet Scott
Bachelor Programs
Naahi Abbas **
Mousa Naman Abou-Awad
Adamari A. Acosta
Mateo E. Aguilar
Vanessa Marie Aguilar
Lizbeth Aguilera
Javeria Ahmad
Maryan Mohammed Ali ***
George Allen Jr.
Rudolph Allen *
Kaneez Batool Almani
Suleika Almanza
Nadia G. Almasri **
Joanna Lizeth Alonso
Zoe Isabella Amoruso ***
Giselle Anchondo
Tamarra Jasmine Andrew
Sandra Alyssa Anzaldua
David Emanuel Aparicio
Kathy Patricia Aranda *
Arsema Aregawi **
Emily Kareli Arellano ***
Hayden P. Aronson *
Logan Alexander Aronson **
Camila Arras **
Christian Giovanni Arredondo
Jesse Arriaga Jr.
Daniela Arroyo *
Raiesha Atwater ***
Nicxa Dessired Avilez
Noor Us Sahar Azhar
Kristin Nicole Baker
Brithany Guadalupe Banales Ramos
Ayleene N. Barajas ***
Jacqueline Barrera
Jasmine Marie Barrera
Lorraine M. Bauder *
Brooklynn M. Beaza **
Kelsie Nakole Bell
Alexa Beltran ***
Alexis Sky Beltran **
Stephanie Esmeralda Benavides **
Iris Maive Benitez **
Rylee Cheyenne Biedrzycki *
Joshua A. Bonilla **
Dorine Bonyo
Alivia Sharisse Borens
Derrick J. Boudreaux
Jennifer Kim Boyd
Alexandrea Reagan Bratton **
Madelyn Braune **
Yesenia Briz
Kennedy Jenava Brown ***
Jasmine Bundage
Merrick Anthony Burton
Jacob Michael Byers
Daly Lourdes Caceres Rios
Sebastian Gabriel Calad
Angelina Calvillo *
Danielle G. Calvin
Donathan Lee Campbell ***
Trina M. Campbell
David Andrew Cano **
Nohelia Karina Cantu
Felicity Renee Cara ***
Arelys Janel Cardenas
Mariana Carrasco ***
Alma Guadalupe Carrillo
Sophia Castellon **
Conrad Richard Castillo
Fabian A. Castillo ***
Hania Gabriela Castillo **
Lisa M. Castillo *
Veronica Castillo **
Alexandra Ceron
Brianna Nicole Chan Bravo **
Zach Daniel Chavez **
Rosemary Yilenni Cisneros
De’quana Clarke **
Zelphia Doreen Cobble *
John L. Coleman Jr.
Malcolm J. Coleman **
Meghan Coleman
Rose M. Collins
Luke Salvador Colon ***
Alexis M. Comeaux
Paris M. Cormier
Javier I. Corona **
Kimmberlly Coutino *
Derrick D. Crawford
Melissa Curry *
Shakira Lima Dacosta
Khloe E. Damge
Shanna Raemil Daniel *
Aneela Dar
Ardavia Danyel Darden
Ayanna Gail Davis **
Taylor Elyse Dawkins ***
Misael D. De La Garza *
Ashly Monserrat De Leon
Lesliee Andrea Delagarza
Emily Jane Dewing
Susana Diaz
Caroline Denise Dixon **
Clara Enriquez Dominguez
Jasmin Dominguez *
Andres S. Duarte **
Niki Nicole Duchesne ***
Melissa Natalia Duran Estrada
Romni Thibodeaux Edwards
* Cum Laude, ** Magna Cum Laude, *** Summa Cum Laude
Andrew Scott Egleston
Deshondis T. Elliott-Taylor ***
Yatasha Shantee Ervin
Eileen Espinoza
David Fernandez ***
Jalyn Marie Fields *
Reese Emma Finley
Jessica Flores **
Ricardo Flores
Abigayle Elizabeth Forrester
Maya Evelyn Franklin-Green **
Cristina Fuentes
Norma Alexandra Galindo
Marisa Galvan
Kimberly Gamez ***
Samara Alicia Gaona **
Adriana Stephanie Garcia *
Marilyn Iliana Garcia
Stacy Garcia
Viviana Garibay **
Jeremiah Melvin Garland ***
Brenda N. Garza *
Jacqueline Garza **
Victoria Saleen Garza
Tara Geiszler ***
Layne-Maria Gentry
Peyton Stinson Dao Gibner
Taylor Denise Gift *
Melissa Gigante
Grace Anne Giraldo
Elyse Marie Gomez ***
Jewel Magadan Gonzales
Maria Emilia Gonzales **
Marissa Nicol Gonzales ***
Emily E. Gonzalez
Marco A. Gonzalez
Victoria Joscelynn Gonzalez
Ximena Gonzalez **
Charles Taylor Goubeaud ***
Beatriz Graciano ***
Jazmyne A. Green
Laura Danise Griffin
Mackenzie M. Guembes-Melchor
Miguel Angel Guerra
Shawniqua Guillory *
Derek Ben Gutierrez
Iris Anahi Gutierrez ***
Rocio Gutierrez
Sylvia Guy
Brenda Lourdes Guzman
Jessica Gabriela Guzman
Shahzada E. Hajili
Laura Frances Hale
Abbigayle Harnedy ***
Kimavoni Dyree Harris ***
Melissa Marie Harris
Patricia Renee Harris *
Taryn Chelsea Harrison
James Michael Hawkins
Myla Diane Hay *
Erika N. Haynesworth **
Alexandria T. Hedge
Aidan Hefner *
Gabriela Hernandez ***
Joshua Felipe Hernandez
Maria Camila Hernandez
Saori Rubi Hernandez ***
Perla Guadalupe Herrera **
Christian Charles Hobley
Debra Ann Hodge
David Angelo Homeyer *
Quintina Howard
Kenneth Guillermo Howell ***
Deserye Elvira Hurtado **
Megan Tran Huynh
Jasmin Ibarra
Kalyn Evonne Jackson
Sherell Jackson
Leila T. Jasi
Gabrielle Jefferson **
Suzanne Jensen ***
Miguel Angel Jimenez *
Roselyn Pamela Jimenez
Alexandra Ruth Johnson *
Jocelyn Johnson
Lamontenay Johnson ***
Lyric S. Johnson
Shalini Rhnea Johnson ***
Tia Lashun Johnson
LeAni Aseria Jones **
Renikia Michelle Jones
Celethia Josey
Isaias M. Juarez **
Mark Raymond Kansteiner ***
Shristina Karki **
Lydia Christine Kelly ***
Taylor M. Kelly *
Cristina C. Kendrick
Nancy Khalil **
Mujahid Khan
Demetra Lashae King *
Renee Denise King
Victoria Omolara Kokumo
Maria Guadalupe Labastida
Kate Landin
Yvette Lara **
Monica Ledezma *
Byeong Min Lee
Briana A. Lemus *
Cristina Pena Lennox
Paige A. Little
Alvaro S. Lopez
Angel T. Lopez
Ariatna Lopez **
Maryann Van Lopez **
Timothy Joseph Lopez ***
Thelma Guadalupe Lopez De Padilla
Francisco Javier Loza **
Ana Laura Magana
David Malagon
Sarah Elizabeth Maldonado ***
Ronna Alisa Mansfield **
Cindy Gabriela Maradiaga
Marla Galilea Marin ***
Aylin Martinez *
Dominic R. Martinez
Marcos Martinez
Josue Salvador Mata Rodriguez
Christanny Maria Mateo
Shanericka Shantrelle Mathew
Jacob A. Mcclain
Fortune Ike Mcdonald
Desiree Secara McKenzie
Cameryn Muriel McKinney
Tatanjia Marie McNamara **
Annette Regina Medina ***
Emilio Medina
Danielle Henri Medrano
Krystal Monique Melendez **
Marisol Mendez
Roxmary Mendez
Izaiah Dominic Mendoza **
Arlette E. Menindez
Nicola Jenaye Merritt ***
Cayla Rene Miller
Aurora Liliana Mindiola *
Andrea P. Minotti *
Francisco Miranda
Daja Lejean Mitchell ***
India S. Mitchell
Jennifer A. Mixon ***
Britney Michelle Molina
Alyssa Marie Monreal
Aaron B. Montalvo
Karina Montelongo
Alivia Jainece Moore **
Madison Symone Moore
Nicki Rochelle Moore
Rene Alexander Moreno
Sandra Moreno
Ana L. Morua
Brittney De-Amber Moyer
Mikayla Marie Mullins ***
Kevin Muniz *
Samantha Munoz
Tania Nava
Jhoselyn Navarrete **
Katelyn Nicole Newton
Cynthia G. Niederhofer
Joshua Adekunmi Obasa
James Ikechukwu Okeze ***
* Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude *** Summa Cum Laude
Justin Olitzki *
Anna Yvonne Opdahl
Alonzo Orta *
Annette Ortiz
Wendinmi Israel Ouedraogo ***
Clayton A. Overbergen
Maria Fernanda Patino Chavez *
Angelia Yvette Patterson
Estefani Michelle Pavon *
Jervasia R. Payne
Dominic J. Pena
Natali Peres **
Adriana Perez
Blake Perez
Denise Perez
Karolina Perez *
Madison M. Perez
Tonya Denise Pettigrew ***
Mario Pina
Annabel Sheri Pitts *
Bailee Ashlyn Pitts **
Michael Lee Potts ***
Roxana Lizbett Prudencio
Ashley Nicole Quiroz
Laiba Rahman
Ivanna Ramirez ***
Amanda Anne Ramon
Hector Ramos ***
Laura Louise Ramos ***
Dyahvion Redd
Jennifer Reeves
Marissa Lisette Resendez **
Sulma Reyes
Christopher David Reyna
Sean Dean Rhea
Isabel Anaid Rios
Melenny Lee Rios
Carlos G. Rivas Rivera **
Jennifer Danielle Roberts
Brandy Lizette Rocha
Gilberto David Rodas **
Schaffer V. Rodrigues
April Rodriguez
Desiree L. Rodriguez
Jackelyn F. Rodriguez **
Susanna Romani *
Andrea M. Rosales ***
Adaira V. Ross
David Enrique Ruiz
Diane Saavedra **
Aysha Saeed
Christian D. Salgado
Alexander Salinas Jr. **
Ruby Salinas *
Julisa Yisel Sanchez
Kasandra Sanchez
Isabel M. Santos
Jade Avril Saravia **
Avery Ann Schomer
Shamyia Tnae Scott
Ericq Scruggs
Jennifer Marlen Segura *
Yesenia Serrano
Maleeha Akram Sheikh
Clydesley Starr Sheppard
Andrea A. Short
Kierra Z. Simpson
Cortney Nichole Smith
Darla Jean Smith
Keri Dominique Smith
Kaitlyn Sokolis
Carolina Sompholphardy ***
Osvaldo Leonel Soriano *
Megan Speck *
Colette Claire Sprigg
Aaliyah Spruiell
Melinda Stevens
Matthew Allen Suarez
Brandy Michellee Sunday ***
Shawna L. Tatum **
Olivia K. Tawa **
Dezarae Erekpitan Taylor
Kendia Taylor
Lawrence Thomas **
Miesche Nichole Thompson
Rochelle Lynnette Tisdale *
Nickolas Augustus Topp ***
Emily Belem Torres ***
Eric Fitzgerald Townsend **
Jori T. Trahan
Cynthia Janneth Tristan *
Alexis M. Tunal **
Lizbeth Annette Turcios
Alyssa M. Vargas *
Nancy Vargas *
Alberto Vazquez ***
Rocio Vazquez **
Genesis Alexa Velasquez
Sonia Venegas **
Kassandra Victorino *
Angelita N. Villalon
Ashley Villarreal
Xiomara Carolina Villarreal
Yanitza Vizcarra
Linh N. Vuong
Afsana Binta Wahab ***
Andalyne Kate Walker ***
Jamal Washington
Stephanie Baugus Watson ***
Aiden Rodgers Wernig
Camron Christopher Wesley **
Kenterra Elaine West
Lexi A. Whitaker ***
Heather Shores Williams ***
Jerone Winfrey Williams
Karrie L. Williams *
LaShay Demetria Williams *
Taishon Williams *
Brittany Desha Wilson ***
Alexandria Wiltz
Shona Windsay
Kassidy Nikole Winkley
Anna Alejandra Yactayo Balabarca
Jesika Jasmyn Zamora *
Allison J. Zelaya *
Kettani Lorrell Zeroual *** * Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Summa Cum Laude
ALMA MATER
Standing proud along the Bayou, a Houston landmark true, is our noble Alma Mater, glorious to view.
Representing many cultures, races, tongues and creeds, confident we now go forth to serve our common needs.
Studies finished, now we’re leaving new goals to pursue, but our hearts to UH-Downtown ever will be true.
Come, let’s join and raise our voices, praising UHD.
May our lives forever honor thy dear memory.
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Stay connec ted, get involved, and keep the Gator spirit strong!
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
▶ Master of Ar ts in Non-Profit Mana gement
▶ Master of Ar ts in Strategic Communication
▶ Master of Ar ts in Rhetoric an d Composition
▶ Master of Science in Technical Communication
College of Public Ser vice
▶ Master of Ar ts in Tea chin g
▶ Master of Educational Lea dership
▶ Master of Social Work (Coming Fall 2026)
College of Sciences and Technology
▶ Master of Science in Ar tificial Intelligen ce
▶ Master of Science in Data Analy tics
Marilyn Davies College of Business
▶ Master of Business Administration
▶ Master of Professional Accountancy
▶ Master of Security Mana gem ent
University of Houston