Image: Four fellow graduates celebrate their upcoming graduation ceremonies by attending the UHCL Alumni Association's Soaring Hawk Celebration. Image provided by UHCL Alumni Association. — Graduates celebrate at the Soaring Hawks Celebration by posing with handmade celebratory signs. Photo courtesy of UHCL Alumni Association.

UHCL to celebrate and honor graduating seniors

By Monica Luna Last updated Dec 6, 2015 492 0

Graduating seniors being celebrated by Hunter the Hawk who is issuing high fives as they walk by. Image provided by UHCL Alumni Association. — Congratulatory high fives given out by Hunter the Hawk during spring 2015 graduation ceremonies. *Photo courtesy of UHCL Alumni Association.*

The University of Houston-Clear Lake will hold the 2015 fall commencement Dec. 19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

“Congratulations to our fall 2015 graduates for their hard work and dedication to earn a college degree,” said William Staples, UHCL president. “Your degree is a mark of major achievement and provides the foundation for your future success in your chosen career. I encourage you to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to make our world a better place.”

Graduation ceremonies are a carefully planned event set by the Department of Academic Records. Ceremonies are held each fall and spring semester where family and friends can come to share in the celebration of the graduating seniors.

This semester’s keynote speakers will be R. Michael Squyres, who will speak at the 12 p.m. ceremony honoring graduating seniors in the School of Education and the School of Science and Computer Engineering, and Charles A. McClelland, Jr., who will speak at the 5 p.m. ceremony honoring graduates in the School of Business and School of Human Sciences and Humanities.

Michael Squyres is a UHCL graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. He currently serves as president and CEO of Flow-Cal Inc., an industry leader in measurement data management for natural gas and petroleum liquids.

Charles A. McClelland received a master’s of arts in sociology from UHCL in 2000 and was honored as a UHCL Distinguished Alumnus in 2005. He was sworn in as chief of the Houston Police Department on April 14, 2010, and has served 37 years with the Houston Police Department.

In conjunction with the Department of Academic Records, the UHCL Alumni Association and the Office of University Communications will host graduation celebrations leading up to commencement.

Senior Coordinator of Alumni Relations Kristine Thompson works closely to maintain a community with fellow UHLC alumni. This semester, the UHCL Alumni Association will host Soaring Hawks Celebration on Friday, Dec. 18, from 6-8 p.m. in Atrium II. The event is free for all graduates and their guests to attend, but tickets are required to enter the festivities. For complete event details, click here.

“First of all, I’d like to congratulate the graduates and welcome them to the UHCL Alumni Association,” Thompson said. “When they graduate in a few short weeks, they will join a network of nearly 60,000 UHCL alumni. My advice to our newest alumni would be to never stop learning. Take advantage of lectures, continuing education courses and other opportunities to keep your skills current. Reinforce the connections you made while attending UHCL, and know that as an alumnus, there are benefits that are available at little to no charge. Most importantly, keep in touch with us.”

The Office of University Communications will also be participating in this semester’s graduate celebrations. Photo booths will be placed around campus, and graduating seniors are encouraged to come and share thanks and thoughts in a special “Grads Giving Thanks” video that will play for family and friends before Commencement.

Billy SatterfieId, executive director of financial aid/registrar, works to ensure the success of the graduate ceremonies and offers advice to graduating seniors and their families who plan to participate in this semester ceremony.

“Arrive on time, dress appropriately (it’s not recommended that you wear high heels), and enjoy the moment,” Satterfield said. “Also the ceremonies last about two hours each and no admission tickets are required to attend commencement, but seats are not reserved and the good ones fill up quickly.”

Graduating seniors are allowed to adorn their caps for wear at the commencement ceremony but restrictions are enforced. For more information regarding the graduation ceremonies Dec.19, students can click here.

Graduates are required to arrive two hours prior to start of ceremonies. Attendees are advised to plan accordingly and arrive early due to street and convention construction at George R. Brown Convention Center.