Texas A&M University at Galveston Holds Summer Commencement
Nearly 70 Sea Aggies receive degrees during a ceremony on Aug. 7.
Families celebrated by taking photos after summer commencement at Texas A&M University at Galveston. Credit: TAMUG Marking and Communications Department
“Good luck to dear old Texas Aggies,” a beloved song goes, but graduating from Texas A&M University at Galveston requires much more than good fortune.
Doing so involved years of work and support, the conclusion of which evoked thoughts of “gratitude” and “purpose” for those selected to speak Friday, Aug. 7, on behalf of the historic Class of 2026.
“We give thanks for all the friends, family, professors, and mentors who have surrounded us with love and support and given their entire selves in teaching and showing us what it means to be an Aggie,” Yamileth Perez said while giving the commencement invocation.
Perez, a marine biology major from Houston, was among nearly 70 Sea Aggies to receive degrees during the ceremony at the Aggie Special Events Center (ASEC) Ballroom on TAMUG’s campus.
“Let all who are gathered here leave this place resolved to honor all the values we have known to come in the Aggie spirit: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service,” Perez said.
Similarly, Corbin Chandler, a marine transportation major from the Beaumont-Port Arthur Area selected to give the Student Expression of Appreciation, emphasized what comes next.
“The world you inherit does not need spectators,” Chandler said. “It needs builders, leaders, and people willing to step forward when the path is uncertain, and the outcome is not guaranteed. But most importantly, the world needs fighting Texas Aggies.”
During an afternoon ceremony, TAMUG honored Doctoral, Masters, and Baccalaureate graduates of the College of Marine Science and Maritime Studies (Department of Marine Biology, Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science, Department of Maritime Business Administration, Department of Marine Engineering Technology, Department of Maritime Transportation); the College of Engineering (Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Department of Ocean Engineering), and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Col. Michael E. Fossum ’80, Vice President of Texas A&M, Chief Operating Officer of the Galveston Campus, and Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, reminded the new graduates of their place in history.
“Since this is Texas A&M University’s 150th anniversary, you will forever be known as a member of our sesquicentennial class,” Fossum said. “How cool is that?”
The colonel and other speakers also reminded the former students that their relationship with A&M never ends: They are Aggies for life.
“You worked hard to overcome obstacles, adjusted course along the way, and will leave here today with your Aggie family at your side, and more clarity about your dreams for the future,” Fossum said. “Our nation and our world need you out there. As you leave this place and step into your future, I have the full confidence you will do so with the grit, determination, professionalism, and the positive can-do attitude for which Aggies are known all over the world.”
