Traditions help UTSA graduates stand out at Commencement

MAY 10, 2022 -Thousands of graduating Roadrunners celebrate earning their degrees each May and December by participating in a number of special traditions tied to the momentous occasion.

Scheduled for Friday, May 13, the UTSA Commencement Drive, a tradition that began in May 2020, will provide graduates with a memorable experience. In the spirit of San Antonio's victory celebrations, graduates will embark on a nostalgic victory lap around the Main Campus with birds up and horns blaring. Graduates and revelers outside of San Antonio may participate by sharing a video of their car honk on social media using the hashtag #UTSAGrad22.

UTSA's spring Commencement ceremonies will be held at the Alamodome on Saturday, May 14. Graduates of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, College of Sciences and College for Health, Community and Policy will cross the stage during the first ceremony at 10 a.m. Graduates of the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, University College, College of Education and Human Development and the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design will receive their degrees during the second ceremony at 4 p.m.

Many traditions during Commencement festivities involve the accessories students would typically wear. Stoles and cords, for instance, have special meanings. Stoles are the colored sashes that students wear draped over their shoulders during the Commencement ceremony, and they each represent involvement in various activities at UTSA. Student-athletes and Honors College students receive special stoles to wear. Students can also purchase a Stole of Gratitude, which they can present after the celebration as a show of gratitude to someone whose support helped them reach this milestone.