At Celebrando el Éxito, a salute to Hispanic/Latino Mavericks
At Celebrando el Éxito, family and friends gathered to celebrate The University of Texas at Arlington’s graduating Hispanic/Latino students for their accomplishments and achievements.
Nearly 250 students were recognized and presented with sarapes (colorful woolen shawls) that they can wear with their graduation regalia at UTA commencement ceremonies, scheduled for Friday at Globe Life Field.
“I’m very proud of each and every one of the students here tonight,” said Xavier Medina Vidal, director of the Center for Mexican American Studies. “I feel very proud that the university worked together to bring something like this to its Hispanic students.”
Faith Cachay, a first-generation student who will be receiving her bachelor’s in history, said the celebration was for her family, which has supported and cheered her on throughout the last four years. Her mother, Guadalupe Cachay, said she is extremely grateful to the university for supporting her daughter during her time at UTA.
“It feels really good knowing she has been able to accomplish all of this,” Guadalupe Cachay said. “She’s received a lot of support from the school and from her professors. I’m extremely thankful to them.”
UTA’s commitment to access and inclusion of students from all backgrounds continues to draw national recognition. Last year, it was one of just six institutions nationwide to earn the Seal of Excelencia certification, a prestigious honor granted to colleges and universities for their commitment to accelerating Latino student success. UTA is one of only 21 U.S. universities to be designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and categorized as a Carnegie R-1 university.
Latinos compose about 36% of UT Arlington’s undergraduate enrollment and 30% of the overall student population.
Maria Yareli Delgado, inaugural senior director of Hispanic-Serving Institutions at UTA, said Celebrando el Éxito shows how UTA values its Hispanic/Latino students.
“It gives us the opportunity to show our Hispanic/Latino students that they are important to the university,” she said.