Father and son Mavericks set to graduate together
For Oswaldo Ortiz Jr. and his father, Oswaldo Ortiz Sr., the pursuit of higher education has always been a shared value. But neither could have imagined they would one day take that journey together.
When Ortiz Jr. decided to advance his career by enrolling in The University of Texas at Arlington’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, he was unaware that his father, inspired by his son’s ambition, would soon join him. They will walk the stage together at fall commencement this week.
“My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters and a constant source of motivation,” Ortiz Jr. said. “To share this journey with him has been an unexpected blessing.”
Ortiz Sr., a business professional with years of experience, saw the opportunity to further his career and deepen his bond with his son. He got to know his son outside of being his father during the classes they took over the last two and a half years.
“I always knew my son was a good student and a good person, but seeing his resilience and his ambition to better himself and help others has been an incredible experience,” Ortiz Sr. said.
Ortiz Jr. said he also liked to poke fun at his dad.
“He always sat at the front of the class and asked the most questions—sometimes extending class time,” Ortiz Jr. said. “It was a little embarrassing since everyone knew he was my dad, but I learned much about his dedication to lifelong learning.”
The father-and-son duo from Grapevine chose UTA to pursue their MBAs for its thriving campus community and strategic location in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. and home to 21 Fortune 500 companies.
“I must emphasize how thankful I am for our time at UT Arlington,” Ortiz Jr. said. “Through all the faculty and courses, I have gained more confidence in myself, technically and professionally.”
Their shared experience was marked by collaboration and mutual encouragement. They tackled challenging coursework, participated in group projects, and built relationships with peers while balancing the demands of their careers and personal lives.
For the father-and-son duo, walking the stage together at commencement is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and the strong familial bond that kept them motivated.
“This is more than just a degree for us,” Ortiz Jr. said. “It’s a symbol of perseverance and the incredible support we’ve given each other throughout this journey.”
Ortiz Sr. agrees: “Walking across that stage with my son will be one of the proudest moments of my life.”