More than 1,600 East Texas A&M University students broke a record as the largest graduating class in the 135+ year history of the university at commencement ceremonies held on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.
In total, 1,646 graduates received their degrees across five ceremonies—two for graduate-level students and three for undergraduates—at the university Field House located at 1804 Lee Street in Commerce.
University President Mark Rudin congratulated the record-breaking Spring 2025 graduating class.
“Graduation is always an occasion worth celebrating, but being a part of the largest graduating class in our university’s long history must be a special feeling for our students,” Rudin said. “I couldn’t be prouder of these Lion graduates and their hard work and perseverance to reach this moment.”
Rudin continued: “I am confident that these 1,600+ Lion alumni will go out into the world and demonstrate how we fulfill our mission to transform lives.”
Graduate Fast Facts
Out of the more than 1,600 upcoming graduates, here are a few highlights
- Age of youngest graduate: 14
- Age of oldest graduate: 75
- U.S. states represented: 34
- Countries represented: 4
- First-gen graduates: 599
- International student graduates: 150
- Students graduating with academic distinction: 578
In addition, the East Texas A&M University department of athletics celebrated 65 student-athletes that participated in May commencement activities this past weekend, which is a new record for the department in the Division I era.
Fifty-four student-athletes received their undergraduate degrees this weekend, while 11 received graduate degrees.
The student-athletes were honored at a reception on Friday morning, followed by the graduate commencement ceremony on Friday afternoon, while the undergraduates took part in the commencement ceremony on Saturday.
Article source and photo credit: Ryan Scott, tamuc.edu/news/
