Island University to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class in its History

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The cheers of family, the flash of cameras, and the undeniable energy of achievement will fill the American Bank Center during the Spring 2025 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17. A total of 1,407 Islanders — a record-breaking number for a single semester — will earn their degrees as they mark the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and hard work.

“I am so proud of every single one of our Islander graduates. This record-breaking class is a testament to our deep and ongoing commitment to student success and reflects years of collaborative work across the university,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, President and CEO of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “We’re seeing the results of intentional, university-wide efforts to help Islanders not only reach the finish line but thrive beyond it.”

The commencement speaker will be Dr. D. Scott Elliff ’82, ’86, ’12, Associate Clinical Professor of Educational Administration. A lifelong resident of Nueces County, Elliff attended Del Mar College before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, and Doctor of Educational Leadership degrees from the Island University. He was named TAMU-CC Distinguished Alumnus in 2017. He has also served in leadership capacities with more than 30 nonprofit organizations.

“I know it sounds cliché, but it’s an honor for me to give this commencement address,” Elliff said. “I’ve been associated with the Island University for over 40 years, and being asked to speak during such a meaningful occasion is very special.”

As part of a career in education spanning four decades, Elliff currently serves as 1st Vice-President of the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Foundation. He also established the Dr. Scott Elliff and Michael Briones Endowed Scholarship in Education for Islander students seeking a degree in Teacher Education, Educational Administration, or Educational Leadership. Previously, he was the founding Executive Director of Citizens for Educational Excellence, a local education fund affiliated with the Public Education Network, and was Superintendent of Schools for Corpus Christi ISD from 2007-2014. In 2013, Elliff was named Superintendent of the Year by the Texas PTA.

Elliff’s message to graduates will include lessons he’s learned over the years about what it means to lead a meaningful life in a complex world.

“I know our graduates are very well-prepared to take their next steps in terms of skill and knowledge,” Elliff said. “If I can plant a seed with the graduates that might bear fruit later, that will be enough.”

In addition, seven students, selected by the Office of the Provost, will be honored for their academic achievements. This semester’s Outstanding Islander Graduates are: 

• Valeria Cherfus ’25 – College of Business
• Jonathan Conyers ’25 – School of Arts, Media, & Communication
• Ellionna Coppage ’25 – College of Education and Human Development
• Geovanny Montemayor ’25 – College of Liberal Arts
• Leala Punjabi ’25 – College of Science
• Delfino Salinas III ’25 – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Jared Vieyra ’25 – College of Engineering and Computer Science

Students from the Colleges of Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development, and Nursing and Health Sciences will graduate at 10 a.m., followed by graduates from the Colleges of Business, Science, and the School of Arts, Media, & Communication at 2 p.m. The ceremonies are free and open to the public and do not require tickets upon entrance. Seating for guests is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and arena doors will open one hour prior to the ceremonies.

For those who are unable to attend, the ceremonies will be live-streamed at tamucc.edu. For more information, visit tamucc.edu/commencement.