Island University Celebrates Over 560 Graduates During Summer 2025 Commencement
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The American Bank Center was filled with thunderous applause on Aug. 9 as Islander graduates received their diplomas during the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Summer 2025 Commencement Ceremony. Proud families erupted in cheers, waved signs, and celebrated a major milestone in their loved ones’ lives.
Among the 567 graduates was first-generation college student Joshua Stewart ’25, who received his Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business. Originally from the Houston area, Stewart chose the Island University for its strong academics and its unique coastal setting. Stewart made his Islander Impact through volunteerism, donating his time at the Texas Sealife Center and with Junior Achievement. He leaves campus with fond memories of fishing along the coast and spending late nights brainstorming with friends in the Michael and Karen O’Connor Building.
“Studying at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi gave me the opportunity and the guidance I needed to find my passion. With the support of my professors and real-world learning experiences, I built the skills and confidence to succeed,” Stewart said. “I’m proud to say I’ve accepted a position as a project manager with Texas Freedom Waterworks, and I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my career.”
For Tiffany Dinh ’25, the Island University quickly became the ideal place to turn her passion for health care administration into a meaningful path forward. Keenly interested in improving patient care and optimizing health care operations, Dinh earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. During her time at TAMU-CC, Dinh was elected vice president of the student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, completed an internship at Amistad Community Health Center, and served as an Islander Launch Crew Orientation Leader.
“Serving as a crew leader, I made an Islander Impact by encouraging others, forming lasting friendships, and helping new students have a good first day on campus,” Dinh said.
Avery Scott ’25 earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Originally from Lubbock, Scott came to TAMU-CC seeking a change of scenery. What she also found was a passion for marketing, sparked through an internship at Splendid Aviation, a local flight school, that became a full-time opportunity as their marketing coordinator.
“As marketing coordinator, I’ve been able to take ownership of social media strategy, and lead generation, event marketing, and student recruitment,” Scott said. “I truly appreciate how far I’ve come. I’m leaving this university with a deeper sense of resilience, purpose, and pride in who I’ve become.”
The commencement speaker was Judith Talavera, President and Chief Operating Officer for AEP Texas.
Her speech encouraged students to be bold, brave, and be themselves as they move forward in the next chapter in life.
“You may be finished with this part of your education, but in many ways, you're not done,” Talavera said. “This is just the beginning, and you’ll continue to learn by going beyond what's familiar and what feels comfortable. You need to stretch and challenge yourself to continue growing.”
To view a recording of the Summer 2025 Commencement Ceremony, visit commencement.tamucc.edu.
