Fall 2015 graduates receive special distinction

Fall 2015 CommencementThe recent Fall 2015 graduating class of Texas Southmost College received more than their diplomas and certificates when they walked across the stage of the Jacob Brown Memorial Auditorium on Dec. 12, 2015. The College's third fall commencement ceremony held special significance because it was the first graduating class in 23 years to receive a diploma from the separately accredited TSC.

Commencement"Every semester, graduation reminds us what it's all about. It's all about getting the students their certificates and degrees so that they go out into the community, be productive citizens and become the future leaders of our community," said TSC Board of Trustees Chairman Francisco Rendon. "The College's accreditation is a new beginning and the next chapter in the future of Texas Southmost College. It's a great milestone for the community."

CommencementThe graduates received the special distinction after TSC was awarded separate accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on Dec. 8.

"It was a great experience. Knowing that I'm the first one from my family to graduate college is awesome, I even saw my dad tearing up," said Rosa María Almazán, who received an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. "We didn't know we were also part of the first graduating class in a long time to receive a degree from TSC as a separately accredited college. That's pretty exciting."

Over 200 students were conferred associate degrees and certificates at TSC's Fall 2015 commencement.

"Coming back to school and getting my degree was a long-term plan that culminated with graduation," said Rosa Perales Saldaña, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Care and Development. "TSC is a recognized school that can help you get to where you want to go."

About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College offers the first two years toward a bachelor's degree, along with career and technical education, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers 53 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.