#UTDgrad Tidbits

05.11.2018

The One in Which Temoc Graduates, There’s a Spinning Cap and More

 

Even Temoc graduates.

Molly Millsap, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, is the first participant in the Temoc Reveal, a new commencement tradition at UT Dallas that lets the campus community learn the identity of the mascot when he or she graduates.

Millsap was Temoc for two years. Per the unwritten rules of being a mascot, her identity remained a secret while serving as Temoc. She was revealed during ceremonies on Friday, May 11, and received her diploma holder from a current Temoc.

A mascot for 11 years, including for schools in her hometown of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Millsap also has worked at Disney World. She is an instructor with the National Cheerleaders Association.

Healthcare studies senior Megan Badejo, recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award who graduated summa cum laude, gave a speech during the commencement ceremony for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.

“A comet is a celestial entity that navigates through a space it does not entirely understand but burns fully nonetheless. That’s us, that’s what we’ve grown into. We aim to burn passionately with the will to forge on beyond any obstacle seen or unseen,” she said.

Badejo, who was president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, helped lead the UTD women’s basketball team to two American Southwest Conference championships.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare studies and will attend Texas A&M University College of Medicine in the fall.

Naturally this moment was captured during one of the commencement ceremonies for the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Rui Gue celebrated her master’s degree in accounting with her husband, Shawn.

Originally from China, Gue came to UT Dallas because she said the University is popular in China.

“Most of my friends go here,” said Gue, who already has a job with Regali in Richardson.

These kicks…

Biology senior Kyontasia Wilson’s standout design won the Comet Cap Online Contest. She split her graduation cap into four sections to recognize the areas of interest she had while at UT Dallas.

Section 1: At the top is her degree and year of graduation with a whoosh symbol to recognize her academic accomplishment.

Section 2: On the left is the straight ally flag, because Wilson said “being able to use my privilege and voice as a straight ally has really been an integral part of my experience at UTD.” She became a SAFE ZONE-certified ally, participated in Lavender Graduation and joined the first-ever LGBT+ and Ally Services Alternative Spring Break trip to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Section 3: The bottom includes sports stickers and a green bow to represent her participation in Crush Crew, the official student cheering section for the University’s athletic teams. Wilson was a founding member and special events chair of the “Revamped Crush Crew,” helping to bring in more than 60 new members.

Section 4: On the right is a Bible verse (Isaiah 46:4) about God carrying people through tough times. The white infinity symbol and blue background represent her membership in the Eternity Sisters Christian sisterhood. “I joined the sisterhood in fall 2017 and it has helped me to realize how important it is for me to be in touch with my faith through my college career,” Wilson said.

Giovanny Martinez celebrated his degree in finance with his sister Jessica (left) and mother, Martha Monroy.

Originally from Colombia, Martinez served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He is considering multiple job offers.