• To conclude the ceremony, participants dunked their rings in the reflecting pools on the University mall, symbolically covering themselves and their rings with UT Dallas pride.

Students and alumni celebrated Comet pride as they donned UT Dallas rings for the first time in the annual spring ring ceremony. 

“This ring signifies how proud and grateful I am to be a Comet,” Stefani Padron BA’17 said.

Family, friends, professors, staff and supporters filled the lecture hall in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building, and emotional words poured out in multiple languages, with the ceremony participants speaking directly to audience members who played a role in their academic journeys.

“Tonight I would like to thank my parents for working tirelessly to ensure that they could invest in my education and to enable me to come to my dream school, which is UT Dallas,” said Alexis Longoria, who is expected to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. “I am thankful every day to be a Comet … Whoosh!”

Jesus Mendez, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics, recognized his family and friends for their constant support.

“I am who I am because of you all,” he said. “Gracias, mi familia.”

Waving to her daughters in the audience, Elaine Torres BA’17 thanked her “little girls” as she prepared for the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication commencement ceremony later in the week.

“You are my greatest achievements,” she said, “but what’s going to happen to me on Thursday rings a close second.”

Featured alumni speaker Jonathan Bucio BS’14, a systems administrator at Experian, offered advice to ring recipients.

“My ring is a constant reminder of my UT Dallas experience as a whole … even going to class,” he said. “I will always be extremely grateful for everything UT Dallas has given me.”

My ring is a constant reminder of my UT Dallas experience as a whole … even going to class. I will always be extremely grateful for everything UT Dallas has given me.

Jonathan Bucio BS’14

Rings were presented by Dr. Andrew Blanchard, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, and Dr. Marion Underwood, associate provost and dean of graduate studies.

“This is the beginning of a wonderful set of ceremonies that happen this week,” Blanchard said. “We are really excited you chose to finish your degree here.”

After the presentation of the rings, ceremony participants adjourned to the reflecting pools on the North Mall to take part in the traditional dunking of the rings, ceremoniously covering themselves with UT Dallas water and University pride.

“This ring to me is proof of everything [my parents] always told me,” Thomas White BS’17 said. “If I set my mind to something, I can accomplish it.”