• Comets enjoyed the moment as a drone light show featured a letter-perfect sky at the end of the University Commencement ceremony, which honored spring graduates as well as grads from fall and summer of 2022.

Fifty years after its inaugural commencement ceremony, The University of Texas at Dallas capped off a day full of history with a stellar celebration for its most recent graduates.

“Students, you came to UT Dallas to launch your futures. Recall the challenges and opportunities that opened doors to new activities and interests. Reflect on the research you spent hours conducting or the internship you worked so hard to get. And finally, remember what it felt like to walk on campus for the very first time,” UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson said at the campuswide University Commencement ceremony on May 12 at the University Roundabout.

“Remember it all. Those moments, when combined with your bright minds and excellent education, are the fuel that will propel you forward,” said Benson, the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership.

Commencement Coverage

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Earlier in the day, Jose Longoria-Trevino PhD’72, UT Dallas’ first doctoral graduate, helped the University mark the awarding of its 5,000th PhD during the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, which also included newly minted graduate Joan Bernstein BA’08, MA’10, PhD’23. At 88, she is the oldest student to receive a PhD from UTD.

At University Commencement, keynote speaker Aaron Aryanpur BA’00 described his journey — from creating the inspiration for University mascot Temoc as a student to facing life’s challenges as an artist and stand-up comedian. He encouraged graduates to embrace the moment and not to limit themselves.

“Just in case you’ve been waiting for an outside voice to tell you it’s OK, or you’re waiting for an accomplishment you think you need to make … then your life can start, … I’m here to tell you that you already have permission. Whose permission? It doesn’t matter. Temoc’s. Today’s a win. Count it,” he said.

In addition to this spring’s graduates, Comets who earned their degrees in summer and fall of 2022 joined the second annual all-university festivities, which included a cosmic light show and an after-party. Individual school ceremonies for the Class of 2023 were held May 15-17.

“Much like every generation of students, you helped shape UT Dallas into what it is today. And just like Comets of decades past, you found encouragement and support from your family members and friends who made it all possible,” Benson said. “Thank you for choosing UTD for your education, and thank you for all you have given back to the home of the Comets. It has been our honor and privilege to be a part of your journey.”