The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
2010 Spring Commencement
05.21.2010 | Texas Athletics
May 21, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas -- On Friday morning, as a weekend of graduation ceremonies and celebrations were just beginning at The University of Texas, a group of outgoing UT student-athletes gathered in a shaded courtyard near the center of campus with friends and family for commemorative photos.
Jordyn Brown, a thrower for Women's Track and Field, took in her surroundings and quietly reminisced.
"I don't know where the time goes," Brown said, wearing full cap and gown. "When I was a freshman, I came over here and took pictures. It feels really good to have a degree from The University of Texas. That's why I came to school here, because this is such a great institution. I'll be showing off my diploma to everyone for a long time."
More than 45 student-athletes are scheduled to participate in Spring Commencement ceremonies this weekend. In their athletic careers, they have competed in everything from football to rowing, but now they will be celebrated for earning degrees in fields ranging from Economics to Psychology.
"I love to see these students take pause for just a day and celebrate the accomplishment of something very special -- the completion of a college degree from The University of Texas," said Dr. Randa Ryan, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services. "Graduation ceremonies are important reflections of a job well done, and symbolic of the hope of future dreams that can be accomplished, too."
For their part, UT student-athletes move on and out into the world with a unique education that came in classrooms and the fields of competition. Almost three-quarters of the graduating student-athletes completed their degrees in four years, while also competing at the highest level.
"What has college not taught me? It's taught me everything, really -- responsibility, time management," said Mary Cait McPherson, a rowing coxswain. "I think the best thing about being a student here is that I came in here expecting my classes to be huge, and they're actually very personalized. It was comfortable."
On the volleyball court, Ashley Engle carried the Longhorns to three straight Big 12 Championship titles and was a first-team All-American. But those trophies and accolades were far from her mind on Friday afternoon, as she prepared to walk across the stage at the Frank Erwin Center and be pronounced a college graduate.
"Just being a University of Texas student is an honor," Engle said. "There's so much strong spirit and pride throughout the whole school. I've grown up. I learned a lot about myself in every aspect."
Commencement ceremonies annually provide a moment to acknowledge the dedication and determination of student-athletes. Some completed their degree requirements with eligibility still remaining. Others, who have advanced to compete professionally, returned to campus to receive their diplomas.
"That's the environment we wanted to establish. They are committed to us, and we stay committed to them the whole way," said Brian Davis, Associate Athletics Director for Student Services over Football. "Everyone understands the importance of putting in the time and work and earning their degrees."
University of Texas student-athletes participating in 2010 Commencement
Saviour Achilike, Men's Track & Field (Biology/Pre-Med)
Erika Arriaran, Women's Basketball (ALD-Youth & Community Studies)
Margaret Bardin, Women's Swimming & Diving (Advertising)
Alex Basso, Women's Swimming& Diving (Corporate Communication)
Jordyn Brown, Women's Track & Field (Rhetoric & Writing)
Kwame Cavil, Football (Youth & Community Studies)
Brittany Chalk, Softball (Corporate Communication)
Kori Cook, Softball (Corporate Communication)
Stephanie Davison, Women's Tennis (Economics)
Dustin Earnest, Football (Finance)
Martin Egwuagu, Football (Kinesiology)
Ashley Engle, Volleyball (Corporate Communication)
Susana Escobar, Women's Swimming & Diving (Health Promotion & Fitness)
Tevan Everett, Men's Track & Field (ALD-Youth & Community Studies)
Tevas Everett, Men's Track & Field (Corporate Communication)
Clark Ford, Football (Corporate Communication)
Jordan Godbolt, Soccer (Radio-Television-Film)
Matt Hill, Men's Basketball (Corporate Communication)
Trey Hoover, Men's Swimming & Diving (Psychology/Pre-Med)
Colleen Irby, Rowing (History)
Levar Jenkins, Football (ALD-Youth & Community Studies)
Betzy Jimenez, Women's Track & Field (Biology)
Loryn Johnson, Softball (Health Promotion)
Eddie Jones, Football (Youth & Community Studies/Physical Culture & Sports)
Heather Kisner, Volleyball (Finance)
Jessica Kolmer, Rowing (Social Work)
Agustin Magruder, Men's Swimming & Diving (Economics)
Justin Mason, Basketball (ALD-Youth & Community Studies)
Stephanie Matejka, Rowing (Classical Archaeology)
Mariah McAfee, Rowing (Kinesiology)
Mary Cait McPherson, Rowing (ALD-Youth & Community Studies)
Kasey Moore, Soccer (Sports Management)
Roddrick Muckelroy, Football (Youth & Community Studies)
Asia Myrland, Women's Track & Field (Psychology)
Kristen Nash, Basketball (Corporate Communication)
Elliot O'Hare, Men's Track & Field (Kinesiology)
Drew Oldis, Football (Kinesiology)
Katara Rosby, Women's Track & Field (Kinesiology)
Lauren Salisbury, Women's Track & Field (Advertising)
Shawn Schmidt, Men's Track & Field (Government/Philosophy)
Gregg Smith, Football (Kinesiology)
Alexi Spann, Women's Swimming & Diving (Corporate Communication)
Eric Sultemeier, Baseball (ALD-Youth & Community Studies)
Tallie Thrasher, Softball (Sports Management)
Erin Tresselt, Softball (Finance/Pre-Med)
Sarah Tunell, Rowing (Sociology)
Traci Van Matre, Women's Swimming & Diving (Kinesiology)
Christina Vaughn, Soccer (Corporate Communication)
Fozzy Whittaker, Football (Corporate Communication)
Dustin Wise, Men's Swimming & Diving (Radio-television-Film)
