Caught In the Moment

Recent grads share once-in-a-lifetime moments from commencement

As told to Kim Brown

More than 1,600 students graduated last spring from the McCombs School of Business, participating in one of five ceremonies as well as a university-wide ceremony on the UT main mall. Each walk across the stage represented years of preparation and hard work, along with support from friends and family. We asked a handful of them to share what was going through their minds during these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Jesus Del Rio, BBA ’17

I felt an immense sense of accomplishment as I walked across the stage. I was born and raised in Houston, but both of my parents were born in the state of Michoacan in Mexico. I grew up in a low-income community where going to college isn’t the norm, but my parents always emphasized the importance of education. I was raised with American values but taught not to forget our rich Mexican heritage. For this reason, stitching together the Mexican flag and the American flag was symbolic to me and serves as a reminder that the American dream is alive and well.

After commencement: Del Rio is working toward an MPA degree at McCombs and will graduate in May 2018.

Summer Wang, MS Business Analytics ’17

It meant a lot to walk the stage with my three month-old son. I was pregnant at the beginning of this master’s program, and he accompanied me through the whole 10-month program. Being a mom and a student isn’t easy, but I was fortunate to receive help: My classmates delivered groceries to my house and reviewed work that I missed, and my professors were flexible about absences and deadlines. In a way, my son earned part of this diploma. I named him Austin — after the city in which he was born, and of course after UT Austin as well.

After commencement: Wang started a job at Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas, as a senior statistical analyst.

Michael Chao, BBA/MPA ’17

In a crowd of thousands of people, it was easy to spot my friends who came to support me. A group of them had made a huge cardboard cutout of my face and were waving at me. I felt so appreciative — and so happy and grateful for my experience and time at McCombs.

After commencement: Chao started a job at KPMG in Houston as an audit associate.

Sean Sellers, BBA ’17, Business Honors and Plan II Honors

As a banner carrier, I was required to attend a training session. All the trees along the procession route made it very awkward to walk around. After this picture was taken, I placed the banner on the main stage. The view was amazing — I could see the band, my friends, the deans, and everything behind the scenes. Being there re-instilled the idea that the university and its mission are so much bigger than one person. And, in that moment, I was shocked how quickly four years went by.

After commencement: Sellers starts a position with Deloitte Consulting in Dallas as a strategy and operations business analyst in January.

Maddy Flores, BBA ’17

In this moment, my graduation truly became a reality. I was sitting with the friends I often met in the atrium, at student organization meetings, and around McCombs. I was representing the school that gave me resources and opportunities to change my life. I felt proud not only to be a Longhorn but a future McCombs alum, too.

After commencement: Flores (right) starts a job at Accenture in Dallas as a consultant in January.

Rachith Srinivas, MBA ’17

I could not believe that one of my longtime dreams of getting my MBA had come true. My whole family — my parents, my twin brother and his family, my sister, and my auntie — came from India to UT to witness my graduation ceremony. Some of my best friends were also present. And the best part — my five-year-old son, Viren [in arms], was right there with me to enjoy this important moment in my life. It had been about three months since I last saw him, and it was his first trip to Austin. I felt that the balancing act between work, MBA, and my travel back and forth to India to be with my son was all worth it. I felt on top of the world.

After commencement: Srinivas started a job at SAP America in Dallas as a business processes consultant.

From the Fall 2017 issue of McCombs, the magazine for alumni and friends of the McCombs School of Business.