Texas A&M University–San Antonio Graduates Set Course for Next Journey
A&M-SA Commencement ceremonies return to Freeman Coliseum, Finance major and cancer survivor aims to work in banking, first Air Force ROTC graduate prepares for a career in the military, Seniors of Distinction recognized for achievements, and TU CASA presents certificates
SAN ANTONIO – More than 800 Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) students are projected to graduate this spring and summer 2022. Two ceremonies will take place at the Freeman Coliseum:
- College of Business/ College of Education and Human Development: Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.
- College of Arts and Sciences: Saturday, May 21, 4 p.m.
Among those graduating is Yulissa Garza, who is earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, is a cancer survivor, and completed 41 hours within the spring, summer, and fall semesters of a single year. Joining Garza is Tyler Doty, who will earn his Bachelor of Business Administration and is the first to graduate as part of the A&M-SA Air Force ROTC program.
Seniors of Distinction Alandrya Lynn Fuller, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, and Cheyenne Zavala, earning her Bachelor of Arts in English, are first-generation transfer students who model the mission and values of the University.
TU CASA will present certificates to students with intellectual disabilities who are a part of the program at A&M-SA.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say “Yes”
When Yulissa Garza was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2018, she admits thinking lifelong ambitions might not be possible.
“When you hear the words, ‘You have cancer,’ you don’t consider long-term goals a possibility,” said Garza.
A Finance major at A&M-SA who earned her Associate of Art in Teaching from Northwest Vista, Garza had plans to pursue a career as a high school math teacher. In November 2017 while attending Northwest, she learned the devastating news that her mother was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. Garza decided to take time off school and work to care for her. They soon found out she carried a gene called CDH1 mutation or hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.
“Following this news, I tested positive for the gene as well (I had a 50/50 chance of carrying it),” shared Garza. “Those who carry this gene have up to an 80% chance of developing stomach cancer. In August of 2018, I was going to have surgery for something not related to cancer, but my mom pushed for an endoscopy before the surgery, and this is when they found cancer cells in my stomach.”
Fortunately, Garza was diagnosed with Stage 1b cancer. Her doctor recommended having three chemotherapy sessions before a total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach), and three after the surgery. In fact, she and her mother received chemotherapy together, yet her mother had already gone through more than 20 sessions. Though she passed away in February 2019, Garza said they were always close, almost inseparable, and her mother remains her biggest mentor.
After a five-month recovery from open surgery for not only a total gastrectomy, but a myomectomy to remove fibroids, she found herself pursuing goals she had before her journey with cancer. In January 2020, she attended her first class at A&M-SA, and completed an impressive 41 hours within the spring, summer, and fall semesters of 2021. Garza said she enjoyed the smaller environment where she would recognize others and share multiple classes with fellow classmates.
“After my battle with cancer and being healthier, I applied to A&M-SA,” said Garza. “My brother was about to graduate, and I saw how much he enjoyed attending this University, so after my brother's recommendation, it was an easy choice.”
Garza currently seeks a job in the banking industry and hopes to buy her first home once she has established her career. She also aims to focus on her health and help bring awareness to stomach cancer and the CDH1 gene because, although it is a rare mutation, it may affect multiple people in a family.
Garza believes her experience as a cancer survivor has strengthened her goals in life, both long and short term, and inspired her to live life to the fullest.
“It stood out to me how much more spontaneous I am with every decision I make. I live every day with enjoyment because some aren’t lucky enough for a tomorrow,” Garza said. “Don’t be afraid to say ‘Yes,’ and don’t live life vicariously. Do what makes you happy. Try a new hobby. Apply for that job that seems impossible. Go on that road trip. Do it all.”
Flying to New Heights
As a child, Tyler Doty dreamed of becoming a pilot in the military like his grandfather. Little did he know his dream would lead him to Texas A&M-San Antonio.
Doty, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business, is the first graduate as part of A&M-SA’s Air Force Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. In January 2020, A&M-SA signed a Standard Crosstown Agreement with The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to offer the AFROTC General Military Course and/or Professional Officer Course for qualified students who desire to earn appointments as commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Doty moved to Poteet, Texas to be with his grandparents his senior year of high school. After attending community college, he set his sites on pursing his degree concentration at a university, enrolling in A&M-SA in the fall of 2020.
“When I had finished with community college and it was time to get into my upper- level classes, I learned of the Crosstown program at A&M-SA and was interested, especially since A&M-SA is close to where I live,” said Doty.
Doty, who also holds certifications in cyber security and investing, took all of his academic classes at A&M-SA, but attended military-specific courses at UTSA twice a week. As an underclassman, students attend Aerospace Studies, where they learn about the history of the Air Force, customs and courtesies, how to properly wear the uniform, and case studies. As students progress through the program, Doty said it evolves into more of what military life looks like from an inside view.
“It’s not so much about becoming a soldier and going to war. It’s a lot more than that,” Doty said. “We have leadership labs, where we put what we have learned into practice and perform scenarios where we need to use critical thinking skills. We focus on officer development.”
Upon graduating from A&M-SA, Doty will commission as a second lieutenant and begin his first assignment and training at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. He hopes to eventually become a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) pilot.
“The aircrafts have a 69-ft. wingspan,” explained Doty. “They can fly from here in the States to different parts of the world, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and across the globe. Some of the drones have different capabilities called Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and that way we do not have to put an actual person’s life at risk.”
Doty shared that what he loved most about AFROTC is the camaraderie and family bond he and his friends formed in the program. He also cites opportunities he would not have otherwise had if he were not a part of the program.
“I received a $3,500 scholarship to log some flight hours at a local flight school,” he said. “There are tons of scholarship opportunities. I received one through ROTC where my education is completely paid for by the military.”
Not only is Doty graduating and commissioning this May, but he is also getting married to his fiancé. In fact, one of his AFROTC classmates will serve as his best man at his wedding.
Doty is required to serve six years in the military and currently hopes to pursue a long-term career in the Air Force, though he may eventually put his business skills to use in the civilian world. However, for now, his sites are set on following in the footsteps of his biggest mentor, his grandfather, as an Air Force pilot.
Making the Distinction
The Outstanding Senior recognition honors graduating seniors who have made significant contributions to A&M-San Antonio through academic achievement, campus leadership and involvement, community service, honors, and awards. To be considered, a student must first be nominated by a member of the A&M-SA faculty, a staff member, student, or alumni. A&M-SA has 13 total Outstanding Seniors this spring.
Those selected as Outstanding Seniors are then reviewed by a committee who names individuals from among the Outstanding Seniors as Seniors of Distinction. Seniors of Distinction receive a monetary award funded by the Mahan Family and the prized Senior of Distinction Medal which is to be worn at Commencement. This year’s Seniors of Distinction include:
Alandrya Lynn Fuller
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
Alandrya Lynn Fuller is a first-generation student born in Waco, Texas, who was raised in San Antonio. She began her undergraduate career at Prairie View A&M University before transferring to Texas A&M University-San Antonio. During her time at A&M-San Antonio, she worked at the Office of Student Involvement. She was involved in several student organizations, including Black Student Union, the National Society for Leadership and Success, the Coalition, and the Campus Activities Board. At Commencement, Alandrya will be wearing stoles and cords for all these organizations, as well as the Outstanding Senior stole and Senior of Distinction medallion. She has been on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll and was nominated for Undergraduate Student Worker of the Year.
Cheyenne Zavala
Bachelor of Arts in English (Rhetoric and Writing Emphasis)
Cheyenne Zavala is a first-generation transfer student who began her undergraduate career at Northwest Vista Alamo College before transferring to Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She treasures the lifelong friendships and lasting memories she made at A&M-San Antonio and gives credit to the organizations she was involved in for allowing her to grow. At Commencement, Cheyenne will be wearing regalia from Tau Sigma National Honor Society, National Society for Leadership & Success, Silver Liners Mentorship Program, Delta Chi Fraternity, and Catholic Student Association. She will also wear a first-generation stole, honors cord, and a Senior of Distinction medallion.
TU CASA Recognitions
The TU CASA program at A&M-SA is designed to allow students with intellectual disabilities to receive a true university experience while gaining the skills and knowledge needed to transition to independent adult lives. As part of the Commencement ceremony for the College of Education and Human Development, there will be a presentation of University and Career Experience Certificates to the following individuals:
- Gabriella N. Eady-Sanchez
- Yxaiah Gomez
- Nicholas Lopez
- Alezandro Mauricio
- Dylan Salazar
Commencement Information
Both ceremonies will take place at the Freeman Coliseum (3201 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78219):
- College of Business/College of Education and Human Development: Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.
- College of Arts and Sciences:Saturday, May 21, 4 p.m.
Each ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube. Links to the livestreams are as follows:
- College of Business and College of Education and Human Development:
- College of Arts and Sciences:
More information about the A&M-SA Commencement can be found by visiting our Graduate Services webpage.
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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in south San Antonio, the University offers 33 undergraduate degrees and 16 graduate degrees to nearly 7,000 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of only 24 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 75 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and 73 percent are the first in their family to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; in 2020, Military Times ranked the University No. 35 in the nation for “Best for Vets: Colleges.” Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission