East Texas A&M University celebrated hundreds of students as they culminated their academic efforts at Summer 2026 commencement ceremonies last weekend.

Newly equipped with degrees in business, education, science and many other disciplines, 768 Lion graduates launched into the world with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen field.

We caught up with a few graduates across three different ceremonies to hear their success stories and what's on their horizon following graduation.

Aujarai Ivy, M.S. in Biological Sciences

What are your initial emotions now that you've walked the stage and graduated?

“I'm really relieved. This took a long time, and there were a lot of bumps in the road that I had to overcome, but I did it!”

Who is an ETAMU faculty or staff member who had a large impact on your success as a student?

“Dr. Kelly Reyna and Dr. Jeffrey Kopachena. They were so patient with me while I took some time to complete this degree, and they are great professors.”

What's next for you now that you've got your degree?

“I want to pursue a career in wildlife biology, specifically the conservation of endangered species. That's what I'm looking forward to right now.”

Sarah Finley, B.S. in Business Administration

What are your initial emotions now that you've walked the stage and graduated?

“I can't believe it, honestly! It's been a long time coming, and I've worked really hard. But it doesn't feel like I'm ‘done.' It feels like my world has opened up, and there are so many new opportunities to continue my education and career.”

Who is an ETAMU faculty or staff member who had a large impact on your success as a student?

“Absolutely, 100%, my academic advisor, Tanya Yaeger (Hemingway). She is amazing, and I would not have graduated if it weren't for her. I went to her so many times thinking I had it all figured out, but she steered me in the right direction and got me into the classes I needed semester after semester.”

What's next for you now that you've got your degree?

“I'm thinking about what I want to do next, but I already work full-time in banking. So, now that I have my degree, I am considering getting my Series Certifications to further my career.”

Andy Radilla, B.A.A.S in Safety and Health

What are your initial emotions now that you've walked the stage and graduated?

“This is not a place I had previously expected to be. I'm here today as a graduate by the grace of God, as well as the support of my future wife. She pushed me to keep going. I didn't like school growing up, so I just started working right out of high school. I gave up on college initially. But she helped me pursue my degree, and now here I am!”

Who is an ETAMU faculty or staff member who had a large impact on your success as a student?

“Dr. Bart Eltz. His courses were challenging, and he pushed me to study more closely and ask questions. I thank him for making his class hard, because it's made me a better person.”

What's next for you now that you've got your degree?

“I'd like to take a year off from school to search for jobs but then begin a master's program after that.”

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See a full gallery of photos from Summer 2026 commencement ceremonies at East Texas A&M in our online photo gallery.