Commencement 2024
Hundreds of hours in the clinics and classrooms. Countless nights staying up late studying. Numerous challenges and opportunities and friendships made along the way. Years of hard work culminated May 24 when students walked the stage at Texas Trust CU Theatre during the 2024 commencement ceremony.
“It’s pretty surreal and I’m a bit nervous, but I’m excited that my friends and family are here to watch me walk,” said Dr. George Francis, who graduated with his PhD in oral sciences. “After all this hard work, it feels right that we have a day to celebrate.”
This year’s commencement celebrated 103 students who earned DDS certificates, 29 students with dental hygiene degrees and 45 graduate students. Some students came from a family tradition of dentistry and were hooded by family members or close friends when they walked the stage.
“It’s great to see [my son] follow in the footsteps of my profession,” said Dr. Irelia Machado, dentist and mother of graduate Jorge Morillo. “It’s given me so much joy, just being able to help and to change the lives of so many people. I’m very proud of him.”
Jorge’s father, also named Jorge Morillo, said he was also proud of his son’s accomplishment.
“This has been a long journey,” he said. “We’re so happy for him.”
For other students, earning their degree was not only a milestone for themselves, but also a first for their family.
“I’m a first-gen, so this feels pretty great,” said dental hygiene graduate Alexa Estrada. “I didn’t have a ‘lead by example’ really, so I had to do this all on my own. I feel pretty proud.”
During commencement several speakers took time to congratulate the graduates on their achievements, encouraging them to look back fondly on their time in school and to look forward to a bright future in the field of dentistry. They were also encouraged to remember those who helped them along the way in their academic journeys.
“The quality of the educational programs at Texas A&M School of Dentistry derives directly from the commitment and the excellence of our faculty,” said Dean Lily T. García. “Their presence [at commencement] amplifies the pride we share and the profound sense of achievement for each of you.”
As commencement closed, the newly-minted dentists and dental hygienists considered a future full of new opportunities and challenges with a variety of emotions. Some will return to school; while others will dive straight into practice.
Nalini Dhurjati graduated with her dental public health certificate. She said it was very exciting to walk across the stage and to have her family there to support her.
She couldn’t sum up how she felt, saying it was a mix of anxiety, nervousness and excitement to finally achieve this important milestone.
However, Dhurjati’s daughter, 7-year-old Nalini, perfectly captured the sentiment: “It’s excellent!”