I am thrilled to share with you the launch of our first Doctoral program in Engineering!
Words can hardly express the profound sense of accomplishment and pride that permeated every moment of this historic occasion.
On Sunday we celebrated with a formal dinner that brought together our esteemed University of Texas Rio Grande Valley administrators, National Science Foundation representatives, University of Texas System Regent Nolan Perez, M.D., enthusiastic students, proud parents, and supportive community members.
Here are some highlights from the dinner:
* Our administrators expressed their unwavering commitment to its success. Their guidance and leadership have been instrumental throughout this journey.
* Our students, the heart of our academic community, showcased their enthusiasm for this program. Their drive to succeed is always a source of inspiration for all of us. Love you all! Mega proud of you, inaugural Ph.D. class and future Ph.D. students.
* The proud parents shared their joy and pride in seeing their children embark on this doctoral journey. Their unwavering support will undoubtedly be fundamental to students' success.
* We were also honored to have community members join us in celebrating this achievement. Their involvement reflects the deep connections our institution has with the broader community, and we look forward to fostering even stronger bonds to further benefit the RGV.
As the director of this new program, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all that have worked tirelessly to turn our vision into a reality. The countless hours of research, planning, and collaboration have culminated in the creation of this remarkable doctoral program.
Enjoy these pictures – each one a testament to the power of dreams, the strength of our community, and the limitless potential of our students. No doubt that when we come together with purpose and determination, we can achieve the extraordinary.









Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey. Together, we are shaping the future, and Sunday was just the BEGINNING!!!
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Dr. Karen Lozano, an endowed professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley and a member of both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors. It is based on a column that first appeared on the author’s LInkedIn page. It appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the author’s permission. Lozano can be reached by email via: karen.lozano@utrgv.edu.
Editor's Note: All the photos shown in this guest are courtesy of UT-Rio Grande Valley.