Last week, Moody College of Communication students crossed the graduation stage, closing the book on their undergraduate careers at the University of Texas. 

The class of 2025 students finished high school in the middle of the pandemic, many of them unable to have the full graduation experience before starting their college careers.

“For many of us, this is our first real graduation ceremony,” said Alexis Vasquez, Communication Council President and 2025 graduate. “COVID turned our high school experiences upside down, and many of us missed out on these cap-and-gown moments. But look at us now, we’re here, and we made it.”

Vasquez encouraged her fellow graduates to take a moment to truly reflect on their Moody College experience, who supported them most, what challenged them and perhaps most importantly, what they envision for their futures.  

Her heartfelt remarks described the changes she’s personally experienced, making it to UT Austin after transferring from the University of Texas at El Paso. She continued by encouraging her classmates to be the change they want to see in the world, despite the challenges that will come their way.

“Moving forward, as we step foot in this world of constant change, the most important thing is to stick together,” Vasquez said. “Fight for what you believe is right, fight for those who came before you or those who can’t fight, spread kindness, lead with empathy and compassion, and help those along the way.”

The ceremony was Anita Vangelisti’s first graduation in the role of interim dean. Vangelisti wanted graduates to know that despite the developments in communications over recent years, the power and impact of a degree in the field have remained unchanged.

“What you have learned while you were at Moody College will help you throughout your life,” Vangelisti said. “It will benefit you both professionally and personally.”

Vangelisti encouraged students to go into their next chapters with confidence, always remembering the opportunities they had to learn and be immersed in their fields, and that they’ll always have a support system at Moody College.

“Here you will always have friends, supporters, and teachers who will be in your corner, cheering you on throughout your lives and careers.”

She ended her remarks with a quote from famed UT football coach, Mack Brown, after winning the national championship in 2005. The then-coach told his team, “Don’t let this be the best thing that ever happens in your life.”  

“I’d like to tell you the same thing,” Vangelisti said. “Graduating from UT is amazing, but don’t let it be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Go be outstanding journalists, audiologists, filmmakers, and producers. Go be excellent advertising executives and communication consultants. Go out there and be exceptional citizens, friends, and parents. Go change the world!”

In that same spirit, graduation keynote speaker, Linda Garza, Moody College alum and general counsel for Siete Family Foods, described the many ways UT’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” resonates with her family.

“When I saw my dad standing in front of Jester Hall, where he lived his freshman year, those words became more than a motto,” she said. “They were a mirror - a reflection of my existence and a reminder of my parents’ journey. Because what started here — with my parents walking down Speedway on the Forty Acres — changed my world.”

Garza left Moody College and went on to law school, graduating from the University of Houston and then working in the Webb County District Attorney’s office. In March of 2018, she began working for her family’s beloved brand.

“Later in life, I made the move back to Austin—a new beginning to work for my family’s business,” she said. “This was yet another example of how what started here at the University of Texas not only changed my life, but the lives of my entire family, because eventually, it helped launch Siete Foods, a company created by my sister Veronica, my brother Miguel, and my parents.”

Garza left students with profound advice.  

“Do not ask for permission to lead,” Garza said. “Do not wait to speak up. Choose kindness. Show empathy and compassion. When the world seems uncertain and deeply divided, you have the ability and power to connect with others, even those with whom you disagree and that connection can bridge those divides, restore trust and remind others of our shared humanity.”

 Hear Garza’s speech and see photos from last week’s ceremony.