HOUSTON (May 16, 2022) – Last Friday, May 13th, was a triumphant morning for Lone Star College-University Park – when more than 2,000 attended the 2022 commencement ceremony at Berry Center in Cypress. Large gatherings were back for the first time since 2019, and LSC-University Park celebrated its first in-person graduation since the pandemic. The Lone Star College system awarded nearly 9,500 students a degree or certificate, including a record-breaking 1,010 from LSC-University Park.
“Today is a beautiful day at University Park. Today is, in fact, the most beautiful day and the happiest day as we honor you, our 2022 graduates,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, founding President of LSC-University Park. “While we were physically apart for a long time, I assure you that our Lion Heart, UP Pride remained as strong as ever, which resulted in graduating our highest number of students in our 10-year history as a college. Congratulations Lions! Be fearless, compassionate, inspiring leaders and innovate.”
Lone Star College Board of Trustees Ms. Myriam Saldivar, Art Murillo, Dr. Jim Cain, Vice Chancellor Dr. Dwight Smith, campus administrators, faculty, and staff were all present for this joyous occasion.
Dr. Mosadi Porter, Associate Dean of Adm/Outreach, recognized Chancellor’s Fellows and honors students graduating with an honor’s associate degree.
Porter also highlighted a group of students graduating with both their associate degree and high school diplomas. This significant time and money saving achievements are the result of the University Park’s partnership with: Klein Independent School District, Harmony Public Schools, iSchool Early College High School, and Home School programs.
Marilyn Rubio, Student Government Association President, delivered an inspiring speech. Rubio represented LSC-University Park students for two years.
The 2022 Commencement Speaker was Mrs. Paula Mendoza, President and CEO of Possible Missions. Mendoza, a native Houstonian, grew Possible Missions from a project management firm in 2001 to a Procurement Solution firm providing high-quality PPE worldwide. Mrs. Mendoza was the first Latina to serve as Chairman of the State of Texas Ethics Commission and the first Latina appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents.
In honor of Paula Mendoza’s perseverance and commitment to education, the college awarded a $1,000 scholarship in her name to LSC-University Park graduate Ileana Perez, who plans to continue her education at Prairie View A&M University this fall.
President Ardalan recognized three students who earned Texas Certificates of High School Equivalency with tuition awards in honor of Trustees Saldivar, Murillo, and Cain.
Closing the ceremony, President Ardalan praised and thanked the newly minted graduates, families, and community leaders.
“Graduates, you are our future. As educated citizens, we place great hope that you will meet the challenges of your community and our country. We praise you for your accomplishments and wish you the best. We are honored to serve you, your families, and our community. We are your Community’s College, and we will be here for you wherever life takes you. Thank you!” – President Ardalan.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. Under its founding president, Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park is devoted to impacting the community’s prosperity and upward mobility through student success. The college’s competent and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
LSC-University Park campus facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, University of Houston-Downtown, Corporate College and Conference Center, Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, Geology Rock Wall, iSchool High, and YMCA Children’s Academy.
Lone Star College offers high-quality and affordable academic transfer and career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. The institution is globally recognized for achieving exceptional levels of success in student learning, student completion, gainful employment, equity, and affordability. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of eight colleges, ten centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
For information on taking classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.