Memorable Moments at Record-Breaking ETAMU Graduation

East Texas A&M University recently celebrated its largest graduating class ever with graduation ceremonies on May 9 & 10. In total, more than 1,600 new Lion alumni received their degrees across five ceremonies.

The university welcomed four commencement speakers to the podium to share their wisdom and experiences with the graduates. At both graduate school ceremonies, distinguished alum Ted Lyon spoke to the graduates about how his experiences in Commerce shaped his future as a successful lawyer and politician.

Lyon is a 1972 graduate of East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M), and he and his wife Donna have dedicated extensive time and resources to the university. Following the largest all-cash gift with immediate impact in university history, the university began construction on the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research in 2024.

At the undergraduate ceremonies on May 10, speakers were graduating students Martin Acevedo, Adriel Terrazas and Sheryl Winkler.

Acevedo, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with a double minor in Engineering Mathematics and Engineering and Systems Management, was involved in numerous student organizations and even founded the Men's Club Soccer program. He served as the organization's president from 2022 to 2024.

Terrazas devoted many hours to the university community during his time at East Texas A&M. He served as student body president (2022-2024) and as president of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor's Student Advisory Council during his junior year. He is a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Adriel was a proud member of the Lion Ambassadors for all four years. He graduated with a bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice.

Winkler is a registered respiratory therapist, wife, and mother who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Health Service Administration. She works full-time for Veterans Affairs as a Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Care Practitioner.

East Texas A&M photographers worked diligently to capture the memorable moments at graduation.

Featured Photo: Spring 2025 graduation | East Texas A&M Marketing and Communications