Perseverance, gratitude and service all stood as central themes of Tuesday night’s commencement ceremony as the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana graduated the Class of 2026 at Hempstead Hall.
Graduates received associate degrees, technical certificates and other credentials before an auditorium filled with family members, friends, faculty and community supporters.
UAHT Chancellor Ricky Tompkins told graduates the ceremony marked more than academic success. “This celebration is filled with achievement, gratitude and possibility,” Tompkins said.
Tompkins praised students for overcoming obstacles while managing school, work and family responsibilities. “Most of you balanced work, school and family obligations, overcame financial hardship, personal loss or self-doubt,” he said. “Many of you are the first in your family to attend college, and all of you persisted.”
Tompkins also thanked relatives and supporters who helped students complete their studies. “Behind every graduate is a community of people who opened doors, offered guidance and refused to let them quit,” he said.
Tompkins noted that the commencement ceremony carried special meaning for him personally as his first since becoming chancellor and his return to his hometown. “This is also me coming home,” he said. “I was born here, and being able to come back and give back is something that I honor and cherish.”
Guest speaker U.S. Seventh Circuit Appeals Court Judge Doris L. Pryor, a Hope native and Hope High School graduate, compared life after graduation to a road trip filled with unexpected stops and detours.
Using humor throughout her speech, Pryor described stopping at Buc-ee’s, buying snacks and collecting drinks during long drives while comparing those experiences to the changing paths graduates may encounter in life. “I don’t know where you’re headed, Class of 2026,” she said. “Some of you are headed straight into a career. Some of you are headed back to school for another degree. Some may be headed for a nap.”
Pryor also recognized the sacrifices made by families and supporters who she called the superheroes of the students’ stories. “Somebody in here worked two jobs,” she said. “Somebody in here babysat somebody’s kids so they could go to class.”
Pryor told graduates not to become discouraged when life changes direction unexpectedly. “Every once in a while, you might hear on that GPS, rerouting, rerouting,” she said. “But that’s okay, because sometimes rerouting is just God’s way of saying I’ve got something a little bit better than what you typed in.”
Near the conclusion of her remarks, Pryor offered graduates a challenge about their future goals. “Your expectation will become your destination,” she said.
University of Arkansas System Vice President Chris Thomason congratulated graduates and thanked families for supporting students throughout their educational journeys. “You are surrounded by family, friends, faculty and mentors,” Thomason said. “Give all these folks that are here a round of applause for supporting you.”
Tompkins also recognized several award recipients during the ceremony. Dorene Mosier received the Outstanding Alumnus Award, while Agnes Terrrito was named Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Jennifer Cunningham received the Spirit of Excellence in Service award.
Academic all-star Aubrey Ferguson also received recognition for leadership and academic achievement.
After the graduates-to-be crossed the auditorium stage to receive their degrees and certifications, Vice Chancellor for Academics Laura Clark later certified that graduates had completed all requirements for their programs of study.
UAHT Board of Visitors chairman Freddie Smith closed the ceremony by encouraging graduates to continue helping others and remain connected to the college. “Help someone else that you know needs some help,” Smith said. “In doing so, you pass the torch a little bit farther.”
As graduates moved their tassels and applause filled Hempstead Hall, the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Class of 2026 officially became UAHT alumni.
