Despite not hosting graduating students and their families on campus for graduation due to COVID-19, Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources still celebrated its May 2020 graduates today (May 23). This semester, that celebration took place in the form of a virtual commencement ceremony.

CASNR students were recognized with a graduate slide that featured their name and academic degree and honors, as well as a photo and personalized message to their family, friends and professors. Families of graduates also submitted video messages to the university to show their love and support of their student. Saturday's full virtual ceremony also included comments by NFL Most Valuable Player and former Texas Tech football standout Patrick Mahomes.

Separately, Texas Tech officials recognized CASNR highest-ranking spring graduates. They included:

• Hailey Buegeler, an animal science major from Corpus Christi, Texas
• Katelynn Butler, an agricultural communications major from Stephenville, Texas
• Jacey DuBois, an agricultural communications major from Slaton, Texas
• Haleigh Erramouspe, an agricultural communications major from Corona, New Mexico
• Monica Haugen, an agricultural communications major from Colton, Washington
• Maeley Jo Herring, an agricultural communications major from Holliday, Texas
• Joseph Hinnant, a natural resources management major from The Colony, Texas
• Floyd Pirtle, an animal science major from Lubbock, Texas
• Jeyson Price, an animal science major from Brackettville, Texas
• Micah Rainey, a natural resources management major from Stephenville, Texas
• Kashley Seitz, an animal science major from River High, Alberta, Canada
• Sean Szalczer, an animal science major from Katy, Texas
• Bailey Wilson, an animal science major from Waxahachie, Texas

Graduation undergraduate recipients from individual departments and majors included:

• Agribusiness, 6
• Agricultural & Applied Economics, 38
• Agricultural Communications, 25
• Agricultural Education, 8
• Animal Science, 71
• Conservation Law Enforcement, 2
• Food Science, 7
• Landscape Architecture, 30
• Natural Resources Management, 25
• Plant and Soil Science, 10

"Commencement marks the culmination of our students' dedication and commitment to their education, and provides the opportunity to celebrate with them as they enter the next phase of their lives," said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president. "We're proud to have played a role in their professional and personal development, and we look forward to their many contributions."

In these unprecedented circumstances, Mahomes, the playmaking superstar quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, took time to address Texas Tech's May graduates. A quarterback at Texas Tech from 2014 to 2016, Mahomes' playmaking ability made him one of the top selections in the 2016 NFL draft.

Mahomes took over as the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2018 and immediately set the sports world on fire. He threw for more than 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in leading Kansas City to the AFC Championship game and earning NFL Most Valuable Player honors. In addition, he was named Super Bowl MVP.

"Patrick's story and his rise to stardom, both here at Texas Tech and in the NFL, have been a great source of pride for Red Raiders and an inspiration for thousands," Schovanec said. "During that rise, Patrick has never wavered from the lessons learned from his family, coaches and his time as a student-athlete at Texas Tech, displaying class, humility and a competitive fire to be the best."

CONTACT: William Brown, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or william.f.brown@ttu.edu

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Editor's Note: A new online, video-orientated Red Raider Orientation is now available for our Fall 2020 incoming students. The microsite features a 'Meet the Deans' introduction, six CASNR department videos, three 'How To' videos, four 'Helpful Links' and a FAQ section.