Lauren Garza, a senior Public Relations & Strategic Communication Management major from Richardson, Texas, has been named the College of Media & Communication's
Banner Bearer for the Summer 2024 commencement ceremony. With more real-world experience under
her belt since she transferred to the college during the Spring 2023 semester, Garza
plans to utilize her talents with a PR agency soon after graduating.
Banner Bearers are students who are chosen to represent CoMC based on their leadership,
professionalism, academic merit, and extracurricular involvement. Of the estimated
99 CoMC graduates for the Summer 2024 commencement ceremony, Garza not only possessed
each quality all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average, but she was
also able to complete her studies in one and a half years online after transferring.
Despite being a student in CoMC for such a short time and finishing her studies in
a virtual format, Garza was still able to set herself apart with her exceptional academic
achievements and leadership in student organizations. Beaming with pride and with
the CoMC banner held high, she will lead her fellow graduates in the ceremonial procession
on August 3. Though being a distance learner, Garza will always remember the many
ways in which the College of Media & Communication still provided her with great experiences
since day one.
“When I first learned about the College of Media & Communication, I was immediately
drawn to their welcoming community and their resources that are available, especially
with me being an online student,” said Garza. “My major in PR also offers a huge range
of opportunities where I could be successful in whichever field I plan to enter after
graduating.”
Garza did not allow her remote learning to stop her from being successful in the College
of Media & Communication. She found herself more interested in making a name for herself
and building valuable connections during her undergraduate tenure.
“Even with my situation of not being an in-person student, I was able to join Phi
Kappa Phi Honor Society on campus in March,” said Garza. “I am also a member of Kappa Tau Alpha, which is a national honor society through the college. It's been amazing to meet
similar students and network with them. Through joining these organizations, I have
also realized how many people are willing to help students continue to excel during
their academic journeys— it has been a true honor to be involved with both organizations.”
While CoMC's faculty and staff are often praised for their work for students who they
see on a day-to-day basis, Garza is able to express her gratitude much differently.
“Julia Heard Witt will always be someone I remember since she's been with me from the very moment I
applied to be a part of CoMC,” said Garza. “I also have a few favorite professors
I was able to make connections with. Amanda Bowman is someone I can place on this list along with Chris Cook— I enjoyed both of their classes and registered for them as much as I could. I loved
the way they set their courses up, making it easy for students like myself to follow
along.”
As graduation day draws near, she is more confident on why she chose CoMC and the
endless possibilities that have been presented to her.
“Before transferring to the College of Media & Communication, I was a bit lost,” said
Garza. “I didn't know what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, or what I wanted
to commit to. But once I found myself in CoMC, I saw myself begin to thrive a lot
more.”