Dear Graduate,

It is my distinct honor to offer early congratulations on your forthcoming graduation from the University of Houston-Downtown.

In just a few days, UHD will host its 68th Commencement Ceremony on Facebook and YouTube. During this event, your name will be announced as a member of the University's Class of 2020 and I will have the pleasure of officially conferring your degree.

This will be a day of celebration for you and 3,700 other Gator Graduates. I encourage you to safely revel in this moment and reflect on your accomplishments. It takes true tenacity to embark on an academic journey ... not to mention to complete one during a most unique time for our University and our community. You have demonstrated true Gator Grit, and I applaud your hard work.

In previous messages, I have indicated my disappointment in not gathering together, but your safety comes first. I know you also would have liked a traditional ceremony, but I am optimistic that we will ultimately have an opportunity to come together safely in the future.

The most important thing to focus on is that you very soon will be a graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown. That is a remarkable achievement that nothing ... not even a pandemic ... can take away from you.

Once again, congratulations ... and best of luck on future endeavors!

Sincerely,

Antonio D. Tillis, Ph.D.
Interim President
University of Houston-Downtown