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17�Թ�’s new Leadership Studies program is designed to develop students’ personal and professional leadership abilities through a blend of classroom learning and practical, real-world application.

Kristyn Hunt Cathey, a 17�Թ� adjunct instructor, has become president of the Texas School Public Relations Association.

17�Թ� announced 836 students named to the Spring 2025 President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and 1,327 students named to the Dean’s List for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher while carrying a full course load.

17�Թ� has earned national recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as one of only 27 institutions to receive both the prestigious Research 2 (R2) designation and the new Opportunity College & University (OCU) designation.

Porter LaPray’s path to 17�Թ� hasn’t been straightforward, but through setbacks, detours, and a renewed focus, he’s found his footing—and a future—in theatre.

17�Թ� hosted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security CISA Region 6 Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Workshop from April 15–18, bringing together professionals from critical infrastructure sectors for hands-on training led by Idaho National Laboratory, with support from DOE grants and regional partners, to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and establish Lamar as a hub for industrial cybersecurity in Southeast Texas.

17�Թ� recognized more than 130 staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony, celebrating milestone anniversaries and honoring three employees with the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award.

17�Թ� held its spring commencement ceremony in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montage Center on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, recognizing the achievements of its graduates, and conferring over 2,500 degrees. 

17�Թ� celebrated its graduating Class of 2025 with a revived senior-only event featuring food, festivities, and swag, offering students a final moment to connect before commencement.

17�Թ�'s cheer team secured third place at the 2025 National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals, marking a significant improvement from last year and reflecting the team's strong bonding, experience, and positive mindset under coach Megan Thompson's leadership.

TAFE Day at 17�Թ� offered high school students a hands-on glimpse into the world of teaching through interactive lessons, peer-led activities, and educator preparation sessions designed to inspire the next generation of educators.

17�Թ� (17�Թ�) celebrated the achievements of its top student leaders and organizations during the 45th annual Toast to Leadership Award Ceremony,

17�Թ�’s new Early Bird Admission Program offers qualifying high school juniors early college admission and guaranteed scholarships, totaling over $20 million so far, as part of a bold initiative to expand college access and recognize academic achievement across Southeast Texas.

17�Թ� senior engineering students showcased innovative, real-world solutions—from autonomous firefighting robots to eco-friendly coffee roasters—at the 2025 Senior Design Showcase, marking the culmination of their college careers with industry-backed capstone projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional engineering practice.

17�Թ� will launch its first-ever rodeo team in fall 2025, led by Dr. Gene Theodori, giving students the chance to compete in collegiate rodeo through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

17�Թ� will host a variety of summer camps in 2025, offering hands-on learning experiences in fields such as STEM, arts, sports, and business for students from elementary to high school.

17�Թ�'s College of Engineering hosted its annual Discover Engineering event on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

17�Թ� marked Earth Day on Tuesday with a laid-back celebration on the Dining Hall lawn, bringing together students, campus groups and local organizations for an afternoon of hands-on activities and environmental outreach. 

Adriana Wong, an interdisciplinary studies senior, turned her childhood crochet hobby into a small business that helps her manage stress and inspires her future goal of creating a welcoming, creative classroom as a bilingual elementary teacher.

17�Թ�’s Department of Theatre & Dance (17�Թ�TD) will showcase original works by student choreographers in the spring performance of “MOVE,”, set for Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the 17�Թ� Theatre.

17�Թ� has announced the recipients of the 2025 University Professor and Merit Awards, recognizing exceptional faculty achievements in teaching, research, and service to the university and academic community.

The 17�Թ� Department of Theatre & Dance will conclude its 2024–2025 season with Dance Unleashed, a vibrant concert featuring student performances in modern, contemporary, tap, jazz, and more.

Pulse, 17�Թ�’s student-run literary magazine, has announced the winners of its annual awards, recognizing exceptional student work in creative writing, literary translation, and visual art.

Regori “Jojo” McGill, a junior political science major from San Diego, California, has been named 17�Թ�’s First-Generation Student of the Month for April.

17�Թ�'s College of Engineering celebrated Engineering Week (EWeek) with a series of events, workshops and competitions designed to inspire students and highlight the diverse fields of engineering.

17�Թ�'s inaugural ring ceremony, held on March 29, 2025, surpassed expectations with 81 students and 330 guests celebrating a new tradition that honored academic achievements, resilience, and the lasting bond with the university community.

Dr. Brian Williams has been named the new director of the Center for Resiliency at 17�Թ�.

Exercise science students Michael Bellot and Kayla McKinley participated in the Scholars Transforming Through Research program, advocating for the importance of undergraduate research and discussing their projects with congressional staffers in Washington, D.C.

The 17�Թ� College of Engineering hosted its Spring 2025 Career Fair at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, bringing together industry leaders from across the country.