As the fall semester comes to an end, I want to congratulate the 22 student-athletes who are participating in December's commencement ceremonies this Friday and Saturday inside the University Events Center, 17 of whom will receive their "T" rings, graduation cords, and Sun Belt Conference medallions. These student-athletes include football players Malik Alley, Stephan Johnson, Jacob Rowland, Tommy Simmons, James Sherman, Anthony D. Taylor, and Tyler Watts; volleyball players Halee Brewer and Erin Hoppe; basketball players Deris Duncan, Eric Terry, and Zandra Emanuel; softball players Randi Rupp, Sara Rupp and Sierra Steimel; baseball players Teddy Hoffman, Dylan Paul, Braden Pearson, and Mickey Scott; and track and field athletes Ester Oyetunde, Alvin Chikaeze, and Jose Gonzalez,
I also want to commend our 23rd graduate, Donte Mathis, who has returned to Texas State to earn his bachelor's degree following his 13-year career in professional basketball.