In a display of passion, intellect and dedication to public service, the LBJ School of Public Affairs Class of 2023 took center stage on May 6, prepared to make an indelible mark as future changemakers.
Class of 2023 Graduation Stats
- 52nd class of LBJ School graduates
- 155 graduates
- More than 825 attendees
- First graduating class of four MPAff/MD Dell School of Medicine students
- 20% first-generation graduates
- 18% graduating with dual-degrees
- 54% MPAff
- 34% MGPS
- 8% DC
- 4% Ph.D.
The ceremony was not only a culmination of years of rigorous academic pursuits but also it was a showcase of the minds poised to tackle the world's most pressing challenges head-on. With hearts brimming with purpose and minds enriched with knowledge, the graduates reflected on an arduous journey, now armed with the power to reshape the fabric of society.
The LBJ Foundation Award for Academic Excellence was awarded to Connor McMann, Sophia Garcia, and Raeesa Khan, and the Kenneth J. Flamm Award for Data Science in Policy was awarded to Taylor Cox for her statistical modeling project titled, “Clustering Analysis of U.S. and Chinese UAV Technology.”
Alejandro Hernandez discussed the importance of the class gift and LBJ Student Class Speaker Brianna McBride espoused the notions of educational equity by addressing barriers to college access through policy-based solutions. She also added humor to the event by addressing some of the rigorous curriculum at the school.
“I will speak for my class and say it was not always easy. Microeconomics, empirical methods, and public financial management tried to take us out,” said McBride. “But it proved to be some of the best learning experiences I’ve had because not only did I grow true friendships, the struggles made me remember why.”
“I had my why: to increase educational access and success. I learned quickly that LBJ would teach me the how. And boy, did LBJ do just that.” – Brianna McBride, student class speaker
Graduation speaker, alumnus and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga (LBJ MPAff ’90) spoke on the importance of holding conviction in one’s beliefs while exercising patience and understanding in others and spoke about the friendly rivalry the school had with the UT Austin School of Law.
“In a class-wide vote, the slogan for our t-shirts that went out was, ‘We don’t practice law—we make it.' Take pride in your public service and remind yourself why it matters to you and to the public that you serve.” – Jaime Lizárraga, graduation speaker
The class is the largest Ph.D. consortium in recent history with seven graduates, including LBJ School master’s graduate Dana Johnson, who went on to complete her doctor of philosophy degree. In closing, Dean JR DeShazo impressed the importance of modeling our values, building bridges, and finding a way forward for progress.
“Take pains to let people know you value them. Show them dignity. Listen so they know you hear them. Connect with them so they feel seen and understood.” – JR DeShazo, dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Attendees were also treated to a video featuring graduates Esther Ko, Caitlin Arenas Martinez, Alex Hernandez and David Cruz.
The subsequent party on the plaza allowed family and friends to join in on the fun at the Forty Acres.
Photos and 360 video booth of the celebration are free and available for download on Flickr.
