Congressman Tony Gonzales Delivers Keynote Address at Sul Ross State University Commencement Ceremony

I donned a cap and gown for the first time this weekend when I delivered the keynote address at the Sul Ross State University commencement ceremony. Despite being a PhD candidate, I have never participated in a formal graduation ceremony.

Watch my full speech here.

“For me, this is the very first time in my life I have worn a cap and gown,” I said in my address. “I did not graduate high school so I did not walk the stage at graduation. I got my Associate’s degree in the mail because I was fighting in Afghanistan. I got my Bachelor’s degree in the mail because I was having one of my children. I got my Master’s degree in the mail because I was at a new duty station. So I never had the opportunity to experience a graduation like this and let me tell you – it makes me excited for the future ahead. I can feel the positive energy and it is so exciting to see what all of you are going to accomplish in your life.”