Congressman Bonilla Addresses the Spring Graduates

by Patty Leos

REP. HENRY BONILLA OF SAN ANTONIO, who has been hailed as one of the country's most influential lawmakers, was the keynote speaker at the afternoon graduation ceremony at the University of the Incarnate Word on May 11.

More than 300 degrees were conferred at the 122nd Commencement ceremony, which featured students from the Dreeben School of Education, the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering. Separate graduation ceremonies were held in the morning for the School of Business and the School of Nursing.

Congressman Bonilla also was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters at the afternoon ceremony, which is the most prestigious honor the university can bestow on an individual.

"We are honored to have someone of Congressman Bonilla's stature and community standing speak to our graduates during such an important event in their lives," said Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr., President of the University of the Incarnate Word.

Mr. Bonilla, who has represented Texas' 23rd District since 1992, has played a major role in the growth of Incarnate Word. His efforts on behalf of the university have yielded nearly $2 million in federal funds that are currently being utilized for the Science and Engineering Center, a project of vital importance to the future of San Antonio and South Texas. He is also credited with supporting the federal student research and training initiatives at the university, including the McNair and Student Support Services programs.

Congressman Bonilla learned many lessons from his parents while growing up in a housing project in San Antonio's South Side, where 50 percent of his classmates did not finish high school. Among them is that a strong education is a steppingstone to a better life. He went on to become the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.

"Without the support and guidance of these individuals," the congressman told the graduates in reference to their families and friends in the audience, "you could not have accomplished this goal." He then requested that the graduates stand and face their friends and families and give them a round of applause.