A sea of caps and gowns filled the Galveston Island Convention Center on May 10 as hundreds of students walked across the stage to receive their degrees and certificates at the Galveston College Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
During GC’s 56th annual commencement ceremony, the college conferred 681 degrees and certificates to 554 students, which included 44 dual credit students from Ball High School, and the earliest dual credit graduate in the college’s history.
“Commencement is the celebration of our student’s success,” said Galveston College President, W. Myles, Shelton, Ed.D. “Galveston College creates accessible learning opportunities to fulfill our student’s and community’s needs by providing high-quality educational programs and services. We’re proud of our student’s accomplishments and we look forward to seeing them do great things in our community and beyond.”
This year’s commencement speakers featured GC’s earliest Dual Credit graduate, Ruby Gundrum, and Education major, Daniela Muñoz, who overcame cultural and language barriers to graduate with honors.
Gundrum, who graduated with an Associate of Science in General Studies and moved to Galveston with her family in 2019, inspired the graduating class and the audience by sharing her story about how she was able to finish her associate degree as a junior, more than one year before graduating with her high school diploma.
“I have worked hard and it’s been a challenge, and I’m excited to use the knowledge I obtained at Galveston College,” said Gundrum. “Galveston College will always have good memories for me and will help me when I pursue new endeavors.”
Muñoz, a native of Mexico, graduated with an Associate of Science in Education and is a member of the GC Phi Theta Kappa All-Academic Team, as well as the college’s Hispanic Student Organization. She moved with her family to the U.S. knowing very little English, studied hard to learn the language and graduated from GC with a 4.0 GPA.
“The first years were challenging, I wanted to go back to my routine in Mexico, but I stayed and I’m graduating with high honors,” said Muñoz. “Galveston College has provided me with knowledge and opened my mind to endless possibilities.”
Among GC’s graduating class were students from three countries, 10 states and 77 Texas cities. GC’s oldest graduate was 71 years old while the youngest was 16.
CUTLINE 1: (Graduates in line)
Galveston College 2024 graduates get ready to walk the stage at the GC commencement ceremony on May 10 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. (COURTESY PHOTO)
CUTLINE 2: (Daniela Muñoz)
Galveston College graduate Daniel Muñoz addresses her fellow graduates during the GC 2024 commencement ceremony on May 10 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. (COURTESY PHOTO)
CUTLINE 3: (Ruby Gundrum)
Galveston College Dual Credit graduate Ruby Gundrum addresses her fellow graduates during the GC 2024 commencement ceremony on May 10 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Brandon Williams
Brandon C. Williams, The Post Newspaper's editor, has been a presence in Galveston County for much of his 33 years in media. He began his career as a sportswriter for The La Marque Times in 1990 and became the paper's first-ever sports editor in 1991. After receiving a host of accolades from the Texas Press Association for his work, Brandon then attended Southwest Texas State, where he served as the sports editor of the school's paper, The University Star along with working with the SWT athletic department.Among his travels in journalism, Brandon served as Sports Editor of both The Texas City Sun and Galveston County Daily News. He was a copy editor/general assignments writer for the Houston Chronicle and covered the Houston Texans' first playoff season as a writer for CBSSports.com. He also worked at Fox Sports Net in satellite operations.Williams began writing with The Post Newspaper in August 2009 and became a contributor to the paper's sports section. He became more of a full-time presence in 2018 and moved to Associate Editor before being named Editor in October 2019. Born in Galveston, raised in Texas City and a graduate of La Marque High School, Brandon's heart has always belonged to Galveston County. Beyond his writing, Williams has also played the role of Santa Claus for the City of La Marque's annual Christmas Parade of Lights since 2017. "Life has led me throughout the country, but it has always led me back Home. I guess that's where God wants me to be."--Brandon C. Williams
