Another Record Breaking Commencement for Texas A&M Galveston    

Colonel Michael E. FossumTexas A&M University at Galveston will hold the institution's Fall 2017 Commencement at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 16th at the Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd, Galveston Texas.  Presiding at the event will be Texas A&M Galveston's Chief Operating Officer, Colonel Michael E. Fossum, former NASA astronaut of three space missions and a 1980 Texas A&M University graduate.

The 209 degrees, a 22 percent increase and another record for a fall graduation, includes 181 Bachelor's degrees, 26 Master's degrees and 2 Doctoral degrees.  Officials at the ocean campus of Texas A&M University forecast the numbers of graduates will continue to increase as academic program offerings grow.

"This was a most unusual semester," said Fossum.  "It began with the evacuation of our campus for a hurricane and ended with snowball fights.  In spite of the stresses and distractions, these graduates are outstanding and truly exhibit what it means to be an Aggie!  They kept their focus as they reached for academic excellence.  They demonstrated loyalty, respect and selfless service as they helped others recover from the storms and in a myriad of other ways.  I am proud of their accomplishments and know they are well prepared for their futures as leaders of our state, nation and world."

Admiral Mark H. Buzby

Bringing greetings from the United States Maritime Administration will be its administrator, Admiral Mark H. Buzby.  As Maritime Administrator, Admiral Buzby is responsible for the development and maintenance of a U.S. merchant marine that transports much of the nation's waterborne commerce while also being ready in time of war or national emergency.

To complete the ceremony, the student with the highest grade point average in the class will be observing a Texas A&M Galveston commencement tradition by striking a ship's bell eight times.  This observance is a reflection of the time-honored sea tradition of striking a bell eight times on a ship to acknowledge a change of watch.  Here it recognizes that the current graduating class has achieved their goals and the graduates are embarking on the next stage of their lives.

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