RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TX — Today, the Inaugural Commencement exercises were held for the first graduates of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a historic moment full of excitement and pride. In 2013, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa authored and passed Senate Bill 24, the legislation that created UTRGV and its long-awaited medical school.

Senator Hinojosa was awarded the President's Medallion for the key role he played in establishing UTRGV and his continued support of the university. President Guy Bailey praised Senator Hinojosa for passing countless laws in his career as a state legislator and having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for South Texas.

"Senator Hinojosa has been a tireless champion for UTRGV and it is not an exaggeration to say that without him, we would not be here today," stated President Bailey

Senator Hinojosa expressed his gratitude with the following remarks:

"I thank UTRGV and President Bailey for such a prestigious award and I am honored and humbled to be here today, where many years of tireless efforts and commitment by the entire Rio Grande Valley have finally come to fruition. Of all the legislation I have ever carried in the Texas Senate and the Texas House, this has been my most important bill. The vision of a new university and a medical school has transformed a dream into a reality right here in the Valley.

I congratulate all the students for their hard work and commitment and the parents for their support. Education is the best equalizer we have in our society. Education gives you knowledge, and knowledge gives you the power to succeed. Congratulations to all 2015 UTRGV graduates and the best of luck in your future!"

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