ULS chairman speaks to Tech winter grads
Leader photo by CALEB DANIEL
Mark Romero, University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors chairman, gives the commencement address at Louisiana Tech’s winter quarter graduation Saturday.
Courtesy photo
Romero makes a joke during the commencement address as Louisiana Tech President Les Guice (left) and Provost Terry McConathy (right) laugh.
Louisiana Tech University saw its record largest winter quarter graduating class walk the stage Saturday as 395 students received their diplomas.
University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Romero gave the commencement address in the Thomas Assembly Center, urging graduates to put their newfound skills and expertise to work in Louisiana.
“My thoughts on my graduation day were on staying in Louisiana and trying to make this a better place for myself and members of my family for generations to come,” Romero said. “I love the state’s beauty and natural resources — its music, food and culture, and most of all, its people.”
A resident of New Iberia, Romero is the executive vice president of Brown & Brown Gulf States and a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
He gave a series of lighthearted life tips to Tech’s awaiting graduates.
“Drink lots of water, learn a new dance step, listen to music, and certainly you should sing along sometimes,” he said. “Do something nice for somebody every day, and call your momma.”
Romero also recognized the April 25, 2019 tornado as a unique challenge graduates faced and congratulated them on overcoming all obstacles.
“Your commitment to embark on obtaining this degree and then following through on that obligation, even when faced with normal and sometimes overwhelming difficulties, reflects the unshakeable spirit and strength of character required to excel in your future endeavors,” he said.
To date, Tech has awarded degrees to 105,788 graduates. Spring quarter classes will begin Wednesday.
