First-Generation
Commencement Speakers Tell Graduates to Dream Big and Dream Loud
Two keynote speakers had powerful, motivational messages for UNT Dallas graduates at the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on May 13, 2025, at the Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie. Both encouraged graduates to chart their own individual paths to success, with purpose, and to positively impact their communities and leave a lasting legacy.
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Resiliency and Dad's Advice Paid Off For This Digital Media Graduate
The graduating senior, who will earn her Bachelor's degree in Communication and Digital Media this month, has a creative flair. From fashion to photography, Aakira Blackmon has made her mark through passion and personal expression.
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Meet a Trailblazer Who Wants to Use Data to Break Down Barriers
As Chrishna Brooks prepares to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Analytics from the UNT Dallas School of Business, Brooks is entering a workforce that is changing at lightning speed. Data – and how to slice and dice it – is a focus like never before.
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How a Bank Visit Became a Catalyst for a Career in Finance for This School of Business Graduate
For Ashley Renteria, a visit to the bank with her parents was the catalyst for a career in finance. “It triggered something inside me,” Renteria said. The UNT Dallas senior, set to graduate from the School of Business this month, has always been a “numbers person.”
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"It's One of the Best Things I've Ever Done" Says 51-Year-Old Graduate
Becoming a teenage mother stalled Yolanda Lewis's educational journey. Becoming a grandmother helped get it restarted, proving it's never too late to pursue your dreams. At 51, Lewis will cross the UNT Dallas Commencement stage on May 13, 2025, joined by her School of Business classmates.
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How a First-Generation Student Succeeded by Switching Majors - and Social Skills
Edvin Arriaza had no blueprint to follow when he enrolled at UNT Dallas. As the first in his family to go to college, it was an unfamiliar journey. Arriaza soon found the support and encouragement that made his college experience memorable and successful. "I had help here I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere," he said.
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April 5 Preview Day Offers Students Close-Up Look at Majors, Programs, Campus Activities
At the UNT Dallas Trailblazer 360 Preview Day on Saturday, April 5, 2025, high school and transfer students can explore programs and majors in our four schools: Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Behavioral Health and Human Services, plus get a close-up look at campus and all the university has to offer.
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Incoming Freshmen: Apply Now for Presidential Scholarships, Deadline March 21
Applications are now being accepted for the UNT Dallas Presidential Scholars Program. It is open to first-time incoming freshmen who have been admitted to UNT Dallas for the Fall 2025 semester.
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College of Law Partners with MLK Jr's Family to Launch 'Realize the Dream' Volunteerism Project
Realize the Dream's goal is to generate 100 million hours of volunteer service by MLK’s 100th birthday in 2029. The UNT Dallas College of Law is the first college or university in North Texas and the only law school in the nation to join the King family in its global campaign.
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Inspiring Remarks by Lynn McBee Offer Graduates Advice and Life Lessons
Keynote speaker Lynn McBee shared personal and professional experiences, including triumphs and tragedies, during an inspiring address to more than 400 UNT Dallas graduates at Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17, 2024.
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Meet the First-Generation Student Who Overcame 'Imposter Syndrome' and Embraced the 'Data Revolution'
Although Rolando Castillo was admitted to UNT Dallas on a full-ride scholarship, he faced uncertainty typical of first-generation college students. Thanks to the Trailblazer Elite Program, he is about to embark on a promising career as a data analyst.
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Fall 2024 Commencement Set for Dec. 17 at Texas Trust CU Theatre
More than 400 students will receive undergraduate and graduate degrees during UNT Dallas’ Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies, which will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie.
Full StoryOn Nov. 2, 'True Blue Preview Day' Welcomes High School and Transfer Students
At the UNT Dallas "True Blue Preview Day" on Saturday, Nov. 2, we will welcome students from area high schools and community colleges planning the next step in their educational journeys.
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UNT Dallas Rises in Three Categories of U.S. News 'Best Colleges' Rankings
The 2025 Best Colleges Rankings by U.S. News & World Report show UNT Dallas climbed even higher in three key categories among Regional West institutions.
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Study Abroad Program to Expand Thanks to Grant from U.S. State Department
The UNT Dallas Study Abroad Program has received a $35,000 grant award through the U.S. State Department’s 2024 IDEAS Program competition. The university is one of only 37 institutions nationwide to receive this grant and one of only two in Texas.
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From Boxing Ring to Courtroom, Meet the Law Student Who Can Knock Out His Opponents
Meet Noe Mendoza Jr., a second-year UNT Dallas College Law student and three-time National Collegiate Boxing champion. "It's a lifestyle," said Mendoza, referring to both boxing and practicing law.
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Trail Ready Summer Bridge Program for Incoming Freshmen Starts June 10
UNT Dallas is launching its first free summer program for incoming freshmen to ensure they are prepared for college-level coursework. The Trail Ready Summer Bridge Program starts June 10. It runs for four weeks through July 3. A second, identical session runs from July 15 through August 8.
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'Trailblazer 360' Welcomes High School, Transfer and Graduate Students on Saturday, April 6
Potential students can get a close-up look at everything The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) offers during its annual spring open house, Trailblazer 360 Preview Day, on Saturday, April 6, 2024. UNT Dallas will welcome high school juniors, seniors, and college students considering a transfer so they can design the next steps of their educational journey.
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2023 Graduate Plans Career in Politics and Government, But First an MBA
Graduating senior Cristian Medina will stay at UNT Dallas to earn an MBA. He plans to give back to his community by mentoring others, serving in government and running for political office.
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Senior Dreams of Becoming a Doctor, After Following Her Mom to UNT Dallas
UNT Dallas graduating senior Lauren Herrera plans to become a dermatologist. She was inspired, in part, by her mother, who is also a UNT Dallas graduate.
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First Recipient of Robert Mong Endowed Scholarship is Named
Valerie Torres, a UNT Dallas sophomore, recently became the first recipient of the Robert Mong Endowed Scholarship, named for UNT Dallas President Bob Mong.
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