As Spring 2026 graduates of The University of Texas at Austin prepared to celebrate commencement, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) welcomed students and their loved ones to the Graduating International Student Reception.
Held in partnership with Global Initiatives and Alumni Relations, the reception brought together graduating international Longhorns, family members, friends, faculty, and staff for an evening of celebration, reflection, and community.
For many graduates and their families, the reception marked not only the end of a chapter but also an opportunity to reflect on the experiences, friendships, and memories that shaped their time at UT Austin. Throughout the evening, students shared stories about the people and moments that made UT feel like home.
“Being able to connect with so many different people from so many different places is part of the experience,” one student said.
Another reflected on the friendships formed during their time on campus, saying, “I’m thankful to the community and the friends that I have gotten here from different countries and the U.S.”
For many international students, life on the Forty Acres brought experiences unlike anything they had previously encountered.
One student preparing to leave Austin after graduation said, “There’s a warmth I found here in Texas that I’m going to miss when I leave.”
“I think my favorite early experience was the football games,” said another student. “It was culture like I’d never experienced before.”
The evening also highlighted the lasting impact UT Austin makes on students and alumni long after graduation.
One Longhorn parent, himself a UT alumnus, reflected on how his time at the University shaped his future. “I fell in love with The University of Texas because it really changes people,” he said. “It gave me the strength and opportunity to change things for my country.”
He also spoke about the global spirit of the University community, saying, “When we say ‘university’, we refer to the universe, and I really think UT is universal. There is universal knowledge here, and students have the chance to select what is the best knowledge for what they want.”
Guests also heard congratulatory remarks from Teri Albrecht, Ph.D., assistant vice provost for Texas Global and Margaret Y. Luévano, director of International Student and Scholar Services. Both speakers reflected on the resilience, leadership, and global perspectives that international students bring to the University community and encouraged graduates to carry their Longhorn experiences into their next chapters.
As graduates posed for photos with loved ones and reconnected with mentors, professors, and friends, the evening underscored the strong sense of community built during their time at UT Austin.
“I’ve been walking around today saying goodbye to all of the professors and TAs who helped me,” one student shared.
Another offered simple advice to incoming international students: “My biggest piece of advice is to put yourself out there.”
While showcasing the collaborative spirit that the numerous units of Texas Global wield in their support of international students at UT Austin, the reception also created space for graduates and their families to celebrate not only academic success but also the friendships, cultural exchange, and memories formed during their time on campus.
As graduates prepare to begin new careers, continue their studies, or return to homes around the world, the ISSS team is proud to celebrate all they have accomplished.
“All the moments and all the years were really exciting,” one student reflected.
Congratulations to the newest graduating international Longhorns — once a Longhorn, always a Longhorn.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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