Tens of thousands expected in Downtown Arlington May 12-14 for University of Texas at Arlington commencement ceremonies

Thousands of UT Arlington students and their proud families will be painting Downtown blue and orange May 12-14 as they participate in the university’s 2022 Spring Commencement ceremonies in College Park Center.

Spring graduates represent about half of the students earning degrees from UTA during the 2021-22 academic year. As they walk across the stage next weekend, each graduate will also ceremonially join the ranks of more than 220,000 UTA alumni who have built successful careers in business, healthcare, engineering, education, information technology, and other fields. 

“UTA is a powerful engine for developing leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers,” said Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of Downtown Arlington. “As Downtown grows, so do the opportunities for more and more outstanding UTA alumni to build careers and entrepreneurial enterprises here.”

Down to Business, a bi-weekly podcast series which launched in 2020, celebrates the vibrant and diverse business culture in Downtown Arlington. Since its launch, the podcast has featured fourteen UTA alumni whose individual and collective leadership have set the pace for the next generation of Downtown entrepreneurs.

Wally Hardin, The Man’s Shop
Vikash Bhula, Lone Star Axe Throwing
Heidi Allison, Sugar Bee Sweets and The Hive
Randy Ford, J Gilligans Bar and Grill
Chris McMurrough, Cloud 9 Perception
Estee and George Kramerov, Hooligans and Kool Keg
Drew Campbell, On Tap
Brandon Hurtado, Hurtado Barbecue and Hayter's Bar
Kristene Toledo, Inspirations Catering
Valerie Landry, The Sanford House
Zech O’Rarden, Camp TUF: The Ultimate Fitness
Natalie Ellis, Growl Records
Josh Moore, Inclusion Coffee
Clint Stephens, Precision Press

"From fledgling start-ups to long-time local favorites and everything in between, our Down to Business podcast celebrates the ingenuity, tenacity, pride and entrepreneurial energy that powers all kinds of commercial enterprises in Downtown Arlington," said Campbell.

Salute to Downtown UTA Alumni

Save the date for "Gears of Progress," the 2022 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting! Gears of Progress, presented by Texas Trust Credit Union, celebrates the unique power of interconnectivity found in Downtown Arlington and many of the UTA visionaries who make up the heart and soul of our "college town" district within our city. 

Gears of Progress will be held on the UT Arlington campus on July 20 from 11:00am – 1:30pm. In honor of our 2022 Annual Meeting host, be sure to wear your best UTA blue and orange to show off your Maverick pride! During our program, we’re planning a special salute to all UT Arlington alumni whose businesses and creative practices are located here. Our salute to our "Gears of Progress" includes a panel discussion, led by our President and CEO Maggie Campbell. Panelists include Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and Dr. Jennifer Cowley, newly appointed President of the University of Texas at Arlington.

About Downtown Arlington

Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington is where creativity, authenticity, and hometown pride thrive and drive what's next. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to the University of Texas at Arlington, a top tier public research university, as well as prolific visual and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Stay in the know by subscribing to our e-newsletter and by following us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

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