"If I can dream it, UTPB can help make it a reality.”
The University of Texas Permian Basin commencement is here, and these graduates are proving what’s possible before they leave the nest. Meet the Falcons whose hard work, research, and determination led them to the finish line.
Ben Patterson
Most seven- to eight-year-old boys playing football dream of scoring a touchdown in the NFL. Ben Patterson says his time at UTPB has brought that dream very close.
He recently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
“This is a dream come true ever since I started playing football in the second grade,” Ben said. “I’ve just always envisioned myself being able to go play at the next level. I’m ready to go out and just make a name for myself and put on for West Texas.”
Ben came to UTPB in January 2022 as a wide receiver and quickly found a home in Odessa, drawn to the facilities, the people, and the community’s love for football. He said his opportunity speaks volumes about the Falcon football program.
“The coaching staff here was incredible, and the facilities are top notch,” Ben said. “I was just a byproduct of that.”
In addition to his success on the field, Ben is graduating Saturday, May 9, with a degree in petroleum engineering. He balanced long hours in the classroom with the demands of college football, leaning on support from professors and coaches along the way.
“It was the combination of all that support that made this dream possible,” Ben said.
He won’t be able to attend his graduation ceremony because he will already be in Florida, but he is reflecting on the work and sacrifices that led to this moment.
“I’m still going to be looking back on all the hard hours I spent in the engineering building with all my classmates and groupmates,” Ben said.
Valarie James
“UTPB has changed me by helping me believe in myself,” Valaire James said. “It has shown me that the sky is the limit. If I can dream it, UTPB can help make it a reality.”
After facing stage four endometriosis and, at one point, relying on a walking cane at 25 due to the pain, Valaire says she had little guidance as she figured out her future. That experience ultimately led her to pursue a path focused on helping others.
She returned to school later in life and transferred to UTPB from Odessa College in 2024. Now, she is preparing to cross the stage with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.
“My dream is to impact my community in a positive way,” Valaire said. “With the current economy, many people are struggling and may not have someone they can rely on. I want to be that person who sits with individuals not only in their best moments, but especially in their worst, so they know someone is always cheering them on.”
While the journey hasn’t been easy, Valaire credits her husband, sisters-in-law, and supportive professors for helping her along the way. She also received scholarships that helped ease financial stress.
“Because of that support and the community at UTPB, I am proud to say I will be graduating debt-free,” she said.
After commencement in May, Valaire plans to return to UTPB to pursue her Masters of Social Work. She encourages anyone considering becoming a Falcon to take the leap and trust that support is there to help them succeed.
Maria Tarrago
For many Falcons, UTPB becomes a home away from home, even when you’re more than 1,700 miles away from where you’re from.
Maria Tarrago, an international student from Guatemala, is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
“Adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system was not easy, but it has helped me grow stronger and more independent,” Maria said.
She came to UTPB on an athletic scholarship to play for the UTPB soccer team and quickly found a sense of belonging.
“It truly feels like a place where people want to see you succeed,” Maria said.
Now preparing to walk the stage in May, Maria says her time as a Falcon has taught her discipline, resilience, and how to balance multiple responsibilities.
Brandon Rolston
One Falcon is ready to cross the stage and start impacting the next generation.
“I’ve always felt a connection to helping kids learn,” Brandon Rolston said.
He came to UTPB three years ago with the goal of going into education. But it was a job in a life skills classroom at Yarbrough Elementary that showed him his true calling.
“Once I got into that classroom and saw the diversity and the need for these students, it completely thrilled me and drove me toward special education. It created a fire within me,” Brandon said.
From that moment on, he knew special education was where he belonged.
Now, he’s ready to soar into his new career after May graduation, thanks to UTPB’s teacher residency program.
“Their connection with local school districts really helped get me where I needed to be,” Brandon said. “I got to be in the classroom, gain hands-on experience, and learn alongside other educators while getting paid.”
Because of that experience, he’s already set up with his own classroom, a role, and students, allowing him to continue pursuing his passion from day one.
Nadine Marcelo
On her journey to becoming a critical care nurse, Nadine Marcelo has endured sleepless nights studying, back-to-back clinicals, and weekly assessments in preparation for major exams. Now, she is set to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Nadine is not the first in her family to pursue this path, and she says that support made a difference.
“My parents provided me with unwavering support and understanding, as they are also nurses. They always reassured me, guided me, and constantly checked on my mental health,” Nadine said.
She also credits her professors for enhancing her experience.
“They truly empower students to grow and excel in their craft,” Nadine said.
Nadine encourages future Falcons to embrace the strong sense of community at UTPB and take pride in being part of something meaningful in West Texas.
RosAaliyah Olguin
UTPB is made up of 51% first-generation students. Among them is RosAaliyah Olguin, who is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Geology.
She balanced school, a full-time job, and bills while working toward her goals.
“A lot of challenges have occurred during my time at UTPB,” RosAaliyah said. “I had to overcome not having enough money for school and home life.”
While at UTPB, she received the Falcon Free Scholarship, Permian Basin Area Foundation scholarships, and support from her work, all of which helped make a quality education more accessible.
She says she is leaving UTPB with more than a degree, including lifelong friends. Her advice to others is simple: if you put your mind to it, you can do it too.
Davyn Horton
Davyn Horton is sharing their story of graduating from college despite the struggles they have faced with autism, ADHD, and sensory issues. Their journey is one they hope will inspire other neurodivergent students to keep going, even when the path feels difficult.
“I just want to say to any future college students who see this and are also on the autism spectrum or are neurodivergent, you guys can make it just like I did,” Davyn said. “You can do it. You can thrive, and I’m going to be so proud when I see you get the job done at the end of the day.”
Davyn is graduating from UTPB with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with plans to pursue a career in the journalism industry. Throughout their time at UTPB, Davyn credits faculty and staff, classmates, and family for their encouragement and support.
“There have been days where I’ve struggled with certain things, but I had the flexibility and the support to help me work through things I’ve never done before, which I was so incredibly grateful for,” Davyn said.
Now, as they prepare to take the next step, Davyn hopes their story serves as encouragement for others navigating similar experiences. For them, graduation is not just a personal achievement, but a message that success is possible even when the journey looks different.
Ben Patterson
Most seven- to eight-year-old boys playing football dream of scoring a touchdown in the NFL. Ben Patterson says his time at UTPB has brought that dream very close. He recently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
“This is a dream come true ever since I started playing football in the second grade,” Ben said. “I’ve just always envisioned myself being able to go play at the next level. I’m ready to go out and just make a name for myself and put on for West Texas.”
Ben came to UTPB in January 2022 as a wide receiver and quickly found a home in Odessa, drawn to the facilities, the people, and the community’s love for football. He said his opportunity speaks volumes about the Falcon football program.
“The coaching staff here was incredible, and the facilities are top notch,” Ben said. “I was just a byproduct of that.”
In addition to his success on the field, Ben is graduating Saturday, May 9, with a degree in petroleum engineering. He balanced long hours in the classroom with the demands of college football, leaning on support from professors and coaches along the way.
“It was the combination of all that support that made this dream possible,” Ben said.
He won’t be able to attend his graduation ceremony because he will already be in Florida, but he is reflecting on the work and sacrifices that led to this moment.
“I’m still going to be looking back on all the hard hours I spent in the engineering building with all my classmates and groupmates,” Ben said.
Valarie James
“UTPB has changed me by helping me believe in myself,” Valaire James said. “It has shown me that the sky is the limit. If I can dream it, UTPB can help make it a reality.” After facing stage four endometriosis and, at one point, relying on a walking cane at 25 due to the pain, Valaire says she had little guidance as she figured out her future. That experience ultimately led her to pursue a path focused on helping others.
She returned to school later in life and transferred to UTPB from Odessa College in 2024. Now, she is preparing to cross the stage with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.
“My dream is to impact my community in a positive way,” Valaire said. “With the current economy, many people are struggling and may not have someone they can rely on. I want to be that person who sits with individuals not only in their best moments, but especially in their worst, so they know someone is always cheering them on.”
While the journey hasn’t been easy, Valaire credits her husband, sisters-in-law, and supportive professors for helping her along the way. She also received scholarships that helped ease financial stress.
“Because of that support and the community at UTPB, I am proud to say I will be graduating debt-free,” she said.
After commencement in May, Valaire plans to return to UTPB to pursue her Masters of Social Work. She encourages anyone considering becoming a Falcon to take the leap and trust that support is there to help them succeed.
Maria Tarrago
For many Falcons, UTPB becomes a home away from home, even when you’re more than 1,700 miles away from where you’re from. Maria Tarrago, an international student from Guatemala, is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
“Adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system was not easy, but it has helped me grow stronger and more independent,” Maria said.
She came to UTPB on an athletic scholarship to play for the UTPB soccer team and quickly found a sense of belonging.
“It truly feels like a place where people want to see you succeed,” Maria said.
Now preparing to walk the stage in May, Maria says her time as a Falcon has taught her discipline, resilience, and how to balance multiple responsibilities.
Brandon Rolston
One Falcon is ready to cross the stage and start impacting the next generation. “I’ve always felt a connection to helping kids learn,” Brandon Rolston said.
He came to UTPB three years ago with the goal of going into education. But it was a job in a life skills classroom at Yarbrough Elementary that showed him his true calling.
“Once I got into that classroom and saw the diversity and the need for these students, it completely thrilled me and drove me toward special education. It created a fire within me,” Brandon said.
From that moment on, he knew special education was where he belonged.
Now, he’s ready to soar into his new career after May graduation, thanks to UTPB’s teacher residency program.
“Their connection with local school districts really helped get me where I needed to be,” Brandon said. “I got to be in the classroom, gain hands-on experience, and learn alongside other educators while getting paid.”
Because of that experience, he’s already set up with his own classroom, a role, and students, allowing him to continue pursuing his passion from day one.
Nadine Marcelo
On her journey to becoming a critical care nurse, Nadine Marcelo has endured sleepless nights studying, back-to-back clinicals, and weekly assessments in preparation for major exams. Now, she is set to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nadine is not the first in her family to pursue this path, and she says that support made a difference.
“My parents provided me with unwavering support and understanding, as they are also nurses. They always reassured me, guided me, and constantly checked on my mental health,” Nadine said.
She also credits her professors for enhancing her experience.
“They truly empower students to grow and excel in their craft,” Nadine said.
Nadine encourages future Falcons to embrace the strong sense of community at UTPB and take pride in being part of something meaningful in West Texas.
RosAaliyah Olguin
UTPB is made up of 51% first-generation students. Among them is RosAaliyah Olguin, who is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Geology. She balanced school, a full-time job, and bills while working toward her goals.
“A lot of challenges have occurred during my time at UTPB,” RosAaliyah said. “I had to overcome not having enough money for school and home life.”
While at UTPB, she received the Falcon Free Scholarship, Permian Basin Area Foundation scholarships, and support from her work, all of which helped make a quality education more accessible.
She says she is leaving UTPB with more than a degree, including lifelong friends. Her advice to others is simple: if you put your mind to it, you can do it too.
Davyn Horton
Davyn Horton is sharing their story of graduating from college despite the struggles they have faced with autism, ADHD, and sensory issues. Their journey is one they hope will inspire other neurodivergent students to keep going, even when the path feels difficult. “I just want to say to any future college students who see this and are also on the autism spectrum or are neurodivergent, you guys can make it just like I did,” Davyn said. “You can do it. You can thrive, and I’m going to be so proud when I see you get the job done at the end of the day.”
Davyn is graduating from UTPB with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with plans to pursue a career in the journalism industry. Throughout their time at UTPB, Davyn credits faculty and staff, classmates, and family for their encouragement and support.
“There have been days where I’ve struggled with certain things, but I had the flexibility and the support to help me work through things I’ve never done before, which I was so incredibly grateful for,” Davyn said.
Now, as they prepare to take the next step, Davyn hopes their story serves as encouragement for others navigating similar experiences. For them, graduation is not just a personal achievement, but a message that success is possible even when the journey looks different.
