ؿ TDCJ Commencement
ؿ and the University of Houston – Clear Lake celebrated its commencement for students within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice during a ceremony on November 8 at the Stringfellow Unit.
ؿ graduate Shedrick Roberson delivered the student address and spoke about how the students overcame obstacles to earn their education. Despite their past, graduates can build back their lives, said Roberson, who received his degree while in TDCJ.
“You have persevered and you have weathered the storm,” he said. “I stand here today as a testimony and an example. It changed the man that I am.”
Thirty-four students were honored with their Associate's Degree and the majority graduated with honors. Several students also received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
DCJ studies have shown that the rate of recidivism, or chance of return to prison, greatly declines as an offender’s educational level increases.
“This is an exciting beginning of a journey ahead,” said graduate Raziel Munoz, the Commencement speaker for UHCL. “This was my opportunity to change and be a better person.”
ؿ offered the first college classes to inmates at the Texas Department of Corrections in 1965. The college was the first institution of higher education in Texas to offer college programs at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Prior to enrolling in college while in prison, each inmate must first earn their high school diploma or GED and pass all the same entrance tests required for every college student.