Prominent rancher receives degree as part of UTPA summer commencement

McALLEN — Carlos X. Guerra was the first graduate to receive his diploma on Saturday.

It was a long time coming.

The Edinburg native brought up as a prolific rancher in Linn was the distinguished speaker at Saturday morning’s commencement for the University of Texas-Pan American.

Guerra, 59, told the hundreds of graduates — clad in robes with mortar boards atop their heads — the importance of education, integrity and respect.

Those values are what guided him throughout his life, leading his family and their business, La Muñeca Cattle Co., while serving an integral part of Hidalgo County’s 4-H Foundation and other youth agricultural groups across Texas.

“It is OK to be the first to work and the last one to leave,” Guerra said. “But make sure you get the job done.”

The lifelong rancher has exported cattle across the U.S. and the world. He has donated more than $500,000 to the university, where the undergraduate honors program bears his family name.

Despite his commitment to education and the university, Guerra stopped pursuing his degree at what was Pan American University in 1974, just six credits short of graduation.

That changed Saturday.

UTPA President Robert Nelsen surprised Guerra with a bachelor’s degree of business administration following his speech. The degree was awarded based on what Nelson called “life success” credits.

Hundreds of spectators gave a standing ovation.

“We found out you lack a piece of paper,” Nelsen told Guerra as he presented the diploma. “This is not honorary. This is true and this is real.”

“I want to thank my family and all my compadres and buddies for being here today,” Guerra told the crowd. “Thank you, UTPA.”

In addition to Guerra, the university awarded 632 bachelor’s degrees, 232 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees, according to the commencement booklet.

“I look at you, and my heart breaks with what you have done,” Nelsen told the graduates. “We learned from what you did and the sacrifices you’ve made. It’s magical.”

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Jared Taylor covers courts and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4439.