Beginning in May 2023, all Texas State graduation candidates who participate in the university’s official commencement ceremonies will receive their TXST challenge coin as they cross the stage and receive their diploma. The zinc alloy coins with an antique bronze finish feature the University Seal on one face and Old Main and the graduation year on the other.
Commencement
Singing of the Alma Mater
At the end of every commencement ceremony, students sing the "Alma Mater" together. The song paints a portrait of our hilly campus above the San Marcos River.
Ceremonial Brass
Ceremonial Brass, a student ensemble, performs for all Texas State commencement ceremonies each year. It is comprised of top brass and percussion students in the School of Music, conducted by music faculty.
"Big and Bright," the composition played at the ceremonies, was created especially for the Texas State Ceremonial Brass. The piece was composed by Master of Music graduate Joshua M. Cavazos, a composer, pianist, educator, and musician from San Antonio, Texas.
Ceremonial Mace
The TXST ceremonial mace is made of cherrywood adorned with gold-plated brass accents. The mace reminds both graduates and spectators that education is one of the most cherished attributes of a free and democratic society.
Atop the mace is the university seal. Beneath the seal are four medals, engraved with the words auctoritas, gravitas, humanitas, and veritas.
Auctoritas
The sense of one’s standing gained through experience, industriousness, and service to others
Gravitas
A sense of dignity, seriousness, and duty
Humanitas
An appreciation for refinement, civilization, and learning
Veritas
Truthfulness
