In front of lively supporters and inside a warmed Sid Richardson Center pool, Jonathan Ayala became Texas Wesleyan’s fourth underwater graduate in university history on Friday, Dec. 13.

Texas Wesleyan is the only university in the country to perform an underwater graduation ceremony for students who minor in scuba.

Kinesiology Department Chair Pam Rast, Ph.D. and Director of Aquatics Bill Rucker "finned" and "pinned" Ayala underwater while parents, classmates and a former underwater graduate observed from inside the pool in full scuba gear.

Once the official oath to "conduct all future diving activities in a manner reflecting the high standards, philosophies and traditions" of the Texas Wesleyan scuba program was signed, Ayala erupted from the water all smiles into a sea of applause from wet and dry spectators.

We’re looking forward to the next graduate that will dive into this unique Texas Wesleyan tradition. Congratulations, Jonathan!