SAN ANTONIO — Trinity University will hold its winter commencement for 103 graduates and undergraduates at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, in Laurie Auditorium. Thirty-five graduate students and 68 undergraduates are expected to receive their degrees. Two undergraduates will each receive two bachelor's degrees.

David O. Ribble, professor and chair of biology at Trinity University, will deliver the commencement address. Professor Ribble received the Dr. and Mrs. Z.T. Scott Faculty Fellowship Award during the Spring 2008 commencement. The award is given annually for excellence in teaching, advising, and service to students.

Maria Cristina Lopez of Houston will speak on behalf of the senior class. She is a double major in urban studies, with a concentration in public policy, and in speech communication. She also will earn a minor in Spanish. At Trinity, she was vice president of Alpha Lambda Delta First Year National Honor Society, membership coordinator for Best Buddies International, and service chair for Alpha Chi Lambda. She is a member of numerous honor societies and participated in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. Outside the University, Ms. Lopez held internships with the cities of Webster and LaPorte near Houston and advised the Haven for Hope and the San Antonio Housing and Neighborhood Services Department staff. After graduation, she will begin her professional career with the PennWell Mapsearch Division as a research analyst in Houston.