Peggy Flores. 60, has organized nearly 200 commencement ceremonies for Texas Tech University, but this year she is the one who will be walking across the stage for the final time.

“I get to meet so many people that I would never meet in a normal life,” Flores said. “The speakers that I’ve met have been spectacular and not only that, I watch so many different students come through, and I love doing it.”

Flores joined the university’s admissions office in 1977 before become the first commencement coordinator in 1983. In the 33 years since, she’s organized 191 ceremonies, only missing one for the birth of her child in 1990. She said she’s outlasted 10 presidents, four chancellors and has seen more than 50,000 students graduate. And this year it’s coming full circle.

“Dr. Lauro Cavazos was the first president that I worked with as the commencement coordinator in 1983 and Dr. Cavazos will be with me during my last commencement with me at the 9:00 A.M.  ceremony,” Flores said. “We’ll be together again and he will be receiving an honorary degree at that time.”

Flores has met world leaders during her time at Tech including President George H.W. Bush, Senator John McCain and, her favorite, Queen Noor of Jordan, who even gifted Flores with a gold watch.

“She told me she how much she appreciated everything I had done for her during that time, and the time I spent with her agents and how friendly I was to them and how much I helped them,” Flores said. “I was surprised to get that and I have that and will keep it forever. It’s quite a spectacular gift to give me.”

Flores said she’s excited to start her retirement and has plenty to keep her busy.

“I feel like I need to enjoy a little bit of life before I get too old to walk around and then I’d like to spend some time with my grandchildren,” Flores said. “They are small now, so I want to spend some time with them and I’m going to a little cake decorating.”

But she will be missed by her coworkers.

“I am so excited for her, but of course, I feel sad she won’t be here anymore to work with her,” Associate Director of the United Supermarkets Arena Meredith Imes said. “It’s such a joy working with Peggy because she brings so much energy to all the commencement ceremonies.” 

Peggy said this year is the biggest graduation she’s ever organized, and she is excited she can go out with a bang. All she wants in return is a lifetime parking pass for her and a guest to any commencement she wants.

“I love being a Red Raider, I have loved working for this University, it’s a spectacular university and I couldn’t have asked for more,” Flores said.