Graduate Spotlight: Roger Gaspard

After a 22-year break from school, Roger Gaspard will graduate this December from St. Philip’s College (SPC) with an Associate of Arts in Teaching.

Roger, who grew up in the neighborhood surrounding SPC, said his motivation has always been to make his parents proud. In Fall 2023, he decided to go to college and pursue a career that offered stability and purpose.

“I wanted to ensure that a job would be waiting for me when I graduated,” he said. “I knew there was high demand for teachers, nurses, and accountants.”

Roger works full-time as a math tutor in SPC’s Math World. He said helping students grasp challenging concepts has affirmed his decision to pursue teaching.

“I love seeing the light bulb turn on when I tutor students,” he said. “That’s the most rewarding feeling. I want to help people.”

Roger also participated in the SURE Project, a grant-funded initiative he joined in Fall 2024. He said the experience helped him collaborate with peers and further confirmed his path toward becoming a mathematician and educator.

During his time at SPC, he was published in the Tiger PAWS Literary Art Journal and served as an editor for four semesters. His writing earned national recognition in Spring 2025 from the Community College Humanities Association’s southwestern division.

Roger will continue his academic journey at Texas A&M University–San Antonio in Spring 2026 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a teaching certificate. His long-term goal is to return as a math teacher to both his alma mater, Sam Houston High School, and St. Philip’s College.

Congratulations, Roger!

For more information on the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony, click here.

Fall 2025 Commencement
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Freeman Coliseum
7 p.m.