Two paths, one unforgettable walk across UTA’s stage
As a student faces cancer and her advisor nears retirement, their bond takes center stage at UT Arlington’s commencement
image: Ana Peredo-Manor, left, and Aurora Ruvalcaba, take a moment to embrance and reflect on their journey.
Credit: UT Arlington
In fall 2023, Aurora Ruvalcaba—just starting her master’s degree in architecture—received news no one wants to hear: she had thyroid cancer.
The diagnosis came as a shock. Almost immediately, she began a rigorous treatment regimen while still trying to balance the intense demands of her coursework. Feeling overwhelmed, the University of Texas at Arlington student turned to her academic advisor, Ana Peredo-Manor, for guidance at the most pivotal moment of her life.
“Since I met her, she has been a motherly figure to me,” Ruvalcaba said. “She not only looks for ways to keep me on track academically, but she truly cares about my well-being. She always asks me how I’m doing and if there’s anything she can do to help me.”
With Peredo-Manor’s support, Ruvalcaba—who earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from UT Arlington in 2023—will graduate this week with her master’s, even as she continues her fight against cancer.
That support made all the difference as Ruvalcaba navigated doctor appointments, radiation treatments and coursework.
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“She didn't just care about my grades; she cared about me,” Ruvalcaba said. “Having someone like her in my corner gave me the strength to keep moving forward.”
Peredo-Manor has been a fixture at every commencement since beginning her advising career at UTA, attending more than 70- ceremonies over the years. This week’s commencement will be her last: She’s retiring after 25 years of serving students in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.
It will also be one of the most meaningful as she watches Ruvalcaba walk the stage and fulfill her dream.
“I’ve always seen it as a privilege to watch my students cross the stage,” Peredo-Manor said. “Each of them has a story, a journey filled with obstacles they’ve overcome. Being part of that journey, even in a small way, has made this job so special to me.”
For Peredo-Manor, advising goes far beyond helping students register for classes. It’s about the little things—from having snacks on hand when they’re hungry to watching a student’s child during a final exam.
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“I believe that when you support the whole student—academically, emotionally and personally—you set them up for success far beyond the classroom,” Peredo-Manor said.
Her dedication is deeply personal. Although she attended college, Peredo-Manor never had the opportunity to finish her degree. Seeing her students earn their diplomas—walking across the stage to receive something she once dreamed of herself—makes every commencement especially meaningful.
Ruvalcaba knows firsthand the impact of that kind of care and support.
“I see a part of myself in every student who crosses that stage,” Peredo-Manor said. “Even though I didn’t get to graduate, helping them reach that milestone feels like a victory for both of us. It’s why I never miss a ceremony.”