Joey Powel,l of Cedar Hill, and his girlfriend Michelle Estrada, of Longview, kiss. (Noah Collins Morris/Freelance)

Outgoing University of Texas at Tyler President Dr. Rodney Mabry congratulated graduates during his final commencement ceremonies on Friday.

More than 1,200 students were set to graduate in the fall 2016 ceremonies scheduled Friday and Saturday.

Mabry delivered the commencement address for the College of Arts and Sciences on Friday. He will retire Dec. 31, after more than 18 years running the institution.

Dr. Barbara Haas, UT Tyler David G. Braithwaite Professor of Nursing and associate dean of graduate nursing programs, delivered the commencement address for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

State Rep. Bryan Hughes delivered the commencement address for the Colleges of Business and Technology, Education and Psychology and Engineering.

– Cory McCoy