Professor Nate Thomas was the featured speaker at the December 11th, 2010 Undergraduate Commencement at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. He is an alumnus of this 125 year old Brothers of the Holy Cross affiliate and received his undergraduate degree there in Theatre Arts before completing his M.F.A. at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He was also the recipient of a Distinguished Alumnus Award from St. Edward's in 2008. Thomas's commencement address was titled "You Have a Higher Calling." Professor Thomas serves as Head of the Film Production Option and has won numerous awards for his PBS documentaries, television public service announcements and his theatrically released feature film East of Hope Street.