After spending the last four years at UT Permian Basin, Vincent Bao is set to walk the stage on Friday, August 16, 2024, marking the end of a transformative journey.  

Originally from Minnesota, Bao first came to the University because of his passion for swimming. 

"I intended to join the swim team, but as fate would have it, I never ended up swimming," said Bao. "Instead, I fell in love with the campus and, more importantly, the people. The sense of community and the supportive environment made UTPB feel like home from day one." 

Bao initially pursued a major in Biology with a predental track. However, his path took an unexpected turn after he interned in the University's Marketing and Communications division, and the Athletics Department. 

"It was through these experiences that I discovered my true passion. I fell in love with the creative side of content creation and storytelling, which led me to switch my major," said Bao. "Today, I'm proud to be working as a Digital Media Coordinator and Photographer at Sewell Family of Companies in Odessa." 

If you've been in the Mesa building or follow UTPB athletics on social media, you've likely seen Bao's photography capturing the spirit of various athletics events. 

While Bao has a passion for swimming, one may wonder what made him want to get involved with athletics? 

"In high school, I took sports photos for fun and knew I wanted to continue that in college. So, I reached out to UTPB through their Instagram, and they gave me a chance," said Bao. "The trust and support they provided allowed me to grow my skills and build my portfolio, which has brought me to where I am today." 

At a UTPB football or soccer game, you've likely seen Bao lugging around a huge 15lb 400m lens. Bao explained, it was important to him to invest in high-quality equipment to make sure his photos come out the best.  

"It's funny because I've always liked having the best equipment, even before I fully had the skills to use it. But as I learned and improved, my gear became an essential part of my growth," said Bao. "Investing in quality equipment has allowed me to be prepared for any situation, and it played a significant role in building my freelance business on the side." 

With his journey at UTPB coming to a close, Bao reflected on his time working in athletics. 

"My favorite part has definitely been the people — the teams I've worked with and the bonds we've formed. It's more than just a job; it feels like being part of a family," said Bao. "Many of my closest friends now are athletes I've worked with. It's amazing to see them excel on the field and be able to provide them with some of the best content to showcase their hard work." 

Upon graduation, Bao plans to continue working full-time at Sewell, where he will keep honing his craft. He also plans to freelance on the side, working with business clients and doing portrait photography—something he is passionate about. 

"I'm grateful for the journey so far and all the opportunities I've had," said Bao. "I'm excited to see where this path continues to lead me!"