The University of New Mexico is gearing up for its Spring Commencement ceremony scheduled for May 11, 2024. This year's commencement will see nearly 3,000 students graduating from various degree programs across different campuses. The event will take place at University Arena, The Pit, starting at 9 a.m.
In a statement, it was emphasized that "Commencement is a time for celebration, recognition and reflection. It’s a tradition that marks the intersection of the past and the future." The ceremony will honor students receiving doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees from different schools, colleges, branch campuses, and programs within the institution.
One of the highlight moments of the event will be the keynote address delivered by U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland. Haaland, a trailblazer for Native American representation in government, has a significant background in public service, having made history as one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress and later becoming the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1994 and her Juris Doctor in Indian law from UNM School of Law in 2006.
During the ceremony, various groups will participate in providing greetings, including the Board of Regents, the Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM), and the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA). Additionally, there will be the conferring of honorary degrees and special recognitions for graduates with distinction.
For those unable to attend in person, UNM will be live-streaming the commencement ceremony on its Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as on Graduation.unm.edu. More information about the event, including the livestream details and inspiring stories of graduates, can be found on the Class of 2024 page.