The University of New Mexico (UNM) celebrated the graduation of nearly 3,000 students in a commencement ceremony held at the packed University Arena. The Class of 2024's journey to this moment was marked by unprecedented challenges as they began their college education during a pandemic.
The graduating class included approximately 2,991 students from UNM’s Albuquerque and Extended University campuses. This cohort comprised 1,920 bachelor’s degree recipients, 658 master’s degree holders, 63 doctorates, 92 juris doctorates, 78 medical doctorates, 52 pharmacy doctorates, 110 graduate certificates, and 18 education specialists.
In addition to the main campus graduates, UNM-Gallup awarded an estimated 131 associate degrees and 68 certificates; Los Alamos conferred around 28 associate degrees and seven certificates; Taos granted about 51 associate degrees and 72 certificates; and Valencia bestowed approximately 40 associate degrees. An official degree count will be determined following commencement.
UNM President Garnett S. Stokes addressed the graduates saying: “Your education and experiences as a Lobo have prepared you to meet life’s challenges head-on. I hope you will build on all that our university has given you as you take knowledge to new heights, imagine the impossible, and work to make your dreams a reality."
The ceremony commenced with the traditional processional of students descending down the concrete stairs of The Pit dressed in black for master’s degree students and cherry red for undergraduates. Many adorned colorful graduation stoles representing honors, organizations and causes.
A stirring rendition of the National Anthem was performed by UNM Vocal Performance major Tsvi Harel Bat Asherah. The Presentation of Colors was led by Cadet Bernadette Deremiah from the UNM Color Guard.
Other speakers included Jack Fortner, vice chair of the UNM Board of Regents; Krystah Pacheco, president of the Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM); and Justin Lauriano, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA).
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, a UNM alumna, also addressed the graduates. She emphasized the importance of community, hard work, and kindness. "There’s no substitute for hard work. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. My hard work proved a lot of people wrong. Yours will, too," said Haaland.
During the ceremony, UNM recognized Doug Brown and Fred Harris with Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees for their contributions to the institution.
Approximately 1,900 students participated in the nearly four-hour ceremony to receive their diplomas.
