The University of New Mexico announced on May 13 that three individuals will be awarded honorary doctorates during its spring 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremony, scheduled for May 16.
The recipients are Roberta Cooper Ramo, attorney and former member of the UNM Board of Regents; Barry Ramo, a physician and educator; and Esther Tenorio, a Pueblo of San Felipe elder and community advocate. The awards recognize their significant contributions to the university and the broader community.
Roberta Cooper Ramo will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws. She served on the Board of Regents from 1989 to 1995, including as president from 1991 to 1993. Her legal work has focused on healthcare policy and nonprofit organizations in New Mexico. She was also the first woman to serve as president of both the American Bar Association and the American Law Institute. In addition, she has received honors such as the ABA Medal in 2015.
Barry Ramo will be honored with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his roles as a clinical professor at UNM School of Medicine since 2003, founder of the New Mexico Heart Institute, leader in community health initiatives like Project Heart Start, board service across various organizations, and over three decades as a medical reporter for KOAT-TV and columnist for Albuquerque Journal.
Esther Tenorio is set to receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. With more than thirty years’ experience in behavioral health system development—including leadership roles overseeing youth suicide prevention initiatives—she currently works as a cultural consultant coordinating federal grant activities with cultural protocols. Tenorio’s career includes more than two decades at Santa Fe Indian School focusing on residential guidance and behavioral health services.
Honorary degrees at UNM are awarded each spring to recognize exemplary academic or public accomplishments that have broad significance or benefit society or specific fields. According to the official website, The University of New Mexico boasts more than 200,000 alumni worldwide—including fellows in national academies—and serves as a cultural resource through libraries, museums, galleries, performance spaces while promoting diversity and community engagement.
