The University of New Mexico honored more than 3,600 graduates during its spring commencement ceremonies, held this weekend. The events marked the official induction of these students into the university’s alumni community and served as the final commencements for President Garnett S. Stokes, who is set to retire at the end of June.
The ceremonies were attended by families, friends, faculty, and supporters filling The Pit – Powered by Nusenda. Graduates wore black and cherry caps and gowns along with colorful stoles and cords representing academic honors, colleges, cultural affiliations, departments, and student organizations. This display highlighted both diversity and achievement among the Class of 2026.
A total of approximately 3,600 degrees or certificates are expected to be awarded across all campuses this spring. Of these graduates, about 3,230 are from UNM’s central campus in Albuquerque. Degrees include bachelor’s (2,313), master’s (496), doctorates (124), juris doctorates (76), medical doctorates (96), pharmacy doctorates (46), graduate certificates (71), and education specialists (8). Branch campuses also contributed: UNM-Gallup awarded associate degrees and certificates; UNM-Los Alamos awarded associate degrees and certificates; UNM-Taos conferred associate degrees and certificates; while UNM-Valencia also presented several awards.
“Congratulations, Class of 2026! On behalf of the entire University of New Mexico community, we are proud to honor you and your achievements at today’s commencement celebration,” said Garnett S. Stokes in her final welcome to graduating students.
Stokes was recognized for her eight years leading the university when Faculty Senate President Roberta Lavin and Past President Cris Elder presented her with a Nambe keepsake for her service ahead of retirement. “President Stokes, thank you for your support of faculty governance, being a good listener, righting the ship, and serving as a role model for women in leadership,” said Elder.
During undergraduate ceremonies on May 16 three honorary doctorates were awarded: Roberta Cooper Ramo received an Honorary Doctor of Laws; Barry Ramo received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; Esther Tenorio was granted an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Associated Students President Andrew Norton reflected on his personal journey as a first-generation student guided by faith: “Trust me,” Norton said. “UNM has truly been one of the greatest blessings and honors of my life… They are the result of hard work, sacrifice and for many us faith.”
More than two-thirds stood when asked if they were first-generation students during recognition moments—a reflection that over half identify as such within UNM’s population—and many others stood to mark high academic achievement with GPAs above 3.50.
The University celebrated its first commencement in 1894 with six graduates from its Normal Department receiving Bachelor degrees in Pedagogy—a tradition that has grown alongside its reputation nationally as one among top public schools according to U.S News & World Report rankings such as primary care medical schools or diversity measures—according to the official website. Today it enrolls more than 24,000 students across main campus branches each year while boasting over 200 thousand alumni worldwide including fellows contributing major publications or national academies.according to the official website.
