The University of New Mexico recognized its top graduating seniors with the 2026 Clauvé Outstanding Senior Awards, according to a May 8 announcement. The awards honor students who have shown leadership, service, and involvement during their time at the university.
The recognition highlights students who have made significant contributions to campus life through academics, student organizations, and community engagement. The University of New Mexico enrolled more than 24,000 students across its main and branch campuses in spring 2023, boasts over 200,000 alumni worldwide—including fellows of national academies—and is known for promoting diversity and community engagement through its libraries, museums, galleries, and performance spaces as described on the official website.
“This year’s applicants for the Lena Clauve Outstanding Senior Award were exceptional. It was one of the most competitive applicant pools in recent memory, and these students represent some of the very best and brightest at UNM,” said Associate Dean of Student Well-Being Greg Golden. “They are outstanding leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to service, and the impact of their leadership on our campus has been tremendous.
“In nearly 10 years serving on the selection committee, I do not recall another year in which we recognized 11 winners. This is a reflection of the extraordinary caliber of this year’s applicants. We are fortunate to call them Lobos!”
The award is named after Lena C. Clauvé—a longtime educator who served as UNM’s first dean of women from 1929 to 1961—who helped found student groups and provided support for those in need throughout her decades-long career at UNM.
Among this year’s recipients are Andrew Norton (business administration), Anthony Languit (biochemistry), Bree Hawkins (biology/psychology/political science), Hilaria Barragan (psychology/criminology), Kaia Begay (psychology/Native American studies), Kiera Rosenfeld (journalism/mass communications), Kingsley Nelson Jr. (chemical engineering), Miriam Barba (Chicana/o studies/political science), Mutazz Jaber (political science/psychology), Nwamaka Tutman (business administration) and Sydney Moore (business administration). Each recipient has held multiple leadership roles or contributed significantly to student government or campus initiatives.
Recipients reflected on what campus involvement means to them: “To me, campus involvement is more than just being involved outside of the classroom but rather the way for us as students to contribute to our community,” said Norton. Hawkins added: “Campus and community involvement … means taking extra effort to make each student’s experience … a more inclusive … environment.”
Looking ahead, many awardees plan further study or professional work related to their fields while emphasizing ongoing service—a value that continues Lena C. Clauvé’s legacy at UNM.
