Every May and December, it is exciting to see Lobos walk the graduation stage – it is a bittersweet time for the campus community as the campus community watches our rising stars rise to great heights. Given the circumstances of the past two+ years, these accomplishments show the resilience and grit of UNM's Pack.
As part of Spring and Fall commencement, the University Communication and Marketing team highlights Lobos who showed exceptional leadership, courage, dedication and endurance during their time at UNM. These inspirational graduates come from all walks of life – different colleges, programs and extracurriculars. In finding these students, the UCAM team relies on those working directly with them on a daily basis. Each of these graduates were either put forward by a faculty or staff member or chosen based on the stories they have shared.
Although it is impossible to showcase every student, we hope these stories are a slice of the diversity, innovation, and personality of the Class of 2022.
Michelle Lee | Doctorate of Education
Michelle Lee is graduating with her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from UNM. But explains it wasn’t without the influence of family and friends.
Emma Hotz | BA Political Science and Sociology
Emma Hotz is graduating with a BA in Political Science and Sociology with a Political Science Honors designation and an Honors College designation. She is one of only 62 new Truman Scholars selected in 2021 and has also recently been selected as a Clauve Outstanding Senior.
Karlee Maes | BA Psychology
Karlee Maes is a star on the UNM Women’s Soccer team. She’s been playing soccer since she was four years old and was on the pitch the night the team won the Mountain West Conference Championship.
Scott Sanchez | MA Public Administration
Scott Sanchez is a father of three, UNM Staff Council President, a UNM Alumni Relations Officer and now a proud double-alum of The University of New Mexico.
Shannen Gonzales | Master of Occupational Therapy
Shannen Gonzales is a mother of two beautiful girls, who, throughout all her obstacles and traumas were her inspiration to complete her degree.