Every May and December, it is exciting to see Lobos walk the graduation stage to receive their diplomas. As the campus community watches our rising stars soar to great new heights, it is a bittersweet time for the campus community as another group of talented graduates leaves the University.
Each spring and fall as part of commencement, the University Communication and Marketing team highlights Lobos, who have demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication, endurance, leadership, and resilience 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, UCAM hopes these stories are a slice of the diversity, innovation, and personality of the Fall Class of 2023.
Bryan Rojas | Master of Public Administration
The saying, “those who don’t ask for thanks in return” is exactly who UNM graduate Bryan Rojas embodies. Rojas was born and raised in Albuquerque, N.M. and his journey to public service started off at a very young age. While Rojas always had a heart to serve his family, community, and country he always knew that he wanted to pursue higher education. In 2019 Rojas graduated from The University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. Four years later, Rojas will walk across the stage yet again to receive his Master of Public Administration (MPA) along with his Army ROTC Commission. Full story...
Syaire Riley | Bachelor of Arts, Multimedia Journalism
Four years, three surgeries and three concussions, two states and one well-earned bachelor's degree–that’s just a few of the stats for UNM senior Syaire Riley. The kind-hearted, hardworking winter graduate is flipping his tassel with a degree in multimedia journalism and a minor in political science. While many know him as number 36, the 6-foot tall linebacker defending the Lobos, many other parts of campus recognize him as a journalist extraordinaire or friend. In fact, it’s rare for longer than five minutes to go by without someone calling his name or waving in Albuquerque. Full story...
Daisy Belmares-Ortega | Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Daisy Belmares-Ortega will graduate from The University of New Mexico this week with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree will mark an achievement in both academics and perseverance for the first-generation college student and Presidential Scholar who worked as both a UNM research assistant and an overnight dispensing nurse throughout her studies. Full story...
Kevin Mullet | Bachelor of Arts, Sociocultural & Linguistic Anthropology
Kevin Mullet earned his first college credits in 1983 while a U.S. Navy photographer aboard the USS Saratoga. Over the next four decades, five universities — online and brick-and-mortar, and three changes in majors, he continued his education and will receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociocultural and Linguistic Anthropology with a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication this month from The University of New Mexico. Full story...
Melissa DeRaad | Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Melissa DeRaad sparkles with enthusiasm when she talks about her undergraduate experience, professors and mentors, her plans for a Ph.D. degree, and her upcoming graduation. DeRaad will walk across the stage in December to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from The University of New Mexico. Full story...
