Nearly 4,000 students will earn their degrees from The University of New Mexico as part of the Class of 2018 – each one with an inspirational story sure to inspire others. Their commencement celebration is the culmination of many years of hard work, perseverance and dedication to their studies, their university and their desire to better themselves.
The theme of this year's commencement ceremonies, which will also incoorporate the installation of UNM's 23rd president, Garnett S. Stokes, is "Intention & Impact." What We Achieve [Changes] The World. It's each of us defining all of us, as one.
For some, this is just a stepping stone in further academic studies. For others, this is the start of a new journey as they pursue careers in their chosen fields. For all of them, commencement is a moment to celebrate their achievement up to this point; and revel in the knowledge that they are now Lobos for Life.
Congratulations to the Class of 2018 and to UNM's 23rd president, Garnett S. Stokes.
Joshua Dise – International Studies
While pursuing an Undergraduate degree in International Studies, Joshua Dise was able to study abroad in the Middle East. After graduating, Dise plans on working towards his Masters, with a focus on Emergency Planning and Response.
Leah Lucero and Siddhartha Dhawan – School of Medicine
Leah Lucero and Siddhartha Dhawan came to UNM for it's affordability and prestigious programs. But the two doctors are walking away from commencement with much more than they could have ever imagined.
Maria Kelly – Chemical Engineering
Maria Kelly's goal is to make sure young girls know they're not alone in their desire to pursue STEM careers.
Cherise Benyon – Business Administration
Cheris Benyon gives everything 100 percent — her academics and performance on the court. The starting point guard for the Lobo women’s basketball team maintained a 4.1 GPA while balancing the demands of a college athlete. Beynon’s hard work was honored nationally as she was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team.
Gabe Gallegos – Strategic Communications
From Albuquerque, to Washington D.C., to Santiago, Chile – Gabe Gallegos used his time at UNM to prepare himself for the working world. Hear what he attributes his success to and what next steps are in his future.
Teófilo Borunda – College of Pharmacy
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Teófilo Borunda was always fascinated by the life-saving power of western medicine. That passion for science was further ignited by the supportive staff at The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy.
Daniela Collazos – Special Education
When Daniela Collazos moved from Venezuela to the U.S. to attend UNM she knew absolutely no English at all. Through striving hard to complete her degree in Special Education she not only achieved her goal of learning to be fluent in the language, but has developed a passion for helping others who are facing the same obstacles she learned to overcome.
Anand Macherla – Economics
Anand Macherla from Honors College, a senior Economics major, has traveled the world as part of his education at The University of New Mexico. His experiences inside and outside of the classroom have enriched his education deeply rooted in community.
What we [do] changes the world
UNM Golden Graduates have words of wisdom to pass on to students accepting their degrees.
