Nearly 3,000 students can now call themselves alumni of The University of New Mexico following Saturday’s commencement in front of a packed University Arena. UNM’s 2024 commencement culminated an unprecedented journey for this class, which started college during a pandemic.

Approximately 2,991 students are projected to receive degrees from UNM’s Albuquerque and Extended University campuses, including 1,920 bachelor’s degrees, 658 master’s degrees, 63 doctorates, 92 juris doctorates, 78 medical doctorates, 52 pharmacy doctorates, 110 graduate certificates, and 18 education specialists. 

At UNM-Gallup, 131 associate degrees and 68 certificates are projected to be awarded; at Los Alamos, 28 associate degrees and 7 certificates; at Taos, 51 associate degrees and 72 certificates; and at Valencia, 40 associate degrees. An official degree count is determined following commencement.

“Your education and experiences as a Lobo have prepared you to meet life’s challenges head-on. I hope you will build on all that our university has given you as you take knowledge to new heights, imagine the impossible, and work to make your dreams a reality." 

– UNM President Garnett S. Stokes

The ceremony got underway with the traditional processional of students descending down the concrete stairs of The Pit clad in black for master’s degree students and cherry red for undergraduates. Many were wearing colorful graduation stoles representing honors, organizations and causes in some instances

A stirring rendition of the National Anthem was performed by UNM Vocal Performance major Tsvi Harel Bat Asherah, with the Presentation of Colors by the UNM Color Guard led by Cadet Bernadette Deremiah. UNM President Garnett S. Stokes provided a brief welcome to begin the 2024 commencement exercises.

“Today, we honor your accomplishments as graduates of The University of New Mexico. Together, we are celebrating your part in our ongoing story and sharing in the mutual excitement of a future filled with endless possibilities,” said Stokes. “Great universities inspire discovery in every discipline; at UNM, we strive to give our graduates the courage and wisdom to ask challenging questions and the perseverance and skills to find the answers. As you look to the future, I hope you will apply that joyful spirit of curiosity to all aspects of your life.

“Your education and experiences as a Lobo have prepared you to meet life’s challenges head on. I hope you will build on all that our university has given you as you take knowledge to new heights, imagine the impossible, and work to make your dreams a reality. With the power of your education, each of you has the capacity not only to improve your own lives, but the lives of those around you. As Lobos, we embrace that obligation to our communities warmly and willingly.”

Jack Fortner, vice chair of the UNM Board of Regents, Krystah Pacheco, president of the Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM), and Justin Lauriano, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), provided additional welcome greetings.

“Looking back four years ago, I didn't know what to expect when coming to UNM. Little did I know that I would come to such a wonderful institution that has enriched my life so much," said Pacheco. "While each of us has walked separate paths to get here today, I would like for all of you to think about the experiences you’ve had in your time here. Think about the moments you’ve shared with others, the challenges you’ve overcame, and the great things you’ve accomplished. What I’ve learned from this moment is said best by Robert Frost – 'The best way out is always through."

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, a UNM alumna (BA in English, 1994; Juris Doctor, School of Law, 2006., Haaland made history as one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress, and again when she became the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history.

"This might seem obvious, and I know graduates here are familiar with accomplishing hard things. There’s no substitute for hard work. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. My hard work proved a lot of people wrong. Yours will, too."

– U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland

Haaland offered three pieces of advice for the graduates, including community, hard work, and being kind.

“Community has always been and always will be everything. No one has ever accomplished anything alone. Lean into the beauty of community,” said Haaland. "My second piece of advice is to work hard. This might seem obvious, and I know graduates here are familiar with accomplishing hard things. There’s no substitute for hard work. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. My hard work proved a lot of people wrong. Yours will, too.

“My final offering to you is this: be kind. It bears repeating. There’s a lot in this world that is designed to make us cynical people. Designed for us to lose hope in the future so that we opt out of the process of making real necessary change. Join me in rejecting that notion. Kindness is the way forward, and it doesn’t cost a thing.”

As part of the ceremony, UNM also recognized two longtime Lobos for their contributions to the institution.  Doug Brown and Fred Harris, as Honorary Degree recipients receiving Doctorate of Humane Letters. Brown has been a member of over 50 nonprofit boards, including Stanford University and NPR. His service to UNM has continued uninterrupted for 38 years and has included two terms as Regent, four years as Chair. Former United States Senator Fred Harris, B.A., J.D., “with distinction,” is UNM Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Director Emeritus and founder of the UNM Fred Harris Congressional Internship Program.

Approximately 1,900 students participated and walked across the dais to receive their diplomas in the nearly four-hour ceremony.