The University of New Mexico celebrated its Class of 2025 over two commencement ceremonies, one for graduates and the other for undergraduates. Following the undergraduate ceremony, more than 3,000 graduate and undergraduate students can now call themselves alumni of The University of New Mexico following this weekend’s commencement exercises at University Arena. 

The graduate breakdown includes 2,172 bachelor’s degrees; 487 master’s degrees; 91 doctorates; 94 juris doctorates; 91 medical doctorates; 49 pharmacy doctorates; 127 graduate certificates; and 12 education specialists. 

UNM’s branch campuses will also confer degrees. UNM Gallup will award 211 associate degrees and 59 certificates. UNM Los Alamos will award 20 associate degrees and one certificate. UNM Taos will award 58 associate degrees and 55 certificates, and UNM Valencia will award 55 associate degrees and 54 certificates. An official degree count is determined following commencement.

"Every Lobo makes a difference; every Lobo makes an impact; every Lobo makes us better, smarter, wiser, and stronger. We are truly a place where each of us defines all of us."

– UNM President Garnett S. Stokes

They paraded down the aisles clad in black gowns at the graduate ceremony and cherry gowns creating a sea of red at the undergraduate ceremony, many adorned in colorful graduation stoles representing academic honors, schools, colleges, departments and organizations. 

A heartfelt and stirring rendition of the National Anthem was performed at the graduate ceremony by UNM Music Performance graduate student Emma Daves, and by UNM Interdisciplinary Arts major Kelsey Beer at the undergraduate ceremony, with the Presentation of Colors by the UNM Color Guard at both.

UNM President Garnett S. Stokes provided a brief welcome to begin both ceremonies.

“In your time here, you have grown and changed, willingly opening yourself to new ways of thinking and new experiences,” said President Garnett S. Stokes. “And we, as a university, have grown and changed with you. We are not the same university we were before you walked through our doors. Every Lobo makes a difference; every Lobo makes an impact; every Lobo makes us better, smarter, wiser, and stronger. We are truly a place where each of us defines all of us.”

Student Regent Victor Reyes and Regent William Payne provide opening remarks on behalf of the Board of Regents at the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies, respectively.

"We're excited to celebrate this special day with you and your families and support you as we gather to witness this pivotal moment in your life," said Reyes at the graduate ceremony, "Graduates, you're an inspiration. Your intellectual and emotional strength and your perseverance have no doubt served you well as you achieve this milestone. As you move forward to whatever is next for you, it is hard not to be optimistic. We are certain that each of you will continue to succeed as it requires to deepen the intensity that each of you have."

Graduate and Professional Student Association President Michel Rivera Ramirez, while Associated Students of UNM President Anthony Tomaziefski provided greetings at their respective ceremony.

Three individuals received Honorary degrees approved by the UNM faculty and Board of Regents, including Nasir Ahmed, who received an Honorary Doctor of Science, Everett Morgan Serafin, and Roberta Eileen Velarde Serafin, who received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

One of the notable visuals during the undergraduate ceremony occurred when more than two-thirds stood up when asked if they were first-generation graduates, reflecting the more than 50 percent of the student population that identifies as first-generation students at UNM. A similar number of students also stood when asked if they graduated with a 3.50 GPA or higher representing the high-achieving academic class of 2025.

More than 2,500 students participated and walked across the dais to receive their diplomas in the as part of both ceremonies.

For stories about this year’s class, visit Inspiring graduates: Celebrating the diversity, spirits and success of the Class of 2025.

For more information on UNM’s commencement ceremonies, visit Lobo Graduation.