The University of New Mexico hosts its Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at Dreamstyle Arena.
This commencement ceremony honors all doctoral, master’s, bachelor's and associate's degree candidates from all schools, colleges and degree-granting programs. Additionally, UNM will live-stream the event on the UNM FaceBook page. The event will also be available on FaceBook for those who wish to watch at a different time.
Approximately 2,191 students* are projected to receive degrees from UNM in Fall 2017. They include: Doctoral - 80; Master's - 402; Bachelor's – 1,540; and Associate's - 169.
“Congratulations to the hardworking class of students who are graduating on Friday, and to all the faculty, staff, family and friends who have supported them to reach graduation,” said Interim President Chaouki Abdallah. “The University looks forward to watching this class go on to achieve continued success in their professional journey."
The master of ceremonies for this fall’s commencement is Vice Provost for Enrollment and Analytics Terry Babbitt. Mary Brzezinski, Master of Music, will sing the National Anthem. Student musicians from the Department of Music, conducted by Steven Iliff, will perform the anthem. Faith Roessel, an alumna from the UNM School of Law, will deliver the keynote address. For a related story on Roessel, visit Commencement speaker known for her voice that promotes understanding.
“Congratulations to the hardworking class of students who are graduating on Friday, and to all the faculty, staff, family and friends who have supported them to reach graduation.”
– Interim President Chaouki Abdallah
Other individuals presenting remarks include: Robert Doughty, board president, UNM Board of Regents; Chaouki Abdallah, president’s greetings; Harold Lavender, board president, UNM Alumni Association.
Additionally, Abdallah will present the Presidential Award of Distinction. Recipients include: Robert Strickland, Jennifer Nez Denetdale and Len Kravitz. Strickland was recruited to UNM as associate professor and chief of the emerging Division of Gastroenterology in the UNM School of Medicine (SOM) in 1972. Denetdale, an associate professor of American Studies at UNM, is the first-ever Diné/Navajo to earn a Ph.D. in history. A strong advocate for Native people, Denetdale strives to foster academic excellence in the next generation of students interested in Native Studies. Kravitz, an associate professor in the College of Education, has spent 30 years as an international fitness educator, and has been recognized consistently for his contributions to the vocation.
For a related story on the awardees, visit Presidential Award of Distinction honors three faculty members.
In addition to the main commencement ceremony, individual departments may host its own graduation ceremonies, called "convocations.”
For a complete schedule of ceremonies, department or school/college convocations, as well as additional commencement information, visit: Fall 2017 Graduation Ceremonies.