'I can't believe I finally did it': UNM confers more than 3,600 degrees at spring commencment

The University of New Mexico (UNM) conferred a total of 3,697 degrees across its main campus and branch locations in Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia during its spring commencement on Saturday. The ceremony included 2,312 bachelor’s degrees, 496 master’s degrees, 124 doctorates, 76 juris doctorates, 96 medical doctorates, and additional graduate certificates and associate degrees. Three individuals—attorney Roberta Cooper Ramo, cardiologist Dr. Barry Ramo, and behavioral health leader Esther Tenorio—received honorary doctorates. Among the graduates was Miriam Arita, who earned a biology degree with a concentration in biotechnology after balancing work, family, and studies. She plans to attend medical school and secured a job with the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program. Amir Sigler, who traveled from Florida to graduate with a bachelor’s in exercise science, described the milestone as ‘long-awaited’ and said he was ready to begin his career. UNM President Garnett Stokes addressed the graduates in her final commencement as president, retiring this summer after eight years in the role. She will be succeeded by Dr. Steve Goldstein, a physician and administrator from the University of California, Irvine, whose contract negotiations are underway. Stokes praised the graduates, calling their presence at UNM a ‘privilege.’ Business administration was the most popular major, with over 250 graduates earning bachelor’s degrees. Lindsey Duarte, the first in her family to graduate with a biology degree, plans to become a physician assistant. Nearly two-thirds of the graduates were from New Mexico, and nearly half were first-generation college students. Many graduates, like Kristoffer Harris-Smith, plan to pursue internships or further education after taking time to reflect on their next steps.