UNM celebrates 2026 graduates at spring commencement ceremonies

A sea of black and cherry swept across The University of New Mexico as more than 3,600 graduates officially joined the ranks of UNM alumni during the University's 2026 graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies this weekend.

Graduates streamed down the aisles in black and cherry colored caps and gowns, transforming the ceremonies into a vibrant display of Lobo pride. Many students wore colorful stoles and cords symbolizing academic honors, schools and colleges, cultural affiliations, departments, and student organizations - reflecting the diversity, accomplishments, and community that define the graduating class.

Families, friends, faculty, and supporters filled The Pit - Powered by Nusenda to celebrate a milestone years in the making, honoring the perseverance, achievements, and aspirations of the Class of 2026.

Pending an official degree count, a total of 3,600 students are expected to receive degrees or certificates this spring across all campuses, with 3,230 from UNM's central campus in Albuquerque. The earned degrees and certificates breakdown includes:

• 2,313 bachelor's degrees
• 496 master's degrees
• 124 doctorates
• 76 juris doctorates
• 96 medical doctorates
• 46 pharmacy doctorates
• 71 graduate certificates
• 8 education specialists

UNM's branch campuses also conferred degrees with UNM-Gallup awarding 169 associate degrees and 28 certificates; UNM-Los Alamos awarded 23 associate degrees and 10 certificates; UNM-Taos awarded 36 associate degrees and 62 certificates; and UNM-Valencia awarded 60 associate degrees and 79 certificates.

"Congratulations, Class of 2026! On behalf of the entire University of New Mexico community, we are proud to honor you and your achievements at today's commencement celebration," said Stokes in her final welcome to graduating students."

- UNM President Garnett S. Stokes

The ceremonies also marked President Garnett S. Stokes' last commencements, who after serving the University the past eight years, is set to retire at the end of June. provided a brief welcome to begin both ceremonies.

"We celebrate your journey and accomplishments, your victories and achievements at The University of New Mexico," said Stokes. "In your time here, you have grown and changed. You have explored and progressed. You have willingly opened yourself to new ways of thinking and new experiences. As you cross the stage today, I hope you reflect on every step, big and small, as individuals and as a pack that has led you to this moment."

Stokes was also acknowledged with a special recognition during the undergraduate ceremony by Faculty Senate President Roberta Lavin and Faculty Senate Past President Cris Elder, who presented Stokes with a Nambe keepsake from the Faculty Senate in recognition of her dedicated service and leadership ahead of her retirement this summer.

"President Stokes, thank you for your support of faculty governance, being a good listener, righting the ship, and serving as a role model for women in leadership," said Elder.

Graduate and Professional Student Association President Travis Broadhurst and Associated Students of UNM President Andrew Norton provided greetings at their respective ceremony.

Norton, who was one of UNM's 11 Clauve Award winners, which honors outstanding seniors, spoke of his trust in God that led him to UNM more than three years ago and guided him during his journey at UNM from a first-gen student coming from Washington state, to and finally ASUNM president during his senior year. Norton shared several moments in his academic journey when the path wasn't clear, and even those moments when he felt guided by God towards his purpose.

"Trust me," Norton said. "UNM has truly been one of the greatest blessings and honors of my life. That's because moments like this don't happen by accident. They are the result of hard work, sacrifice and for many of us, faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in each other, and for me, faith in God."

The national anthem at both ceremonies was performed by Rachel Schneider, a vocal performance music major. Both ceremonies also included the Presentation of Colors by the UNM Color Guard.

Honorary degrees
As approved by the UNM faculty and Board of Regents, three individuals received honorary doctorates at the spring 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 16. The honorees included Roberta Cooper Ramo, Honorary Doctor of Laws, Barry Ramo, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and Esther Tenorio, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Memorable moments
One of the most powerful moments of the undergraduate ceremony came during the recognition of graduates with distinction. More than two-thirds of the graduates rose after being asked to stand if they were first-generation students, reflecting UNM's student population, where more than half identify as first-generation. A similarly large number stood when graduates with a GPA of 3.50 or higher were recognized, highlighting the exceptional academic achievements of the Class of 2026.

Stokes closed the ceremony by asking various support groups from faculty and staff, parents and families, and all those who have supported this year's graduates along their academic path to a rousing round of applause for each group from the packed arena.

Commencement History
UNM celebrated its first commencement in 1894 when six graduates of the Normal Department received the degree of Bachelor of Pedagogy. The territory of New Mexico had no public high schools when it created its university in 1889, so UNM's first students were teenagers in high school-equivalent courses. Over the decades, commencement exercises have been held in Grant's Opera House in downtown Albuquerque. Over the past century, the ceremonies have been held in several locations, including the original Rodey Hall, Tight Grove, the Art Building Quadrangle, Zimmerman Stadium, Carlisle Gym, University Arena, Johnson Center, and University Stadium.

For more stories about this year's class, visit Diverse paths, shared success: UNM''s 2026 Inspiring Graduates.

For more information about UNM's commencement ceremonies, visit Lobo Graduation.