UNM Bookstores continue decades-long graduation tradition with Spring Grad Fair

For generations of University of New Mexico graduates, commencement preparation has started at the UNM Bookstores. This Spring, the Bookstores continue a tradition rooted in the university's earliest days with its biannual Grad Fair.

This connection to commencement dates back more than half a century. In its earliest years, the Bookstore had a single location and operated out of army barracks before relocating several times across campus. By the late 1950s, it was known as the "Associated Students' Bookstore," located in the basement of the Student Union Building, then called the New Mexico Union.

Even then, graduation regalia was part of its operations. A 1960 advertisement promotes the Bookstore coordinating caps, gowns and class rings orders for students.

In the early 1970s, the Bookstore moved to what is now the Biology Building on Central Campus, where preparation for commencement meant stacks of caps and gowns filling the back room.

In July 1996, the Central campus bookstore opened at its current location, 2301 Central NE. Today, it houses a dedicated graduation department that stocks regalia year-round.

"Graduation is something that takes time to prepare for, much more time than most people realize," said Kristina Arguello, Graduation coordinator at the UNM Bookstores. "Our planning begins at the start of every semester, with no real pause in between."

Arguello said coordination with the University Secretary's Office, academic departments and their vendor Jostens begins months in advance and continues through Grad Fair and the commencement ceremonies themselves.

"Graduation is not just about ensuring caps and gowns are on hand," Arguello said. "It's about making sure every element is in place so the event runs as smoothly as possible. Earning a degree is a major milestone and we're proud to play a meaningful role in helping students celebrate that achievement."

More than 20 years ago, the UNM Bookstores expanded their services by launching Grad Fair twice a year, as a one-stop event for graduation needs. "Grad Fair is truly a time of celebration," Arguello said. "It's a supportive, energizing environment that brings everything together in one place."

The UNM Bookstores now prepare for the spring Grad Fair, continuing a tradition of supporting Lobos as they celebrate this important milestone.

The 2026 Spring Grad Fair will take place on March 24 at the North Campus location and March 25-27 at the Central Campus location, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

During this event only, students can take advantage of exclusive savings, including 25% off Grad Packs (regalia and diploma frame bundle) and 20% off diploma frames.

Representatives from Jostens will be on site to assist with ordering customized class rings, diploma frames and personalized announcements. GradImages will also offer professional graduation portraits, with photographers available throughout the event.