Caps, connections and career prep: UNM’s Senior Send-Off celebrated Class of 2025

As cap-and-gown season approaches, the University of New Mexico celebrated its graduating Lobos with a vibrant Senior Send-Off at the historic Hodgin Hall Alumni Center on Wednesday, April 30.

Hosted by the UNM Alumni Association and sponsored by Santa Clara Development Corporation, the three-hour event offered more than just free food and photo ops-it invited seniors into a lifelong network of support and opportunity.

From 1 to 4 p.m., the event welcomed soon-to-be graduates under a cherry and silver balloon arch and guided them through three floors of activities, including personalized cap decorating, professional headshots, resume reviews, and alumni networking stations.

"This is our third Senior Send-Off, and it's really a welcome to the Alumni Association," said Brittany Choy, Alumni Relations Officer. "We want every senior to leave knowing that we've got their back-and that their connection to UNM doesn't end after graduation."

Choy, a 2010 UNM graduate, played a key role in organizing the event. She also emphasized the importance of updating contact information to stay in the loop on benefits like alumni discounts, career resources, and newsletters.

The event showcased various UNM departments and programs, including the Anderson School of Management, which set up a table stocked with branded swag and job search tools. Students could also speak with representatives from Jostens about graduation regalia, class rings, and diploma frames.

Kristina Arguello, the bookstore's retail and merchandise coordinator, said she enjoys seeing students beam with pride as they pick out their graduation gear.

"There's no better feeling than seeing them celebrate what they've worked so hard for," Arguello said. "And if they haven't picked up their cap and gown yet, there's still time-we keep them stocked year-round."

On the top floor, students gathered around tables filled with rhinestones, glue, and paint to create custom cap toppers featuring the Zia symbol, Lobo mascot, and personal flair.

Executive Director of Alumni Relations Connie Beimer, herself a two-time UNM graduate, said the idea for the event came after a visit to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"We saw how UNLV celebrated its grads and knew we needed something similar," Beimer said. "Now we've made it our own."

The event also aimed to prepare students for life after college. Alumni chapters from across the country were on display, allowing graduates to identify potential connections in their next chapter.

Beimer hopes the tradition will continue each semester. "We're planning to host this every April-May and November-December moving forward," she said. "Our goal is for freshmen and sophomores to look forward to it when it's their turn."

With tables of pastries, fruit trays, and sandwiches on one floor, and creativity and career prep on another, the Senior Send-Off offered a little something for everyone. But its message was clear: once a Lobo, always a Lobo.

"We're not just here for the celebration," Choy said. "We're here for the journey ahead."

For more on UNM's Alumni Association and its resources, visit unmalumni.com.