This fall, 371 students earned degrees or certificates from Western New Mexico University, and the Mustang community celebrated their achievement through a hybrid commencement ceremony that once again allowed for the participation of both graduates on campus and those living and attending WNMU at a distance. Of the graduates who received diplomas from WNMU this fall, 206 chose to participate in this year’s fall graduation ceremony on December 8, 2023, with 141 walking across the Fine Arts Center Theatre stage and 65 participating over Zoom.
WNMU awarded 78 associate degrees, 119 bachelor’s degrees, 136 master’s degrees, 49 graduate certificates, 10 undergraduate certificates and 13 fast track certificates.
Additionally, 77 WNMU undergraduates across all programs graduated with honors, including members of the WNMU Honors Program. To earn the distinction, students in a graduate program must receive a 4.0 GPA, and students graduating with an undergraduate degree or certificate must earn a 3.5 GPA or higher.
During the ceremony, Associated Students of WNMU President Elizabeth Gonzales gave the address, in which she praised the hard work of the graduates.
The university also honored two public servants with honorary doctorates. These were awarded to David Abbey, the longtime director of the NM Legislative Finance Committee, and WNMU alumnus and former State Representative Rudy Martinez.