New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham joined hundreds of graduates from Western New Mexico University (WNMU) as they marked a new chapter in their lives. On May 8, graduates crossed the stage during WNMU’s spring 2026 Commencement before a standing-room-only audience at Ben Altamirano Stadium.
In her speech to graduates, families and faculty, Grisham highlighted the transformative power of the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship. She also emphasized the state’s commitment to accessible education.
“The last time I stood on this campus, I signed our state’s historic Opportunity Scholarship into law. Returning as your Commencement speaker, I get to witness for myself what that law made possible. This year’s graduates are proof that when New Mexico invests in its people, its people deliver,” the governor said.
Elaborating on her message, Grisham urged graduates to use their degrees to strengthen the state’s workforce. She specifically highlighted the university’s role in training the next generation of educators.
She emphasized that the Class of 2026 has shown resilience throughout their journey. Grisham said this attitude prepares them to solve modern challenges in a “dynamic, interconnected world.”
Spotlights on the Graduates
The ceremony celebrated students earning degrees and certificates across various academic levels. The university will officially confer degrees and certificates after completing a final audit of academic records. Preliminary figures showed the following highest degrees awarded:
- Masters – 138
- Grad Cert – 28
- Bachelors – 197
- Associates – 104
- Certificates – 8
- Fast Track Certificates – 42
More than 200 graduates attended the ceremony in person. The university recognized the remaining graduates in absentia as part of its distance-learning community. Many joined the celebration via livestream from across the country and the world.
During the ceremony, the university honored several faculty and students for outstanding achievements:
- Excellence in Teaching: Wenjie Wang, Ph.D.
- Excellence in Research: Andrea Nica, Ph.D.
- Excellence in Professional Service: Stephanie Fanselow, Ph.D.
- Best Online Course Design: Becky Brandsburg-Herrera, Ph.D.
- Best Online Course Delivery: William Lane, Ph.D.
- ASWNMU Outstanding Teacher Award: Gregory Robinson Guerra, Ph.D. (presented by the Associated Students of WNMU)
Academic Honors and Special Recognitions
The Commencement also honored students receiving top academic honors. Taylor James received the Outstanding Senior Award, while Elena Rodriguez received the Excellence in Graduate Studies Award.
Additionally, the university awarded bronze medallions to 162 baccalaureate students who graduated with academic honors. These students achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher, earning recognition for their accomplishment.
Continuing the celebration, Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., praised the graduates for their perseverance. He also highlighted the impact they will have on the region.
“The Class of 2026 represents the resilience and intellectual curiosity that define the Mustang spirit. As these graduates move forward to lead in their respective fields, they carry not only a degree but also the responsibility to serve their communities with the same dedication they showed in the classroom. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements alongside Gov. Grisham on this historic day,” Maples said.
The event marked the final spring commencement before incoming President Jose Coll, Ph.D.,assumes office.