Western New Mexico University class of 2025 spring graduates were honored both on campus and virtually with a Friday evening hybrid ceremonySILVER CITY, NM – This spring, 510 students earned degrees or certificates from Western New Mexico University, and the Mustang community celebrated their achievement through a hybrid Commencement ceremony that allowed for the participation of graduates on campus as well as those living and attending WNMU at a distance.
In total, 565 degrees and certificates were awarded, with some of the 510 graduates earning more than one degree or certificate.
Of the 2025 spring and summer graduates, 431 chose to participate in the Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, with 398 walking across the stage at Ben Altamirano Field and 33 participating virtually.
WNMU awarded 116 associate degrees, 192 bachelor's degrees, 143 master's degrees, 27 graduate certificates, 6 undergraduate certificates and 26 fast track certificates. High school equivalencies were awarded to 5 students.
Additionally, 158 undergraduate students graduated with honors. To earn this distinction, baccalaureate students must receive a 3.5 GPA or higher. Three graduating students were selected to the Student Hall of Fame: Ariana Medina, Olivia Byers and Rebekah Stevens.
Faculty Excellence Awards were given to Associate Professor Becky Brandsberg-Herrera and Assistant Professor Melissa Teller for teaching and to Assistant Professor Wenjie Wang for research. Professor Jennifer Coleman won the award for Best Online Course Design, and Assistant Professor Sarah Schott won for Best Online Course Delivery. The ASWNMU Outstanding Teacher Award was presented to Music Program Coordinator Bryant Chaffino.
MBA graduate and outgoing ASWNMU President Brenda Dominguez Delgadillo addressed the crowd in both English and Spanish, saying that the day was not just a celebration but an opportunity to reflect on the hard work and long hours that brought graduates to this point. "Every step you take today," she told her fellow graduates, "represents your hard work, your determination, and even some caffeine-driven all-nighters. … Each of those moments shaped who we are today: prepared and excited for whatever the future holds. Today, we are not just achieving dreams. We are proving to ourselves and everyone watching that what once seemed impossible is now a reality."
