Portales, NM – April 30, 2025- Eastern New Mexico University announced today that the guest speaker for the spring 2025 commencement will be Michael Boit, Olympic medal winner, and 1976 graduate of Eastern New Mexico University.

"Dr. Boit is an outstanding athlete, academic, and philanthropist. He epitomizes what it means to be a Greyhound," said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor. "We are honored to welcome back one of our distinguished alumni to share his inspirational story and message with our graduating class."

Boit, originally from Eldoret, Kenya, came to Eastern New Mexico University in the fall of 1972 and promptly stamped his name in the record books. Boit still holds 10 ENMU records, including the top times for the 800 meters, the 1500 meters, the mile run, and is part of team records for the 4 x 440-yard and distance medley relays.

Boit arrived on the campus of Eastern New Mexico University already an Olympic Medal winner, having finished third in the 800-meter final at the 1972 Olympics. Boit's athletic career continued to have impressive accomplishments internationally as he continued his record-breaking career by winning a silver medal at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, a silver medal at the 1977 World Cup in Athletics, a gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, and a bronze medal at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Boit, during his athletic career, was ranked number one in the world in the 800 meters in 1975, was the African record holder in the 800 meters in 1976, set the indoor world record for the 880 yards in 1980, and in 1989 he set the indoor world record in the one mile for the masters division at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

Boit has several athletic recognitions to his name as well as he was named Sports Man of the Year in Kenya in 1981, was inducted into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame in 1981, was named to the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1982, was named to the Eastern New Mexico University Hall of Honor in 1984 and was named to the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya, and received national honors in recognition of contribution to sports and sports administration in 1995.

Boit is an accomplished academic holding a bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University, two master's degrees from Stanford University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Oregon. He also received an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Glasgow in 2014. 

Boit has also had a distinguished teaching career, having taught at Kenyatta University in Kenya as an associate professor of recreation management and exercise science. During his time at Kenyatta University, Boit was the chairman of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, the chairman of the organizing committee for the first inter-university games held at Kenyatta University, and the chairman of the Department of Physical Education and Games.

Boit has also helped to author several books, and has had several articles published in academic journals, including the Journal of Sports Sciences and the International Journal of Sports and Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

Boit will speak at ENMU's 148th commencement ceremony at Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. For more information on ENMU's commencement ceremony, visit www.enmu.edu/Commencement.