Good afternoon Lobos –

This week, we’re preparing to say farewell to more than 3,600 Lobos across all our campuses who are completing their degrees this week as our Class of 2025. The entire Lobo community is proud of you and all that you have achieved in your time here at The University of New Mexico.

On behalf of the entire UNM community, I want every one of our graduating students to know that it has been our privilege to be the institution where you chose to pursue your passions and your professions. Your time here as scholars, researchers, artists, athletes, and leaders has truly helped make UNM a place where each of us defines all of us. Each of you is a part of the Lobo family of inspiring graduates—and as you leave us to make your way in the world, I know you will continue to act boldly and look at the world with the same curiosity and compassion that shaped your time as a Lobo student.

I’m looking forward to seeing our Class of 2025 graduate students on Friday, May 16, and our undergraduates on Saturday, May 17, at University Arena, where we can share this momentous occasion in the company of our family, friends, and each other. For those of you who are unable to attend in person: we’ll miss you, but you can watch the entire ceremony on UNM’s live stream.

And as you cross the commencement stage, you’ll officially—and automatically—be added to the distinguished ranks of our UNM Alumni, and your Alumni Association, which can help you stay in touch with the friends you have made during your time here and connect you with other Lobos in your communities. Whether you continue to forge a path here in New Mexico or explore opportunities around the world, you’re always a member of our pack.

I also want to thank our exceptional faculty and staff who have helped to guide you as you successfully made your way from student to graduate to Lobo alumni. It has been our privilege to share this journey with you.

For the rest of our students, I know this is a big week for you as well. As we head into the final moments of the Spring 2025 semester, I expect that most of you are busy with exams, finishing projects and papers, and preparing for the summer. Good luck with your finals, Lobos; you’ve worked hard to get here.

Congratulations to our UNM Class of 2025!

Lobos Lead with Academic Excellence in Latest APR Report

Once again, our Lobo student-athletes are showing what it means to be champions. UNM’s latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) results are in--and once again, they’re outstanding: a department-wide score of 987, with all 16 sports programs easily clearing the NCAA’s 930 benchmark. Six programs—men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, and men’s track & field—earned perfect four-year APR scores, up from two programs last year. Additionally, ten teams earned a perfect 1000 in the single-year APR for 2023–24, highlighting a culture of academic excellence across the department. These results underscore the commitment of UNM’s student-athletes, coaches, and academic support teams to academic success and show that our student-athletes continue to perform at the highest level, whether in their chosen sports or in the classroom. Congratulations, Lobos—and well done.

Fighting Cancer, One Step and Pedal at a Time

The Lobo Cancer Challenge is back for its ninth year, benefitting The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive center. Challengers can walk, run, ride, or tackle the stairs at University Stadium—and there’s even a kids’ fun run as well as virtual options for those outside New Mexico. Last year, more than 1,700 participants and 72 sponsors raised $652,000—and thanks to generous sponsors, every dollar raised goes directly to the UNM Cancer Center fund of your choice. Registration is now open for the big September 20 event, with rates reduced through this Friday, May 16.