This weekend will mark the end of a journey for many New Mexico State University students. The Pan American Center will host more than 1,000 students at the fall commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m.
There are two posthumous degree recipients this semester. A posthumous doctoral degree in philosophy will be awarded to Cathilia Flores by the college of education. The college of business will award a posthumous bachelor of business administration degree to Daniel Lewis Canfield. His brother, Jon Thomas Canfield, who will also be graduating this semester, will be walking on his behalf.
“He was a wonderful son and brother and will be remembered for his loving and kind heart and his fierce love for his family,” said his mother, Laurie Canfield.
Sharon A. Jones, former chief of staff for NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers, will be recognized during the ceremony for her many contributions to the university with an honorary professional degree in management. Jones worked for Carruthers from 2006 until her retirement this July, first as senior administrator and eventually as chief of staff.
Commencement activities will begin Friday with the doctoral hooding ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Pan American Center. About 60 doctoral candidates are expected to attend.
On Saturday, 1,403 graduating students at the Las Cruces campus will receive the following degrees:
Associate degrees: 11
Bachelor’s degrees: 1,013
Master’s degrees: 311
Doctoral degrees: 68
Each college will be awarding the following number of degrees:
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences: 114
Arts and Sciences: 377
Business: 173
Education: 85
Engineering: 174
Health and Social Services: 101
Graduate school: 379
Community college candidates will receive 485 degrees. An additional 387 summer graduates were invited to attend the ceremony as well.
Tickets are not required. The Pan American Center will open one hour prior to the ceremony. Graduates should check in east of the Pan American Center in Lot 32.
Arrowhead Drive between Triviz Drive and Stewart Street along the Pan Am will be closed during commencement. Graduates and the general public should park in the lots to the north and east of the Pan Am, with handicapped parking to the north and northeast of the building.
Information from NMSU