Thirty-First Annual Graduation Ceremony
The Thirty-First Annual Graduation Ceremony was held at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 9, 2008 at the NMSU-A Tays Special Events Center. This year, New Mexico State University Alamogordo celebrated its 50th Year Anniversary.
Graduates attending the ceremony received their commencement address from Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico. Regent Robert Gallagher, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces spoke about the role of community colleges in the New Mexico State University system and conferred degrees. Steve Brockett, Mayor of Alamogordo read a proclamation in honor of the 50th Year Anniversary of New Mexico State University Alamogordo.
Steve Holmes, winner of the Roush Teaching Award was this year's Faculty Marshal and led the faculty and staff. Margaret Becker gave the Charge to the Graduates to the Bachelor of Science Education majors. Ryan Hannahoe gave the Charge to the Graduates to the associate degree graduates. Bethany Davis served as the Student Marshal.
There were 195 graduate applicants from New Mexico State University at Alamogordo. Seven of the students applied for dual degrees. The graduates who participated in the graduation ceremony received Associate Degrees in 3D Computer Animation, Arts, Business Office Technology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Development, Education, Electrical Apprenticeship, Electronics Technology, Fine Arts, Fire Science, General Studies, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Office Technology, Nursing, Paralegal Studies, Pre-Business, Social Services, and Web Mastery.
Once again the graduates who received their Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education through the Distance Learning program at New Mexico State University participated in the graduation ceremony. There were eleven participants this year.
One student was recognized for receiving a Master of Arts in Education. There were 79 students in total who participated in this year's commencement ceremony.
Scholastic Awards were presented by faculty to students:
- Bill Lockhart presented the Behavioral Science Academic Excellence Award to Mark H. Garnes III.
- Steve Holmes and Matthew Placencio presented the Engineering Technology Outstanding Graduate Awards to George Burrell and Ryan Hannahoe
- Patty Campbell presented the Zandra Baca Star Teacher Award to Sarah Gonzalez. Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez translated the presentation into Spanish.
- Sonja De Vargas presented certificates to the New Mexico All-USA Academic Team members: Bethany Davis and Ryan Hannahoe.
Awards were also presented for the Outstanding Alumna, Cindy Holder. Terry Goldsmith received the "Friend of the College Award." These awards were presented by Dr. Cheri Jimeno and Sharon Fischer.
Story written by Hope Patterson.
Photos taken by Elise Haley.
Story posted on May 15, 2008.