PORTALES, N.M. — May 6, 2026 — The Eastern New Mexico University System is set to honor 1,474 candidates during graduation this week, marking a season of historic achievements—including the largest-ever graduating class for the ENMU-Ruidoso campus.
"The ENMU System continues to make strides in helping more and more students attain their higher education goals," Dr. James Johnston, ENMU System chancellor, said. "I look forward to celebrating with the graduates and their families across all three campuses."
Each campus continues its long-standing tradition of fostering academic excellence, student success, and workforce readiness across the region, while honoring the hard work of its students.
Members of the media and the public are invited to join in celebrating the persistence and excellence of these graduates.
ENMU-Portales 150th Commencement
The Greyhound community will gather to honor the academic achievements of the spring 2026 graduating class during a formal commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena.
The University celebrates a diverse cohort of 788 students who have met the rigorous requirements for graduation. The university will confer a total of 794 degrees, reflecting the multi-disciplinary success of the student body.
The institution will confer 172 master's degrees, 465 bachelor's degrees, and 157 associate’s degrees for this commencement.
Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to watch the live stream during the event:
Visit the ENMU-Portales Commencement live-stream
ENMU-Roswell 85th Commencement Ceremony
Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell will celebrate its 85th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Roswell Wool Bowl.
A total of 296 students will graduate, with 204 participants and 16 graduates from the ENMU-Portales campus joining the Roswell processional.
This commencement will confer 200 certificates, 63 Associate of Arts degrees, 60 Associate of Science degrees, and 56 Associate of Applied Science degrees.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the time and effort students have dedicated to reaching this goal," Dr. Shawn Powell, ENMU-Roswell president, said. "We also appreciate the faculty and staff who have supported them in achieving this accomplishment. Their dedication and resilience strengthen our academic community and set a high standard for the future."
ENMU-Ruidoso 21st Annual Commencement
Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso will host its 21st Annual Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the institution. The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM.
This year’s event celebrates the largest graduating class in ENMU-Ruidoso's history, with 392 candidates. Roughly 250 of these students are expected to participate in the processional.
The ceremony will recognize a diverse array of accomplishments, including the awarding of 137 certificates and associate degrees, 219 degrees in Child Development and Early Childhood Education, and 8 Associate of Applied Science degrees in Nursing from the Roswell campus.
Ruidoso commencement will feature four distinguished student speakers representing local communities. The speakers include Kayln Chino and Edith Morgan from Mescalero, and Jessi Dentler and Robert Ruiz of Ruidoso.
For more information, please contact:
Shaun Banther
Director of University Communications
Email: [email protected]
