Date: May 11, 2012
Time: Ceremony begins at 7pm
Location: Kiva Auditorium,
Albuquerque Convention Center downtown
The Convocation is the School's own ceremony specifically to honor graduates, in the presence of their family and friends. The ceremony opens with a formal processional led by the School's Deans, Department Chairs, visiting dignitaries, faculty, and graduating students. Short remarks are given by the Dean and others, followed by the keynote speaker and student speakers.
Graduate Recognition
After the speakers address the audience, each graduating student is individually recognized on stage. Bachelors candidates are called by name and greeted by the Dean and their departmental faculty and staff as they exit the stage. Masters and doctoral students are greeted by the Dean and his/her Department Chair or Program Director, and then hooded by his/her major professor or designee.
Graduating Students
Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Cap and gown is the appropriate dress for graduates. "Civilian" dress is also acceptable. Caps and gowns can be obtained from the UNM Bookstore. If you wish to send formal announcements to your family and friends, you can purchase them at the bookstore as well.
Wheelchair access is available. If you need special accommodations such as an interpreter for yourself or your guests or wheelchair access, please contact April Davidson at 505-277-5521.
Students, please see a letter from School of Engineering Dean Catalin Roman (PDF).
Convacation Speakers
Samantha Lapin
President and CEO of POD, Inc., an IT company established to provide public and private organizations systems integration and IT solutions, Ms. Lapin received her Masters in Nuclear Engineering at UNM in 1988. For her many contributions to the IT industry and the New Mexico community, she has received numerous recognitions including the 2007 Alumni of the Year for the Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Department.
Michael Christopher Darling
Michael’s team took second place in the 2012 UNM Technology Business Plan Competition for designing and planning a company centered on an Android application for people with speech disabilities. He will graduate with a B.S. in Computer Engineering and plans to attend graduate school and develop his own company.
Ross Liam White
An Albuquerque local and avid bicycling enthusiast, Ross was the president of Engineers Without Borders, a member of the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers team, and active in AIAA, SWE, and Pi Tau Sigma. He will receive his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and plans to spend two months in Ecuador after graduation for a language program and mountain biking.
George E. Breece Award
Awarded to students who have grade point averages higher than 4.0, reflecting a majority of A+ grades throughout their undergraduate courses.
Drew Engle Landis
Aside from his achievements academically, Drew is active in many UNM student organizations including Pi Tau Sigma, UNM Mountaineering Club, a participant in Engineers Without Borders, and works as an intern at Sandia National Labs. He will receive his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and after graduation plans to take time off to enjoy hiking and travelling.
Parking map for paid parking around the Convention Center. Primary parking is available at the Convention Center Garage (Martin Luther King Blvd & Broadway), with overflow parking available at the Civic Plaza garage (Marquette & 3rd St.). Event parking in these garages is $6.00 per vehicle, without in/out privileges.
Virtual tour of the Convention Center. Click on the Virtual Tour button in green on the left of the page; it shows the location of the Kiva Auditorium. The Kiva auditorium is the red dot on the West Complex (upper left floor plan in blue).
The UNM Commencement Ceremony is 9:00 am, Saturday, May 12 at the University Arena ("the Pit").
