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LAS CRUCES -With graduation quickly approaching, New Mexico State University senior Elizabeth Cobb is relieved to receive her coveted diploma, which represents years of hard work and planning.
"I'm excited and very thrilled because I've been a returning student, taking time off to work in the field and explore different career options," she said. "This is a huge accomplishment to finally complete a bachelor's degree for me."
Cobb, who is graduating from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences with a degree in human nutrition and food science, will join around 900 others expected to participate in the commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Pan American Center.
Nearly 2,000 fall graduates
There are nearly 500 more students graduating this fall compared to 2009, with a total of 1,941 students set to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees this month, some of whom choose to skip the ceremony. About 474 of the nearly 2,000 graduates are from NMSU branch campuses.
Cobb, who will be honored Friday as one of the semester's outstanding seniors, hopes to continue her education at NMSU and earn a master's degree in human nutrition and food science. She pictures herself developing new food products for a large food manufacture or creating recipes for cookbooks. Eventually she wants to own a business.
A majority of students, about 332, are graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences, NMSU largest university program, and degrees in
Student regent Chris Anaya is graduating this month, a decision he made in order to complete his term on the board of regents. He hopes to attend law school in the near future and has applied to 12 around the country.
"I'm very excited and glad to finally accomplish it," Anaya said.
His parting advice to fellow NMSU students is to always keep their heads up, even if they feel frustrated.
"Keep focused and keep your goals straight and you'll achieve them," he said.
There are about 448 students earning master's degrees and about 45 earning doctorate degrees this fall. There were "not nearly as many" higher education degrees in December 2009, Marquez said.
Honorary degree
NMSU will award an honorary degree to businessman and NMSU alumni Bradley Gordon for his support of the College of Business, leadership in the national and international business community and commitment to NMSU where he earned his degree in 1978, according to the university.
The Pan American Center will open an hour before the ceremony on Saturday. Tickets are not required.
For out-of-town family members and friends who can't make it to the campus, the entire ceremony will be broadcast on the Internet. You'll need to have Windows Media Player or Quicktime Player on your computer to view the Webcast.
Candidates for degrees should check in east of the Pan Am Center. Parking will be available in the lots to the north and east of the Pan Am, with handicapped parking to the north and northwest of the building.
For more on the Webcast, parking maps and other information, visit http://www.nmsu.edu/commencement.
Christine Rogel can be reached at (575) 541-5424.
If you go
• What: NMSU fall graduation ceremony
• When: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 11
• Where: Pan American Center
• Cost: Free, no tickets required
• Candidates for degrees should check in east of the Pan Am Center.
• Wait, there's more: The ceremony can be viewed on the Internet. For more on the Webcast, parking maps and other information, visit http://www.nmsu.edu/commencement
