NNMC News:

ESPAÑOLA — Northern New Mexico College is excited to celebrate our graduating students at our Spring 2026 Commencement and Graduation Ceremonies. This special occasion celebrates the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of our students who have successfully completed their degree requirements. We cordially invite the community to come honor and support our graduates as they reach this important milestone.

Northern’s enrollment is growing so rapidly we are holding three Commencement Ceremonies this year to accommodate our graduates and their guests. More than 3,000 people attended our 2025 Commencement, which is more than our gym can handle. To ensure as many friends, family, and community can come celebrate our graduates, this year we will hold ceremonies in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, May 16, 2026, (and a ceremony for graduates of our Technical Trades program Friday, May 15, 2026. The details for each event are listed below.

Please contact your graduate to be absolutely sure that you have the details for their specific Commencement Ceremony.

The details for the events are as follows:

• High School Equivalency & Adult Education Graduation
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Eagle Gym
  • Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 12 | 3 p.m. | Eagle Gym
• Nurse Pinning Ceremony
  • Friday, May 15, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Center for the Arts
  • Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 13 | 12 p.m. | Center for the Arts
• Trades Commencement Ceremony
  • Friday, May 15, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Center for the Arts
  • Rehearsal: Thursday, May 14 | 1 p.m. | Center for the Arts
• Main Commencement Ceremonies:
  • Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Eagle Gym
    • 10 a.m. Ceremony: Arts & Human Sciences, Language & Letters, Nursing, Teacher Education
    • 2 p.m. Ceremony: Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science, Business Administration, Engineering & Technology, Math & Physical Science

Information for Guests

Parking lots are located throughout the campus and will accommodate guest parking. There will be shuttles to the Gym from the Center for the Arts, Teacher Education, and Administration parking lots.

Handicap Parking is available in the front, north, and west sides of the gym. Placards must be displayed when entering the parking lot. For CFA Ceremony, Handicap parking is available on the south side entrance

Arrival Time: Guests may begin arriving an hour before each ceremony. For the main commencement, guests may arrive at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony, and at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. ceremony. The ceremonies will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Late arrivals will need to wait to enter until all faculty and graduates are seated. For the Trades Ceremony, guests may arrive at 5 p.m.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; no tickets are required. Please follow the Commencement Marshal’s directions to the guest seating areas. Once you are seated, please remain in your seats so the ceremony can proceed without interruption. No guests, family, or friends will be allowed to walk in front of the recessional, processional, or graduates once the ceremony has begun. Security and Commencement Marshals will stop you and direct you. Please do not give gifts to graduates until after the ceremony is completed. This includes while graduates are walking to and from the stage.

Recessional: Please remain standing and allow the faculty and students to exit the stage area first. Commencement Marshals will direct your exit. Go directly to the main parking lot. Students will join their guests as they are led to the area.

Photographs: Professional photographers will take pictures of students as they cross and exit the platform. Guests will have many chances to take photographs before and after the ceremony at photo locations. For the safety of the graduates and to allow all guests to view the ceremony, please follow the Commencement Marshals’ directions for photographing. We ask that no one block aisles or stay for an extended time near the front of the stage. This year, Northern New Mexico College will offer photo opportunities (backdrops, decorations, etc.) outdoors, weather permitting. Take pictures with your graduates at your leisure. They will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Electronic Devices: Please silence your phones, pagers, pads, and other electronic devices.

We look forward to your participation in recognizing and honoring our graduates. Find more information at https://nnmc.edu/about/nnmc_commencement_graduation_2026.html.