SW New Mexico News

The New Mexico State University Foundation Alumni Committee has named seven recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Award for the spring semester of 2025. Each recipient represents a different college within the university, including the Graduate School. The award winners are recognized for their achievements in academics, leadership, and service.

The recipients for this semester are Monet Hunt from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Jillian McBeth from the College of Arts and Sciences, Olin Pakkala from the College of Business, Haylee Viramontes from the College of Engineering, Cristian Estrada from the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, Emilia Marmolejo from the Graduate School in the College of Engineering, and Pin-Chen Lin from the Graduate School in the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation.

Honorees were selected by deans and nomination committees from each college based on their academic success and contributions to leadership and extracurricular activities. These students will be formally recognized during the NMSU Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies, scheduled for May 9-10.

Sylvia Y. Acosta, the CEO of the NMSU Foundation, stated, “These students have enjoyed wonderful faculty mentorship, activities, research opportunities — all that NMSU has to offer. They have dedicated themselves to academics, service and leadership, and we can’t wait to see the great things they will accomplish in the world.”

The Outstanding Graduate Award is a long-standing tradition at NMSU, highlighting the achievements of its students. Winners will be celebrated at an Outstanding Graduates Luncheon on Friday, May 9, and their accomplishments will be shared on the NMSU Foundation website and social media platforms.