Commencement

• Outstanding Students - Program Managers select one or more outstanding students for the year; this is generally based upon academic standing and other skills or character they have observed in students.
• NMSU Alumni Awards - the Alumni Office sponsors this award and three graduates are selected locally. The categories are: Associate of Arts programs, Associate of Science programs, and the Associate of Applied Science programs.  This award focuses on scholarship, leadership, and citizenships.
• Grants Grit Award - this award began in 2015; Student Services selects students who have exhibited " grit " - perseverance in overcoming obstacles - to complete an Associate degree in two years.  It is our goal to assist students with timely degree completion, allowing students to transfer for a Bachelors degree or enter the career field of their choice.
• USA All American Academic Team - this award is for students who are nominated by faculty or staff, who are eligible for PTK with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. A lengthy application process and a plan to complete a Bachelor's degree at one of the NM state colleges makes this a very prestigious scholarship.