Press release: More than 350 graduating Saturday from ENMU

PORTALES — Approximately 366 students will graduate when Eastern New Mexico University hosts its 118th commencement convocation on Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m. in Greyhound Arena in Portales. The ceremony also marks ENMU's 75th anniversary.

Immediately following the ceremony, the ENMU Alumni Association and Academic Affairs will host a commencement reception to honor the spring 2010 graduates. It is open to everyone and will be in the south gym of Greyhound Arena. Refreshments will be served.

The commencement speaker is Robert Matheny, sixth ENMU president from 1983-89. Matheny's topic will be "It Only Takes a Generation" in which he will talk about ENMU's distinguishing characteristic of enabling first-generation college students to succeed.

An ENMU graduate, Matheny said, "The experience at Eastern as a student, faculty member and administrator was an enjoyable and exciting experience. For the past 75 years, the University has been blessed with quality people, both employees and students who make it a great place to study and work."

On May 14 at 6 p.m., 15 nursing students will be "pinned" at the Becky Sharpe Auditorium in the College of Business. There are 37 nursing students eligible, but only 15 will attend.

A reception for the nursing class of 2010 will immediately follow the pinning ceremony. It will be held in the lobby of the Becky Sharpe Auditorium and refreshments will be served.

All events are open to the public.