ENMU graduate keeps up tradition

After studying countless hours and spending time away from her Lubbock family, Eastern New Mexico University student Gwen Buchanan will be able to hold proof of her hard work at Saturday's 145th commencement ceremony.

The 21-year-old forensic science major said attending ENMU is nearly a family tradition, as both her parents and grandparents also graduated from the Portales university. That makes Buchanan the third generation in her family to graduate.

"I'm from the Lubbock area, both of my parents came to Eastern and my grandparents live here as well. The school has always been close to home," Buchanan said.

Buchanan said her academic journey here can't be described as anything less than "fun" and "invigorating." She said the relationships she built with her classmates and teachers helped her push forward to her dream of going into grad school after graduation.

"It's affordable and a good school. ... When I came to campus for the first time it was really fun to be introduced to all the different subjects and people," Buchanan said.

Though a defined outline of her future outside of a classroom is yet to be determined, she said she wouldn't trade the skills and experiences she gained from attending ENMU.

Remembering back to her first year attending at campus, Buchanan said she urges new students to be a part of the university community. She said one of her fondest memories as a student was being a dog day councilor, where she would help direct new students into their college careers.

Along with Buchanan 451 students are expected to graduate from ENMU this fall. According to a university news release, 282 students are earning bachelor's degrees, 122 will earn master's degrees and 47 will earn associates degrees.

"Commencement is the celebration we work towards. It is our time to recognize and honor the achievement of our students as they walk across the stage and become proud Greyhound alumni," ENMU Chancellor James Johnston said in a university news release.

"Earning a university degree is a life-changing milestone in a person's life, and I look forward to congratulating each graduate on Saturday."

Melissa Moyer, director of the Social Work Program at ENMU, will give the commencement address to attendees. The Honor Guard from Cannon Air Force Base will present the colors and the National Anthem and Alma Mater, which will be sung by graduating ENMU students.

Commencement ceremonies are set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Greyhound Arena.

For residents who can not attend in person, the graduation will be live-streamed off the main ENMU website at enmu.edu . For more information regarding the commencement ceremonies, visit http://www.enmu.edu/Commencement.