Last night, the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) American Indian Student Services (AISS) program celebrated Native students at the 2025 Stoling Ceremony.
Among other tribal leaders, I had the honor of being invited to stand with our sister tribes and shake our Navajo students’ hands as they received their stoles.
Over 100 graduates entered the ballroom while the Thunder Boyz drum group sang, honoring each graduate as they found their seats. Each speaker welcomed everyone in attendance and highlighting student success and unwavering support of AISS.
With about 49 Diné graduates that attended, one of the student speakers, Barbara Gutierez, a Diné student, addressed her peers in an uplifting speech that highlighted her journey at UNM. Gutierez will be receiving a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services with a Minor in Chemistry School of Medicine.
“The hard work, the growth, the setbacks you push through, you deserve to take space in that thread,” Gutierez said.
This 2025 spring, UNM will be awarding 419 degrees to native students, 333 bachelor degrees, 72 master degrees and 14 professional and PhD, and eight certificates, which this ceremony acknowledged a handful of that population.
UNM serves 23 tribal nations within the New Mexico borders, including 19 pueblos, three Apache tribes and the Navajo Nation. These numbers are a testament of our graduates’ hard work and as leaders, faculty and family to share our commitment to supporting and guiding our graduates on their academic journeys.
With the support of AISS, our students are obtaining their degrees with the tools that help structure their college journey within support, community and achievement. Making sure the UNM campus is welcoming and accessible to all.
Let us continue to help our students realize their fullest potential and help them succeed in academia and in life. Congratulations! Go Lobos!
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
