Graduates relived their Aggie beginnings with their final walk through Miller Gates to the Pan American Center, marking the end of their journey as students at NMSU.
Every year on the Thursday before finals week, students gather at the horseshoe for the Senior Walk tradition that reflects their time on campus. On April 30, graduates walked through those memories one last time, passing buildings and residence halls that helped define their college life.
For many, the walk is a reminder of the First Year Walk they took as freshmen. Sophia Varela, who spent her years studying marketing, weighed in on her personal growth and her experience of what it means to be a part of this community.
“To be an Aggie, it’s just to be authentic and yourself,” Varela said. “Just be confident and always work hard in order to achieve your goals.”
Accompanying Varela in the crowd was Tamara Peterson, an information and communication technology student, who focused on the university’s professional resources that helped pave the way for the next chapter in her career.
(Corey Preston)
“NMSU has given me internships that brought me to where I am today,” Peterson said.
For Peterson, the Senior Walk across campus served as a victory lap for those who dedicated themselves to their field of study.
Joining in on the tradition, Macy Silva, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, credited her sorority and campus life for shaping her perspective and providing a foundation for her future.
“I have learned so many leadership skills and social skills that will definitely guide me through the rest of my life,” Silva shared, highlighting how campus involvement can transform the student experience.
As students walked the International Mall, they continued to reminisce on the late-night study sessions and the social gatherings that made the university a home away from home.
The procession eventually led to the destination at the Pan American Center, where the somber reflection of the walk became a celebration. They were greeted by NMSU alumni, welcoming them to a mixer hosted by the NMSU Foundation, an organization that fosters relationships with alumni and the community.
Graduates were encouraged to make connections with the former Aggies and to continue to foster those relationships for years to come.
“We hope they feel a sense of accomplishment and that they made it to the end,” event organizer Michelle Grandjean said.
Echoing that sentiment of pride was Ufuomakaro Ademila, the leadership engagement and traditions coordinator. To Ademila, the walk is a testament to the character that students build during their time at the university.
“It’s just a reminder that they’ve put in the work, and now they are getting to the finish line,” Ademila said. “We want to celebrate that because it’s powerful. It builds resilience, and it builds the great in them.”
Between the music, photo booths, and graduates collecting their first pieces of alumni swag, the evening became a final sendoff and a reminder that although their time as students is concluding, their lifelong bond with the NMSU community remains.
