UNM School of Law Celebrates Class of 2026 Commencement
May 18, 2026
On May 16, 2026, the UNM School of Law celebrated its graduating class with a commencement ceremony on the School’s back lawn. Surrounded by family, friends, and faculty, graduating students marked the culmination of years of rigorous study and dedication to the legal profession.
School of Law alumna Xochitl Torres Small (’15), executive director of the Quivira Coalition and former Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, delivered the commencement address. A native New Mexican, Torres Small has built a distinguished career in public service, law, and community leadership. Before serving as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, she represented New Mexico’s Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, where she worked on issues affecting rural communities, agriculture, water, and economic development. Earlier in her career, she served as a field representative for U.S. Senator Tom Udall, clerked for Judge Robert Brack of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, and practiced law in Las Cruces. During her remarks, Torres Small shared words of wisdom and encouragement with graduates as they prepared to begin the next chapter of their legal careers.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
