The New Mexico State University Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the Spring 2026 Outstanding Graduate Award, honoring seven exceptional students whose academic achievement, leadership and service exemplify the best of the Aggie spirit.
Selected from across the university, this year’s honorees include one student from each academic college and two from the Graduate School:
- Jonathon A. Valencia, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
- Isaac Cramer, College of Arts and Sciences
- Elle Marie Nañez, College of Business
- Tharwat Elkabani, College of Engineering
- Janessa Clark, College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
- Mohammad Al Aqtash, Graduate School, College of Engineering (master’s)
- Bipin Khanal, Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences (Ph.D.)
“These outstanding graduates reflect the promise of NMSU’s future,” said Sylvia Y. Acosta ’10, CEO of the NMSU Foundation. “Through their scholarship, leadership and service, they have already made a meaningful impact on our campus. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and excited to see the positive impact they will make on the world.”
Honorees will be recognized during NMSU’s Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies on May 15 and 16 and celebrated at the Outstanding Graduates Luncheon, hosted by the NMSU Foundation on Friday, May 15. Their stories and achievements will also be featured on the Foundation’s website at AlwaysAnAggie.org and across NMSU Alumni social media channels (@NMSUAlumFriends).
Presented by the NMSU Foundation, the Outstanding Graduate Award is the NMSU Foundation’s highest student honor. The award recognizes individuals who embody New Mexico State University’s core values of scholarship, leadership and service, and who serve as role models for future generations of Aggies.
About New Mexico State University
NMSU is a Carnegie R1 research institution committed to academic excellence, community impact, and student success. With a proud heritage as New Mexico’s land-grant university, NMSU fosters innovation and prepares students to lead in a rapidly changing world.
About the NMSU Foundation
Founded in 1959, the NMSU Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building enduring relationships with alumni, donors, and partners. Its mission is to secure and steward private support to enhance the university’s ability to serve students and communities across New Mexico and beyond.