Congratulations Graduates

emmons-mark-edited.jpgA Message from Interim Dean Mark Emmons

Since January 1 it has been my privilege to serve not only as an OILS professor and mentor but also as the Interim Dean of the College. Working with OILS students has been one of the highlights of my career and a reminder of why the university experience is so important. Although we have had an unsettling year, I am proud of all of your accomplishments as you pushed through and completed your degrees. I know you will find what you have learned to be valuable to your career and in your personal lives. I would also like to congratulate those of you who have chosen to continue your education at UNM and have been accepted into the OILS graduate program or in other campus departments. I am looking forward to our virtual convocation ceremony on May 15 and to our getting together in person soon. My best wishes to you and your families for the coming year.

 

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A Message from Program Director Victor Law

I want to express my warmest congratulations to all the OILS graduates. We are proud of your achievements. It’s not an easy journey (especially during the COVID year), and you did it. Congratulations!

2020-2021 has been a tough year for many people. When I looked up some of the words people used to described the COVID year, I saw words like overwhelming, exhausting, chaotic, confusion, frustration, extra responsibilities, loneliness, and struggling among others. Those are legitimate feelings as we went through a lot of difficulties. But at the same time I saw another set of attributes that epitomize our students/graduates every day such as resilience, creativity, tenacity, and hopefulness. It’s the positive energy, not only coming from our graduates, but also their family and friends, that propel our graduates to the finish line.

Now, we see our country is moving closer to a “new normal” as more and more people are vaccinated. And, we are all hopeful to see the new days when we can see our students and peers face-to-face instead of via the Zoom window. The question is what the “new normal” looks like? I don’t have an answer to this question. However, I am confident that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and creativity in instructional design and organizational development that will build a better future for New Mexico, United States, and the world.

Once again, congratulations to our graduates and their families and friends!