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, 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 Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 and celebrated at the Outstanding Graduates luncheon, hosted by the NMSU Foundation May 15. Their stories and achievements also will 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 NMSU’s core values of scholarship, leadership and service, and who serve as role models for future generations of Aggies.