05/31/2023 03:20:44 PMTwenty years after earning her associate degree from Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) in May 2003, Board of Regents Vice President Erica Rita Velarde, PE, presented her daughter Devina Gonzales with her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree at Northern’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13. They are the first two women in their family to earn a college degree. “I’m so blessed to be able to give Devina her degree. That’s like the coolest memory,” Velarde said. Velarde’s role as regent was an influence on Gonzales’ choice of Northern. “I would hear her talking to the president and think, ‘This is really cool,’” Gonzales said. Gonzales was also drawn to Northern’s Cannabis & Hemp Enterprises courses, which were so important to her she took 18 credits her first two semesters so she could take those classes immediately, rather than waiting until she had completed her basics.Arin McKennaErica Rita Velarde, Vice President, NNMC Board of Regentserica.velarde@nnmc.eduNorthern Alumni