N.M. Governor Richardson is keynote speaker at UNHM commencement

UNH Manchester will celebrate the achievements of more than 150 graduates at the college’s 19th annual commencement May 20, with Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico, who will give the commencement address.

Gov. Bill Richardson

Graduating senior Boniface Sanga Emmanuel of Derry, is the student speaker. Emmanuel, an honors student, will earn a bachelor’s in communication arts.

UNHM commencement will be held in the Expo Center at The Center of New Hampshire in Manchester, at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 20. Commencement will include recognition of Barbara Jago, UNHM 2004 Outstanding Teacher Award winner and the Dean’s Award that recognizes collaborative service to the greater Manchester community and the college.

At 4:30 p.m., the UNHM chapter of the UNH Alumni Association will hold its annual meeting and social at JD’s Tavern located at the Center of New Hampshire.

Richardson was elected governor of New Mexico in 2002 by the largest margin of any candidate since 1964. In his first year of office, the legislature adopted virtually all of his wide-ranging agenda that includes initiatives for education reform, economic growth, water use and conservation, health care and lower prescription drug costs for senior citizens.

Prior to his election, Richardson enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career in public service. After working on various legislative staffs, he was elected in 1982 to the first of eight terms in the U.S. Congress, representing northern New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District.

While a congressman, he served as a special U.S. envoy on many sensitive international missions. He won the release of hostages, American servicemen, and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, and Cuba. He served on a number of important committees, including co-chair and subsequently chair of the Democratic Platform Committee.