After consulting with New Mexico health authorities, faculty, staff, and students, IAIA made the decision to conduct a virtual commencement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of the students and the IAIA community remain the highest priority and with a virtual commencement, we look forward to honoring the class of 2020’s achievements.

Two-term United States Poet Laureate and IAIA Alumna Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation) ’68 will give the 2020 IAIA Commencement address at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 22, 2020.

The ceremony will include recorded and live-streamed speeches from the class Valedictorian, MFA Creative Writing Program Student Speaker, Faculty of the Year, IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee), Board of Trustees Chair Loren Kieve (Cherokee), and Joy Harjo.

The program will also be comprised of a video montage announcing each graduating student in their cap and gown or regalia, as well as honor songs, and footage of students, staff, and faculty. In addition to participating in the virtual commencement, graduates will also have the option to take part in the 2021 Commencement.