Northern Takes Flight at the Albuquerque Sunport

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Travellers arriving in New Mexico are now greeted by the state’s spirit of learning and innovation, thanks to the new “Knowledge Concourse” exhibit at the Albuquerque International Sunport — and Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) is proudly among the eight institutions featured in this one-of-a-kind showcase.

The Knowledge Concourse transforms the Sunport’s baggage claim level into a celebration of higher education across the Land of Enchantment, featuring displays from eight colleges and universities that represent New Mexico’s diversity, creativity, and commitment to progress.

“New Mexico’s universities are shaping our future — and now their stories are front and center at the Sunport,” said Mayor Tim Keller during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Scott Stokes, Northern’s Chief Information Officer. “The Knowledge Concourse highlights the students, innovation, and culture that make our state’s institutions truly world-class.”

The installation is part of the Sunport’s “Dream of Flight” terminal renovation project, designed to create meaningful experiences for visitors and residents alike. Aviation Acting Director Manny Manriquez called the new exhibit “a celebration of knowledge, community, and the future of our state,” adding that “it gives travellers a reason to pause, learn, and connect right as they arrive in Albuquerque.”

The installation was made possible through the efforts of Jonathan Small, Customer Experience Manager, and Leah Black, Outreach & Marketing Manager at the Albuquerque International Sunport, who helped bring this vision to life.

The Northern Story, Told in Four Shelves

Northern New Mexico College’s display stands proudly in front of baggage claim 4 on the arrivals level, reflecting the college’s rich legacy and forward-looking spirit. Designed to capture the essence of Northern’s mission — access, excellence, and community — the display is divided into four shelves, each telling a unique part of Northern’s story.

Eagle Spirit
The top shelf radiates Northern pride, celebrating the college’s graduates — the heart of the institution. Displayed are degrees, sashes, mortarboards, and a digital screen looping highlights of NNMC’s students, achievements, and campus life. It embodies the tenacity, resilience, and achievement of the Eagle community — the symbol of Northern’s strength and freedom to soar.

Academics
The second shelf honours the college’s dedication to academics, innovation and applied learning. It features highlights from Northern’s Technical Trades programs, including Women in Electrical Trades, and spotlights student research projects like the Parkinson’s Glove, which uses creative engineering to improve mobility for those with Parkinson’s disease. The display also features Northern’s “ESP: Every Student Podcast” and Trickster Journal, two student-run platforms giving voice to student creativity and academic exploration. In addition, it represents the Center for Teaching and Learning, as well as our Radiation Protection, and Film and Digital Media Arts (FDMA) — programs that prepare students to meet New Mexico’s workforce needs with skill and purpose.

Community
The third shelf captures the heart and soul of Española and Northern’s regional communities of service. A miniature lowrider pays homage to Española as the Lowrider Capital of the World, symbolizing pride, artistry, and community identity. Surrounding it are stories of ¡Sostenga! — Northern’s sustainable agriculture initiative — and the Baby Bonds project, which promotes generational wealth and opportunity for families.

The display also features the Native American Student Center, and highlights remarkable alumni members of the Northern community, including Jacob Torres, who sent an Española Chile to space with NASA; DezBaa, an actor featured in the acclaimed television series Dark Winds; and Jenelle Roybal, Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque in Northern New Mexico. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is also honored, reflecting Northern’s deep respect and dedication to those who serve.

Legacy
The final shelf honors Northern’s deep roots in education. Founded in 1909 as the Spanish Normal School at El Rito, Northern’s legacy began with a mission to train teachers for rural communities — a mission that continues to guide the college today. The El Rito shelf includes historic photographs from the 1970s, a 1980 course catalogue, a 1985 newspaper, and a copy of “The Normal at El Rito: An Enduring Spirit,” published by the Normal School Alumni Association. Together, these artifacts tell a story of resilience, transformation, and the enduring spirit of education in Northern New Mexico.

And at the heart of our display, you’ll also find our vision proudly presented:

“As a Hispanic- and Indigenous-serving institution, sustained by place, culture, and innovation…”

A College That Reflects Its Community

With campuses in Española and El Rito, Northern New Mexico College serves a region rich in cultural history and diversity. The college offers more than 50 bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs spanning STEM, business, education, trades, and the arts. Known for its personalised support, small class sizes, and commitment to student success, Northern provides pathways for first-generation students, working adults, and lifelong learners.

So next time you land in Albuquerque, don’t just stroll to baggage claim, pause, and look around. The Knowledge Concourse is a celebration of how New Mexico’s colleges and universities are shaping the future, training thinkers, makers, healers, and community builders.

And there among familiar names, you’ll find Northern New Mexico College, proudly representing the next wave of possibility.

The exhibit is open to the public on the baggage claim level of the Albuquerque International Sunport, right in front of baggage claim 4 a beautiful welcome to travellers from around the world and a proud reminder that Northern continues to rise.

Special thanks to: Registrar Janice, the El Rito Alumni, Jacob Torres, Española Gloveworks, Joanne & Lowlow Medina, Admissions, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), David Lindblom, Trickster, NNMC Trades, and Athletics — whose contributions and artifacts brought this story to life.

Designed and installed by: Milam Shah and Sandy Krolick, Northern’s Communications & Marketing team.

Learn more at abqsunport.com.