SANTA FE, NM — February 21, 2024 — Nathaniel Sandoval, a student at UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA), was recently honored during Higher Education Day at the State Legislative Session held at the Roundhouse. As a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Sandoval was awarded the New Mexico All-State Academic Team Scholarship, an accolade bestowed upon up to two outstanding students from each community college in the state in acknowledgment of their academic excellence, leadership, and service.

As part of the recognition ceremony, Sandoval, along with his fellow recipients, was presented with a medallion, certificate, and a scholarship.

Expressing his gratitude, Sandoval remarked, "To receive this scholarship means I can continue to represent our Phi Theta Kappa Charter with excellence and further dedicate myself to my education."

Sandoval is pursuing his Associate Degree in Computer Science at UNM-Los Alamos, and planning to transfer to the Bachelor’s Degree program in Computer Science at UNM-Albuquerque in the Fall. His aspirations extend beyond undergraduate education as he plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. Sandoval aspires to one day be employed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

MaryJane Giesler, an advisor for PTK at UNM-LA, extended her congratulations, stating, "May I extend my heartiest congratulations and those of our Beta Zeta Chi Chapter on your accomplishment for being selected for the New Mexico All-State team to represent the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos. May this honor move on to demonstrate further connections in your future and continue to relate your hard work and positive attitude!"

UNM-Los Alamos is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. More information about UNM-Los Alamos is available at losalamos.unm.edu.