President’s Weekly Perspective – 2.3.2014

Good morning.

This week I would like to begin with the LOBO Pledge that we ask each freshman to recite at their fall convocation:

“I will…Lead with courage and integrity; Open my mind to the diversity of people and ideas that surround me; Be engaged in my community, making a difference in the lives of others; Own my future, through the pursuit of academic and personal excellence; I will take pride in the University of New Mexico. I am a LOBO!”

Celebrating Black History Month 
February is national Black History Month, a time when our nation celebrates the experiences and accomplishments of African Americans, many from whom we continue to draw inspiration for their societal contributions. African American Student Services (AASS) will kick off Black History Month this Monday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony outside the South entrance to Scholes Hall. AASS, along with the UNM Africana Studies Department and representative student organizations, have planned a number of educational and social events open to the community throughout the month, including lectures, workshops and community events. Celebrating Black History Month as a University community is an opportunity to remember, or perhaps to learn, that Black history is a shared history that has shaped our country and our lives.

Join the “Battle of I-25” to Save Lives
NMSU has challenged us to a blood drive competition with United Blood Services, who will be on campus all week long. My wife Janet will be giving blood on Monday and, although I am not eligible to give blood today, I am excited to go with her to encourage everyone on campus to commit to a selfless act that can save a life.

Generosity of Lobo Spirit
2013 was a year of great giving at UNM, and I would like to share of few highlights. In December our United Way Campaign resulted in donations totaling more than $1 million. We also had the highest number of employees from a New Mexico organization join the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor 2.0 program, which connects professionals with incoming high school students. This mentoring program is a natural fit for so many of our staff and faculty who use their expertise to advance our students every day. It is important that we as an institution recognize that each one of us is a resource, and our community gestures, small and large, can help the world around us improve in every way. Whether it’s donating blood to United Blood Services, money to the United Way of Central New Mexico, time and experience to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, or anything else you have to offer, I thank you for your selfless contributions.  Each of these activities shows what is great about UNM employees and students – all Lobos who form the most caring community in America. 

Representing at the Roundhouse
Living at University house is a great privilege because it allows Janet and me to be closer to the campus events and activities that strengthen our community. These contributions are a great example of what the Lobo community has to offer, and it is important that we appropriately represent our value to the communities with which we interact and impact every day. Wednesday is UNM Day at the Capital, which is a great opportunity for our schools, colleges and programs to showcase the culture of innovation we have at UNM. This is an important event for us every year because it is a chance to show a lot of people the services we offer that may not be common knowledge to those who can benefit. To those students, faculty and staff who will be representing UNM at the Roundhouse, your engagement is appreciated and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Please remember to check the UNM Government and Community Relations web site for the latest updates on the legislative session.

Our successes are many, and the UNM story is a rich and varied one. The UNM Newsroom, which was launched by University Communication and Marketing (UCAM) last semester, is a wonderful repository of these stories, and I encourage all of you to visit it frequently and share your story ideas with the Newsroom staff.

Have a great week and Go Lobos!

Bob