The 2018 UNM Gives campaign is underway at The University of New Mexico through Dec. 20 giving Staff and Faculty an opportunity to help out their fellow Lobos. Through a partnership with the United Way of Central New Mexico and the UNM Foundation, the campus community can support their fellow Lobos through a financial donation or a pledge of volunteered time and talent to programs and nonprofits of their choosing. Donors could also receive a prize for doing so.

Many Lobos have been donating time and money for years and have been reaping the benefits as well. Two donors this year, Joanne Garcia from Student Activities and Gabe Rivera from HR Business Services, were the first to receive prizes for being one of the many across campus to donate to this year's campaign.

Garcia has been donating to UNM Gives for as long as she can remember. Garcia emphasizes the importance of helping out different organizations across campus—especially organizations that have a lack of funding. She personally donates annually to KUNM—UNM’s public radio station.

“It’s important to acknowledge the numerous groups out there that have a hard time fundraising and if you can give even just a little bit, I think it really helps,” said Garcia. “It makes me feel good and it’s really easy to do at UNM because I just have a monthly deduction.”

Rivera has been donating to UNM Gives since 2009. He always chose to donate believing that, “it seemed like a good way to help out.” Rivera encourages others to donate to UNM Gives saying, “It’s a great opportunity and it’s really convenient.”

Faculty and staff are able to donate one of two ways. One way is to give directly to United Way of Central New Mexico to benefit a variety of charitable programs and organizations in our community. Another way to donate is to the UNM Foundation where individuals can either donate private financial support to the university itself or to a specific UNM program, scholarship or focus area.

Faculty and staff not only can help the community—which is gratifying enough—but are eligible to receive prizes, as well with a monetary donation. Prizes are plentiful and are drawn periodically during the UNM Gives Period through Dec. 20.

Prizes include

  • Dinner for four with President Stokes and her husband at University House
  • Two of President Stokes’ seats at a men’s or women’s Lobo basketball game
  • Lunch with President Stokes and two colleagues
  • Four tickets to the chancellor’s suite at a women’s Lobo basketball game
  • Lunch with the chancellor

Additionally, the department with a significant rate of giving will receive a pizza delivery from the president or chancellor.

Staff and faculty are still able to donate their time and money to changes lives and circumstances—and to win! For financial donations, visit either UNM United Way Pledge Form or Giving to The University of New Mexico Foundation. To volunteer, visit Community Service.