Nearly 30 UNM departments and dozens of students headed to Santa Fe for UNM Day at the Roundhouse. Lobos spent the day showcasing the greatness and depth of the University to our local government.

UNM Day, is an annual event during the session where a variety of departments, faculty, staff and students converge near the Rotunda to showcase the importance of UNM’s work in the arts, business, community, health, research and more.  

The Health Sciences Center participants included the College of Nursing, School of Medicine, UNM Cancer Center and Pharmacy students. Other campus participants from main campus include ASUNM/GPSA, El Centro de la Raza, Equity and Inclusion, Community Engagement, Popejoy Hall, School of Law, UNM Libraries and UNM Press to name a few. Additionally, each branch campus was also represented.

Along with the chance to connect with citizens and legislators, UNM also had interactive exhibits set up by the School of Engineering, the Arts Lab and University Communication & Marketing (UCAM). 

Lawmakers also officially recognized the event. Sen. Peter Wirth, Rep. Christine Trujillo and Rep. Elizabeth Thompson introduced Memorial bills in their respective branches “declaring Jan. 30, 2017 ‘UNM Day’ in recognition of The University of New Mexico’s dedication to education, research, health and public service for the residents of New Mexico.”

The SATB Quartet, representing the Vocal Program in UNM's College of Fine Arts, performed the National Anthem to open both floor sessions and several faculty and a student were recognized by legislators for their outstanding achievements.

Dozens of UNM undergraduate and graduate students also made the trip to Santa Fe to represent the University. 

Over 40 students met with 52 legislators in person to talk about issues affecting students, like the potential cuts to the Legislative Lottery Scholarship.

“The Lottery Scholarship continues to be the main concern for us as students,” said ASUNM President Kyle Biederwolf. “We were very happy with the words of encouragement and support we received today from our legislators. They really do understand the exigency of the issue.”

UNM is also looking for funding during the session. While there are many financial challenges facing New Mexico legislators during this 60-day session, UNM has projects on main campus and the Health Sciences Center (HSC) including: Learning Environments renewal on main campus - $1 million, and HSC’s demolition of 1642 University Blvd. - $700,000.

There are also several branch campus projects including classroom renovation and utility upgrades at Gallup - $1 million; sustainability and infrastructure at Los Alamos - $750,000; and site and parking lot repair at Taos - $570,000.

The session is scheduled to wrap up on March 18 and higher education funding still up in the air, UNM Day organizers hope the outreach will make an impact on lawmakers and remind them why it’s important to continue to support UNM.

The campus community can follow legislation as it progresses during the session through UNM’s Government Relations website. For specific legislation, visit UNM’s Bill Tracker. Daily legislative updates are also available during the session. Interested individuals can subscribe to receive updates.

For more information visit: Office of Government and Community Relations.