University leadership makes good on pizza party promise

In head-to-toe Saggios attire, UNM President Garnett S. Stokes and Executive Vice President for the UNM Health Sciences Center Dr. Douglas Ziedonis brought pizzas to the departments with the most noticeable rates of giving for the annual UNM Gives campaign. The local pizza parlor generously donated pizzas for the event.

The 2021 UNM Gives campaign, through the enormous generosity of faculty and staff, raised over $516,676. The main campus winner was a tie between the Offices of the President and Provost, which together raised over $21,000. The HSC winner was the Department of Internal Medicine, which raised $31,000. UNM's campaign is the third-largest overall for United Way of Central New Mexico (UWCNM).

UWCNM is the largest nonprofit organization worldwide. The organization improves social conditions within communities. The central New Mexico branch of United Way is governed by local New Mexicans who help strengthen families, increase education, support survivors, and more. 

“I’m delighted that UNM’s annual charitable campaign is for United Way,” Stokes said. “I think that it’s just one of the ways that our University can really make a difference.”

As chair of the United Way of Central New Mexico campaign this year, Stokes encouraged her department to donate more this year. In the future, she hopes that the Offices of the President and Provost will continue to support UNM Gives. 

“A little friendly competition is always a good thing. It helps people get excited,” Stokes said.

During the HSC delivery, Stokes and Ziedonis also made their way to UNM North Campus to thank the Department of Internal Medicine.

“Every day you all make a big difference in our community,” Ziedonis said. “Every day I know you think about how to improve the health of New Mexicans and I want to thank you for that.”

As an institution that values community spirit and a commitment to helping those in need, UNM’s is proud to partner with UWCNM. Annually, faculty, staff and employees contribute time and money to charitable organizations.

For more information, visit UNM Gives.