The Latin American & Iberian Institute is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since 1979, the LAII has supported UNM students and faculty by furthering scholarship and research related to Latin America and Iberia. Throughout its strong history, the Institute remains dedicated to promoting a greater understanding between the U.S. and Latin America.

To celebrate, the LAII invites all alumni and friends to a gathering at Hodgin Hall Alumni Center during Homecoming week on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. The evening will include a performance from Mariachi Juvenil, a student mariachi group led by a current Latin American Studies student, and an informal presentation by alumni from each of the last four decades on how the LAII has positively influenced their professional trajectories:

  • Dr. Rick Hendricks ('85 Ph.D.), Former New Mexico State Historian
  • Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn ('93 MA '98 Ph.D.), National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum Director
  • Jennifer Landau (’06 MA/JD), New Mexico Immigrant Law Center Executive Director
  • Dr. Gregorio Gonzales (’17 MA), Riley Scholar-in-Residence in Anthropology and Southwest Studies at Colorado College

Please RSVP so we know you’re joining us! For more information about the LAII and its 40-year history, visit laii.unm.edu/40th-anniversary.html or contact us at laiioutreach@unm.edu.