Recently, The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus hosted its annual Scholarship Reception in the Student Community Center where more than 250 students, staff, faculty, community members and donors were in attendance.

Every year during the first week of September, UNM-Valencia Campus hands out multiple scholarships to worthy students.

This year, 84 students were awarded 109 scholarships for the 2019 Fall and 2020 spring semesters, totaling $164,622. Of that total, private scholarships accounted for $66,990 and the remaining scholarships are National Science Foundation S-STEM Scholarships.

There are many ways to donate to UNM-Valencia to support students in higher education, such as the 33 Named Scholarships from donors in the public and private sector.

In August, UNM-Valencia received $10,000 for scholarships from anonymous donors — named as the Rio Abajo Scholarship — with 10 students receiving $1,000 each.

Two other scholarships are grant funded and UNM-Valencia awarded those to 17 students.

As donors support UNM-Valencia, the Development and Donor Relations office, along with the Development Board, continue to reach out to the community to help students reach their financial needs.

“Our donors are incredible. It was great to see them interact with the students at the Scholarship Reception,” said Development and Donor Relations Manager, Brittany Padilla. “I honestly cannot believe that because of the donors, we are able to award more than $65,000 in scholarships.”

Because of the community outreach and donors, UNM-Valencia has been able to increase the amount of scholarships handed out over the last three years.

“The Development Board is one of the most productive bodies I have seen. They work hard to gain sponsorships for our Gala,” Padilla said. “Each sponsorship means more scholarship opportunities for our campus and our students. They truly put the needs of students at the forefront of everything they do.”

There are many ways to support students by helping UNM-Valencia raise funds, but none bigger than the annual Soup-R Bowl and Gala fundraisers, held in February and March, respectively.

“My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many generous individuals and businesses in our community who support our students,” said UNM-Valencia Chancellor, Dr. Alice Letteney. “Your dollars are an investment in the future of our young people.”

If you’d like to support local students by donating, or for more information, please call 505.925.8550.