The University of New Mexico has a longstanding and proud tradition of honoring military veterans, notably through the annual Veterans Day Celebration and Remembrance held each year at the Alumni Memorial Chapel.

However, UNM’s commitment to veterans extends beyond annual ceremonies recognizing those who have served our country. Through its Veteran Hiring Preference program, UNM seeks to show the University’s appreciation and highlight veterans' value to the workplace and campus community.

The program ensures qualified veterans will receive at least an initial interview for regular staff positions for which they apply.

Veterans Day Celebration and Remembrance...

It’s a long-standing tradition that The University of New Mexico celebrates and honors its veterans, military service members and their families. This Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, the Veteran Alumni Chapter, Veteran & Military Resource Center, and Student Veterans of UNM – along with the Navy, Army and Air Force ROTC units – will host a Veterans Day Celebration and Remembrance at 10 a.m. in the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel. A reception will follow in the Alumni Chapel Garden.

UNM President Stokes will offer opening remarks at the celebration followed by a recognition of fallen UNM service members as well as reflections on Veterans Day from various community members.

The ceremony will conclude with a salute to the armed forces performed by the UNM Concert Choir.

“The Veteran Hiring Preference program is not only a way to offer thanks for past service, but it is also an important tool to attract a skilled workforce to UNM,” said Kathy Agnew, assistant vice president for Human Resources. “As an Army veteran myself, I know firsthand how transferable the military experience and life skills are to any career path, so we encourage our hiring managers to give these applicants close consideration.”

To participate in the program, honorably discharged veterans must meet the minimum qualifications for the position, apply no later than the “For Best Consideration Date” listed on the job posting, and indicate their desire to be considered for the program on the application.

“While the program doesn’t guarantee veterans will be hired for every position, we think their commitment and service has earned them the opportunity to have their stories heard and their experience considered by hiring managers. We are confident that once they have their foot in the door, their talent and ability will help them rise to the top,” said Kevin Stevenson, assistant vice president for Human Resources.

Potential applicants and hiring managers can learn more about the program and hear the stories of current employees participating at the Veterans Hiring Preference program webpage.

UNM Veteran's Preference Program - Toby Tafoya