The UNM Anderson School of Management Foundation Board celebrated its best and brightest alumni, faculty, and community leaders at its annual Hall of Fame event recently at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The 2011 theme, Anderson: New Mexico's Economic Engine ~ Engineering the Future Together, helped draw the largest crowd on record with more than 650 guests, 40 faculty members in attendance and 125 student ambassadors on hand to connect with the guests.

The event featured train whistles and stressed the importance of quality education and progressive programs, as well as strategic partnerships that produce economic growth for our region.

Anderson Foundation Vice-Chair Betsy Carlson was instrumental in raising $22,000 during the evening. She also received help from Professor Laurie Schatzberg, a champion competitive pistol shot, who showed up in full outlaw attire and challenged guests to give "all their cash and valuables" to the Anderson cause. Their presentation and the entire event was a success - raising an impressive $52,000 to benefit Anderson student scholarships.

Dean Doug Brown says the funds will have an immediate impact on Anderson students.

"Thanks to community generosity, the Hall of Fame Endowed Scholarship Fund now exceeds $100,000 and provides much needed financial aid to deserving students," said Brown.

2011 Anderson Hall of Fame Inductees
Douglas Collister, High Desert Investment Corporation
Kathleen Davis, Presbyterian Healthcare Systems
Tim Turner, WaveFront Sciences, Inc.
Matthew Bruff, ALTELA Inc.
Leslie Hoffman, ACCION, New Mexico | Arizona | Colorado
Leslie Oakes, Ph.D., Anderson School of Management
Stacy Sacco, WESST

Plans are already underway for next year's event. To nominate an Anderson Alum for Hall of Fame consideration, contact Natalie Mead at nmead60@unm.edu or (505) 277-6413.

Story by and media contact: Leslie Venzuela (505) 277-7117; e-mail: venzuela@mgt.unm.edu