The University of New Mexico Board of Regents approved the Naming Selection Committee’s recommendation to rename Hodgin Hall Alumni Center Plaza.  The new name will be the Dr. Karen Abraham Courtyard in honor of the retiring associate vice president of alumni relations and the executive director of the UNM Alumni Association.

During her tenure, Abraham has worked with the Alumni Association Board of Directors, staff and community leaders to achieve long-term sustainability for the Association through the establishment of a $7 million endowment; renovate Hodgin Hall Alumni Center to preserve the University’s history kept within its walls; has bestowed hundreds of alums with awards and has grown the Alumni Association scholarship programs.

To help maintain the Dr. Karen Abraham Courtyard, the UNM Foundation has created a fund, donations can be made at: Dr. Karen Abraham Courtyard. Gifts made to this UNM Foundation fund will be used for the maintenance and beautification of the courtyard facing Hodgin Hall Alumni Center in honor of Karen Abraham’s dedication and service to the University of New Mexico.

“The University has been my home since my undergraduate days,” Abraham said. “I have been enormously fortunate to be a part of an extraordinary enterprise. First, in Student Affairs, then in Alumni Relations. I have witnessed the impact of the University upon not just individuals, but generations of people and families. I have watched the progression of learning and teaching extend from professor to student and from alumni to community.

“It has brought me immense joy to be a part of UNM’s vast and wonderful family,” she added. “I have loved walking into Hodgin Hall Alumni Center every day. The history of the University emanates from its walls. Every board meeting, planning session and event is a reflection of our founders’ intent to create a place of learning and opportunity for New Mexico’s citizens.”

Abraham first stepped foot onto the University of New Mexico’s campus 52 years ago as a college freshman. A triple alum from UNM, Abraham has earned three degrees from the University – bachelor’s of science in education in 1967, master’s degree in 1968 and doctor of education in 1971.