Investments in basic needs and well-being are critical to the equitable success of all Lobos, particularly those from historically minoritized backgrounds including rural, first generation, and low socioeconomic status. That is why, through Accelerate New Mexico, we are creating a new fund to specifically address the needs of these students so they can have an equitable pathway to academic, career, and life success.  

The Food Pantry Endowment: 

Food security is critical to student success so that students who may be food-insecure can better focus on their studies. The Food Pantry Endowment will provide long-term sustainability for the Food Pantry, providing much needed resources including food and hygiene supplies.  

$500,000 of philanthropic support will establish the Food Pantry Endowment. 

Endowed directorships to support student equity:

Endowed director positions at six key resource centers will create a lasting and sustainable commitment to equity-minded student support work at UNM. The division of Student Affairs is home to six resource centers: African American Student Services, American Indian Student Services, the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center, El Centro de la Raza, the Veterans and Military Resource Center, and the Women’s Resource Center. Each center plays a vital role in creating a comprehensive and inclusive student support ecosystem that provides critical services like recruitment, advocacy, and in some cases certification to UNM’s diverse student populations. The director of each center is the key leader in the unit and endowed directorships would provide long-term sustainability for these crucial positions.  

$1.5 million support is required to fund the resource centers endowed directorships.

Renewing Mesa Vista:

Half of our Student Affairs departments are in Mesa Vista, including most of the resource centers. Mesa Vista provides core student services, but it is an aging building that is not readily accessible. To keep our student services responsive and up to date, we need a modern facility that is student-centered and accessible to all students.  

$1 million in philanthropic support will fund this important initiative.

Student activities, events, and engagement opportunities are some of the most memorable and impactful aspects of the campus experience and are key factors in attracting and retaining students. Student development programs will be strengthened to include expanded offerings and enhanced practices in Student Activities and Career Services while improving the physical resource of Siedler Natatorium through a renovation. The student experience will be further strengthened by sustaining The Daily Lobo and student publications.  

UNM Career Services: 

Career Services serves all students with a focus on career counseling, skill development, degree relevancy, and employer connections. Increased staffing capacity will strengthen the New Mexico workforce, create stronger employment pathways for UNM students, and provide expanded career services programming to keep up with students’ and employers’ needs.  

$250,000 of philanthropic support will help us realize this initiative. 

The Daily Lobo and student publications: 

These publications provide a diverse range of immersive learning experiences for students. Philanthropic support for the Tony Hillerman Writing and Resource Coach Fund will provide vital help for our student journalists and ad staff. These funds will also permanently fund a part-time writing coach position that ensures future generations of journalists receive the mentorship and support they need. 

$300,000 of philanthropic support will establish the Tony Hillerman Writing and Resource Coach Fund. 

The Johnson Center and the Saidler Natatorium: 

These facilities are home to many student achievements and memories, but they were constructed over 50 years ago, and the older parts of the complex are nearing the end of their useful life. Philanthropic support to complement state and other funding would facilitate a full renovation and expansion of this landmark aquatics complex. 

$1,400,000 of philanthropic support will fund this initiative. 

New Mexico has a critical lack of childcare facilities, and UNM is no exception. With growing waiting lists, the Children’s Campus cannot keep up with the demands of students, faculty, and staff members, as well as the doctors and nurses who provide critical healthcare to New Mexicans. The interruptions that a lack of childcare cause in the lives of individuals can impact their ability to finish a degree or perform well at work. An expansion plan has been identified for the UNM Children’s Campus.  

$1 million philanthropic giving will make this vital new initiative a reality.