The University of New Mexico and the UNM Foundation today announced an anonymous planned gift with an estimated value of $55 million, the largest philanthropic commitment in the University's history. The gift will support several areas across UNM, investing in student scholarships, research, health care, academic programs, and the arts. Its broad reach reflects the donors' commitment to strengthening the University and expanding its impact throughout New Mexico. The commitment will be realized through the donors' estate. Because the gift represents a percentage of the estate's future value, the $55 million figure is an estimate, with the final amount determined when the gift is received.
“This spectacular gift is a powerful declaration of the value of The University of New Mexico to the people we serve,” said UNM President Steve Goldstein. “It will open doors for more students and support their well-being during times of financial challenge. It will expand the health care workforce to improve access to care across New Mexico. It will accelerate discovery and its application in our nation-leading research programs in biomedicine, quantum computing, and energy, fields vital to our future. It will enrich the arts and cultures that make New Mexico extraordinary. The impact of this gift will be felt in classrooms, clinics, laboratories, and galleries for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to these visionary donors for their extraordinary generosity, their confidence in UNM, and their commitment to New Mexico’s future.”
"This is an extraordinary investment in the future of the University and New Mexico," adds Jeff Todd, president and CEO of the UNM Foundation. "What stands out is the donors' approach. They recognize that meaningful progress requires investment across disciplines. Their insightful generosity will create opportunities for generations, and it demonstrates the lasting impact of thoughtful philanthropy. This commitment also demonstrates the impact that individuals can make on expanding UNM’s reach and capabilities through philanthropy.”
The future gift will provide targeted support across the University, addressing immediate needs while creating resources for long-term impact.
College of Arts & Sciences: Flexible funding for scholarships, research, faculty, academic programs,and capital priorities.
College of Nursing: Scholarships, rural clinical learning experiences and research to strengthen nursing education and health care access.
Dental Medicine: Support for residency education, clinical training, uncompensated patient care and operational needs.
Graduate Studies: An endowed scholarship fund to expand graduate education and support tuition, research, and student travel.
Harwood Museum of Art: Endowments for collection care and exhibitions, along with support for strategic initiatives and operations, including the Museum's Santa Fe property.
School of Medicine: Scholarships, rural learning experiences and research to prepare future physicians and advance health care.
Student Emergency Relief Fund: Additional resources to help students navigate unexpected financial challenges and continue their education.
The announcement comes as UNM advances Accelerate New Mexico: The Campaign for UNM, a $1.2 billion comprehensive fundraising initiative launched publicly in September 2026. Focused on student success and access, research and innovation, and faculty excellence, the campaign connects philanthropic investment with the University's priorities and the state's needs.
A Lasting Legacy Through Estate Giving
Estate gifts allow individuals to support organizations and causes through their estate plans, often while maintaining financial flexibility during their lifetimes. The estimated $55 million value will be determined by the estate's value when the gift is realized. While the final amount may change, the donors' intentions are clear: to create lasting opportunities for students, support research and health care, and strengthen the University's academic, athletics, and cultural contributions. To learn more about gift planning at UNM, please contact Tony Weber at Tony.Weber@unmfund.org