Happy Homecoming from Anderson!
Your Fall Newsletter Is Here
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Celebrate Homecoming with Anderson and the UNM Alumni Association
ReUnite at Hodgin Hall
Thursday, October 16 | 5:30–8 p.m.
Hodgin Hall Alumni Center
Stop by Anderson’s table to enter to win Anderson swag, along with tickets to the Homecoming game and meal vouchers.
Homecoming Tailgate & Football Game
Saturday, October 18 | Time TBA
University Stadium
Find Anderson at the Alumni Association’s tent during the tailgate. Come say hello and grab an exclusive Anderson swag item before cheering on the Lobos as they take on Nevada!
For a full list of homecoming week activities, visit UNM Alumni.
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Fill Out Our Alumni Survey
We love staying connected with our alumni! We’re currently collecting alumni data as part of our accreditation process, and we’d appreciate your help. Complete the form and you’ll be entered into a drawing for UNM Homecoming merchandise or an Anderson Alumni t-shirt!
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Anderson Faculty Researches "positive gossip"
Andrea Hetrick, associate professor of management, recently sat down with KOB 4 to share new research on how positive gossip, such as praising coworkers or recognizing their contributions to others behind their backs, can actually improve motivation and team performance.
Watch KOB-TV's story
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15 Students Awarded NMSBA Case of the Year
Students, led by Steven Walsh, distinguished professor of finance and innovation, were awarded Case of the Year for providing technical support to a local small business in the 25th annual New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program. Initiated by Dr. Vic Chavez, a graduate of the UNM EMBA program, NMSBA has recognized Anderson students and faculty every year since its inception, underscoring the school’s long-standing impact. This year’s winning case project focused on SageCore LLC, founded by Anderson alumnus Neal McDonnell, who now serves as the company’s CEO. The 2024 student awardees are: Jayden Brown, Thomas Gutierrez, Alyssa Cupano, Dustin Kenzel, Ryan Corrigan, Brandon Sanchez, Angela Boone, Mandy Buenaventa, Kimberly Carson, Kaleigh Hipple, Kelsey McKahin, Rishi Patel, Christopher Torres, Andrew Polnett, and Linda Stewart.
Congratulations to all the students for this outstanding achievement!
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Anderson Leaders Share Vision at Economic Forum
At Anderson, our mission is clear: to prepare students to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in New Mexico. That mission was front and center in early September when Dean Alina Chircu, Associate Dean Reilly White, Senior Associate Dean Kathryn Jacobson, and Senior Executive Director Rob DelCampo presented at the Economic Forum of Albuquerque.
Their presentation on “Anderson Means Business: Educating Business Leaders, Empowering New Mexico” highlighted how innovative academic programs, co-curricular learning, competitive events, and community engagement opportunities help students build professional skills from day one. These experiences are shaping students who are career-ready, adaptable, and motivated to lead. The entire Anderson School of Management community is dedicated to moving education and economic development in New Mexico forward.
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UNM Innovation Academy Celebrates 10 Years of Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Ten years ago, the University of New Mexico launched the Innovation Academy (iA) with a simple but bold idea: what if students in any major could turn creativity into their most valuable skill? Since then, more than 21,000 Lobos from over 90 majors have participated in iA programs, competitions, and courses designed to help them think like entrepreneurs, solve problems, and bring bold ideas to life.
From the Rainforest Pitch Competition to e-commerce courses and international partnerships, iA has become a hub for students to test their ideas, gain real-world experience, and build ventures that fuel New Mexico’s economic growth. By connecting students with local businesses, mentors, and community partners, the academy has strengthened the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while helping keep talent and innovation close to home. As the program celebrates its 10th anniversary, Director Robert DelCampo reflects on how far it has come, and where it’s headed next.
Read More
| | Experience the Innovation Academy in action at this year’s Rainforest Pitch Competition. Don’t miss the chance to see bold ideas take center stage. | | |
Anderson alum Hanmin Kim brings bold Korean flavors to the Duke City
Kim graduated in 2024 with his master's in Business Analytics from The University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management. He wasted no time applying what he learned in the classroom to real-world entrepreneurship.
During his time at UNM, Kim participated in the UNM Anderson Center for Responsible Entrepreneurship's Accelerator, a 10-month program for aspiring entrepreneurs that meets biweekly in Santa Fe. Overseen by Professor Rob DelCampo, the program gave Kim a strong foundation in business formation, finance, and operations. “It gave me a foundation for how to start an LLC, how to do taxes, and how to handle all the basics required to launch a business,” Kim said.
Read More
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Solomon Gbara Transforms Community Support Into International Entrepreneurship Experience
Anderson BBA student Solomon Gbara turned community support into a global learning opportunity this summer, crowdfunding his way to the European Innovation Academy in Rome. There, he joined an international team to build a startup from scratch, gaining lessons in teamwork, innovation, and resilience while connecting with mentors from companies like Amazon and Google. Since returning, Solomon has shared insights with fellow Lobos, earned the 2025 Sunward Scholarship, and continues to advance his startup, ValidSync, while building skills through Anderson’s programs.
Read More
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TLC Company Inc. Invests in Student Success Through New Scholarship
Locally owned TLC Company Inc. is investing in Anderson students through the new TLC Company Inc Scholarship Fund and a gift to the Anderson Student Success Fund.
With this commitment, TLC is helping undergraduate business students pursue careers rooted in leadership, professional excellence, and community impact. Their investment reduces financial barriers, fosters workforce development, and builds pathways for students to contribute to New Mexico’s economy.
Thank you, TLC, for strengthening our community by supporting the next generation of business leaders.
| | FACULTY RESEARCH EXCELLENCE | | |
Honoring Anderson’s Newest Endowed Chairs
and Named Professorships
After a rigorous application and selection process, the final recipients of Anderson’s endowed chairs and named professorships have been officially approved by the Provost. Each honoree submitted a detailed plan that reflects donor intent and aligns with Anderson’s policies and faculty standards.
The initiatives already underway are both inspiring and a testament to the extraordinary commitment our faculty bring to advancing research, innovation, and service across the university and beyond. Their work exemplifies the spirit of excellence that continues to benefit our students, alumni, and community partners. In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing updates on their progress.
Please join us in congratulating these distinguished faculty members:
Endowed Chairs
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Dr. Hsuan-Chi Chen – New Mexico Bankers' Endowed Chair in Banking
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Dr. Subramanian Iyer – William D. Grasse Endowed Chair in Finance
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Dr. Robert Luo – Creative Enterprise Endowed Chair
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Dr. Steven Walsh – ASM Chair for Economic Development
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Dr. Shawn Berman – Jack Rust Endowed Professorship in Business Ethics and Entrepreneurship
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Dr. Burcu Tan Erciyes – Anderson School of Management Endowed Alumni Professorship
| | Dr. Han Li – Albert and Mary Jane Black ASM Professorship for Economic Development | | Dr. Ryan Jacobson – Albert and Mary Jane Black ASM Professorship for Economic Development | | |
Dr. Karen Patterson – Anderson Advisory Board Endowed Professorship
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Dr. Ling Zhou – KPMG Peat Marwick Professorship in Accounting
| | Endowed chairs and named professorships made possible by generous donors strengthen Anderson by supporting outstanding faculty, advancing research, and enriching the student experience. | | Congratulations to our Alumni on their continued success and growth in their fields! | | |
Jose “Joe” J. Ortiz, BBA '14, has been promoted to Audit Partner at TKM, LLC, recognizing his leadership in client service and community engagement.
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Scott Bogart, BBA '03, steps into a leadership role as Director of Mixed-Use Real Estate Management at YES Housing.
| | | Cristin Heyns-Bousliman, BBA '02, Principal & Practice Leader at REDW Advisors & CPAs, joins Leadership New Mexico’s 2025–2026 Board of Directors. | | | |
Shawn Parsons, MBA '11, has been welcomed by New Mexico Mutual as its new CFO and Vice President.
| | | Ingrid M. Martin, BBA '84, Professor of Marketing at California State University, Long Beach, has been named Associate Editor of the Journal of Advertising Research. | | | |
Healthcare veteran Donald Smithburg, MA '85, returns to Albuquerque to lead the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.
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Matt Houston, BBA '08, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Capra Bank.
| | | Carol Mayo Cochran, BBA '84, EMBA '18 has earned her Juris Doctor, graduating magna cum laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. | | | |
Gabe Trujillo, BBA '12, has been named Vice President of Business Development & Strategic Growth at Pavilion Construction.
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Marisa Magallanez, MBA '06, makes history as the first COO of the Albuquerque Community Foundation.
| | | ANDERSON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT | | |
Anderson Career Week Showcases Opportunity and Engagement
Anderson’s Career Week was a tremendous success, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and corporate partners for a series of events designed to prepare Lobos for their professional futures.
The week kicked off with the Anderson Networking Reception, where students built valuable connections with business professionals. Students also took advantage of Professional Headshots to elevate their LinkedIn profiles and resumes. The Career Fair at the SUB welcomed employers from across industries, giving students the chance to explore career paths and connect directly with recruiters.
Support events like the Anderson Community Closet and Career Fair Prep Workshop helped students polish their resumes, refine interview skills, and access free professional attire, removing barriers and setting them up for success.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the faculty and staff whose efforts made this week possible, and to the corporations and organizations who generously shared their time, resources, and expertise with our students. Your commitment ensures that Anderson students are not only career-ready but also inspired to lead with confidence.
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Once a Lobo, always a Lobo
Whether you studied marketing, finance, or something in between, you can continue your journey at Anderson with a graduate degree designed for working professionals and recent grads alike. Explore flexible options like our Online MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Accounting, and specialized master’s programs in Project Management and Cybersecurity & Business Analytics.
And now it’s even easier to return! Our MBA program no longer requires the GMAT or GRE, so you can focus on your goals, not a test.
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Share Your Expertise with Anderson Students
We’re looking for guest speakers to share their professional journeys and insights with Anderson students. Our Introduction to Business (BUSA) class has specific times listed in the sign-up form, but opportunities to speak extend beyond BUSA, faculty in a variety of classes often invite professionals to join.
If none of the listed times work but you’re interested in speaking to a class in the future, please fill out our general interest form, we’d love to connect with you!
| | | | Share your story with us! | The best way for Anderson to tell our unique story is through our community! Please share how Anderson has positively impacted you. | | | | |