Good afternoon Lobos –

December has arrived, bringing crisp air, shorter days, and a campus glowing with holiday warmth. Whatever traditions you celebrate, I hope this season brings you joy and good fortune.

This stretch before winter break is always one of our busiest. Final exams begin the week of December 8—just around the corner—and if you’re unsure about any of your exam times, please review the final exam schedule and check in with your instructors. To help you ease into finals, the always-popular Late Night Breakfast returns to the Student Union Building Ballrooms on Sunday, December 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. There are also abundant academic resources available in the lead-up to exams, so don’t hesitate to reach out. And as always, UNM offers comprehensive mental health support if you’re feeling stressed or need someone to talk to.

I’m also excited as we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2025 at Fall Commencement. Graduate students will walk on Thursday, December 11, at 6 p.m., and undergraduates on Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m., both at The Pit. Please remember to RSVP and review the guidelines to ensure you and your guests enjoy a smooth commencement experience. I look forward to cheering you on as you cross the stage.



Wishing you a safe, productive, and uplifting December, Lobos.

Hanging of the Greens is December 5

One of my favorite Lobo traditions—Hanging of the Greens—returns this Friday, December 5. This celebration dates back to the 1930s, when students gathered pine boughs from the Sandia Mountains to decorate the library and Student Union. Nearly ninety years later, the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, together with partners across campus, has transformed that early custom into a uniquely cherished UNM event that grows more magical each year.

This year’s festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. outside the UNM Bookstore, where carolers will lead a campus procession illuminated by more than 13,000 luminarias. The walk concludes at University House, where I’ll receive the ceremonial wreath before we gather for a warm reception at Hodgin Hall, complete with posole and hot chocolate.

All Lobos are invited to join, and we encourage you to bring an unwrapped children’s book for donation to UNM Children’s Hospital. The Maxwell Museum will also join in the celebration by opening its galleries and courtyards from 6 to 8 p.m. Come help us welcome the season and honor one of our oldest and most beloved Lobo traditions.

Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence at UNM’s College of Nursing



At a special celebration last month, I had the opportunity to help commemorate 70 years of excellence at UNM’s College of Nursing—an inspiring milestone for one of our state’s most vital institutions. What began in 1955 with seventeen students and a bold vision has grown into a nationally respected college educating more than 1,000 Lobo nurses each year. Throughout its history, the College has expanded academic programs, pioneered distance education, strengthened statewide partnerships, and built a legacy of service that reaches every corner of New Mexico. As we honor this remarkable anniversary, the College is also launching several new endowed scholarships to support the next generation of nurses who will care for our communities.

Lobo Linguists Shine at Indigenous Language Institute Symposium

Student researchers from UNM’s Department of Linguistics made an inspiring impact at this year’s Indigenous Language Institute Symposium, showcasing innovative projects rooted in community partnership and cultural preservation. From documenting Pueblo Hand Talk to exploring how bilingual speakers conceptualize space in Amazonian languages, their work highlighted the powerful connections between language, identity, and well-being. Students also shared new resources to support Indigenous language nests and families. With support from UNM’s Center for Regional Studies, the National Science Foundation, and dedicated faculty mentors, our emerging scholars are helping strengthen language revitalization efforts across communities near and far.

Brody Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Emeritus Richard G. Brody of the Anderson School of Management has received the New Mexico Society of CPAs Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a distinguished career defined by service, scholarship and mentorship. Brody spent 17 years at UNM teaching audit, forensic accounting and fraud, guiding hundreds of students who continue to seek his counsel long after graduation. His prolific research, national professional leadership, and commitment to developing future CPAs have made a lasting impact on the field—and even in retirement, Brody remains an active mentor and collaborator, continuing to strengthen the accounting community he has shaped for decades.

Above: (l. to r.): Tamara L. Beall, Rich Brody and Elijah Esquivel. Esquivel nominated Brody for the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Lobo Football Caps Season with a Share of First Place, Headed for a Bowl



In front of a roaring crowd of 30,575, our Lobo Football team closed out its unforgettable regular season with a dramatic 23–17 double-overtime win over San Diego State—securing a share of first place in the Mountain West and remaining undefeated at home this season. With a record of 9-3, Coach Jason Eck has set the record for most wins by a first-year Lobo coach, and I am delighted he’ll be back next year, after leading our team to one of the most successful and exciting seasons in decades. While computer rankings ultimately determined we won’t be competing in the Mountain West championship game, the season isn’t over yet; our Lobos are officially bowl-bound, with more information coming on December 7. Congratulations to Coach Eck, his staff, and our incredible student-athletes on a truly remarkable season.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday



Tuesday, December 2, is this year’s Giving Tuesday, a day of global generosity and giving back to our communities and to each other. The spirit of giving and pride in community inform several of our goals under UNM 2040, including our commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of our campus and the greater Lobo community, “by improving wellness, including food, housing, and physical security.” Tomorrow, if you are looking for ways to contribute to good causes in our community this season, perhaps you will consider our Lobo Food Pantry or the HSC Food Pantry, the Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund, the UNM Gives Campaign, or another organization of your choice. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Early Voting Available in Louie’s Lounge

The City of Albuquerque runoff election will be held on Tuesday, December 9, and The University of New Mexico is serving as an early voting location. Early voting is available for Bernalillo County residents in the Student Union Building at Louie’s Lounge, Room 1076, every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday, December 6. If you can’t vote early, you can vote at any of the county voting convenience centers, including the one at UNM, on Election Day.