Good afternoon Lobos –

As I prepare to conclude my service as president of The University of New Mexico, I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and support that my husband Jeff Younggren and I have received from the university community. I was deeply touched to learn of the philanthropic commitments supporting the future Velarde Center for Philanthropy and the decision to recognize my tenure and service through the naming of the center’s entrance lobby as the Garnett S. Stokes Philanthropy Hall. What means the most to me is not the recognition itself, but the friendships, partnerships, and shared commitment to UNM that inspired these gifts. They are a powerful reminder of how much our community cares about this institution and its future.



I am equally grateful that my husband’s extraordinary contributions are being honored through the creation of the Garnett Stokes and Jeffrey Younggren Endowment in the Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences. Throughout his distinguished career, Jeff has been a dedicated teacher, mentor, clinician, and scholar, and I have seen firsthand the impact he has had on students and colleagues. Knowing that this endowment will support future generations of trainees makes the recognition especially meaningful.

Jeff also recently learned that he is the recipient of the 2026 Raymond D. Fowler Award for Outstanding Contributions to the American Psychological Association (APA), given to a member who has had a significant and enduring impact on the APA and has shown a clear dedication to advancing its mission. As his partner for many years, as well as his most enthusiastic fan, it has been a privilege to witness his dedication to his profession and to the people he has mentored, taught, and served throughout his career.

My sincere thanks go to the UNM Foundation, its board members and supporters, and everyone whose generosity made these tributes possible. As Jeff and I reflect on our eight-plus years at UNM, we are filled with gratitude for the entire Lobo community. The relationships we have forged here, immersed in a culture of giving back to the New Mexico community, have been among the greatest gifts of our time here. We will carry that appreciation with us always.

Bringing Innovative Brain Imaging to New Mexico

A new diagnostic tool now available at UNM Hospital is helping bring earlier and less invasive Alzheimer’s disease detection to New Mexicans. Using an FDA-approved imaging agent during PET scans, providers in the UNM Hospital Radiology Department and the UNM Memory & Aging Clinic can now identify amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. This new technology offers patients an alternative to more invasive diagnostic procedures, helps clinicians make diagnoses sooner, and—critically— keeps our patients closer to home. My thanks to the dedicated teams across UNM Health who worked for years to make this important advancement possible for the thousands of New Mexicans affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Harwood Celebrates the Art of Adobe



This summer, the Harwood Museum of Art will open an extraordinary exhibition that celebrates one of the most enduring materials—and traditions—of our region. Opening June 27, Unearthing Futures / Desenterrando Futuros brings together renowned artists from across the Americas to explore adobe as a living practice that connects art, architecture, culture, and community. Through large-scale installations and collaborations spanning northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, the exhibition highlights how ancestral knowledge continues to shape our present and future. I am especially proud that this ambitious project is rooted in the rich earthen-building traditions of our region and showcases the expertise of local artists, curators, and communities. Congratulations to the Harwood Museum and its partners for creating a truly remarkable cultural experience.

Lobo Researchers Explore the Potential of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy



As researchers across the country explore new ways to address the lasting effects of trauma, depression, and other behavioral health challenges, UNM investigators are leading the way with innovative research that could expand future treatment options for those who need them most. A new FDA-approved study led by School of Medicine faculty is examining whether group-based psilocybin-assisted therapy can help veterans, first responders and, eventually, survivors of sexual violence who are living with PTSD.



While previous research has largely focused on individual treatment, this study evaluates the potential benefits of combining psilocybin-assisted therapy with peer-supported group sessions in a real-world setting. The work reflects UNM’s commitment to advancing research that is both innovative and accessible while helping inform future treatment options for New Mexicans—and I applaud Dr. Lawrence Leeman and his colleagues for leading this important effort to better understand and address the impacts of trauma.

Lobo Track and Field Continues a Historic Run

Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, our Lobo track and field teams continue to earn national recognition, with student-athletes and coaches bringing home some of the sport’s highest regional honors. Congratulations to Habtom Samuel, Mountain Region Men’s Track Athlete of the Year; Marion Jepngetich, Mountain Region Women’s Track Athlete of the Year; and Coach Darren Gauson, who earned Women’s Regional Coach of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. The honors were presented by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association late last week.

These well-deserved accolades cap another historic year for our Lobo runners. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished among the nation’s Top 15 for the second straight outdoor season, while Samuel’s extraordinary NCAA 5,000m/10,000m sweep and Jepngetich’s first national title in the 5,000m showcase the exceptional talent, determination, and championship spirit that define Lobo Athletics. Congratulations to our entire team for an unforgettable season!