Good afternoon Lobos –

The spirit of gratitude and generosity at The University of New Mexico shines through in the many ways we support those around us—both through our mission as a university and through the individual contributions of our fellow Lobos. If you’re looking for ways to give back this season, I encourage you to consider donating to the Lobo Food Pantry or the HSC Food Pantry, the Little Lobo Holiday Wish Fund, the UNM Gives campaign, or any organization that speaks to you. Even a small act of kindness or encouragement can have a lasting impact.

I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your dedication enriches the vibrancy and value of our campus community, and I appreciate all that you do. As many of us enjoy a shorter week, I wish safe travels and a restful break to those who are away. And to our clinical and essential employees who will continue their vital work throughout the long weekend, please know that the entire Lobo community is especially grateful for your service.

Enjoy the upcoming break, and I look forward to seeing you next week as we head into the final stretch of the year and the close of the Fall 2025 semester.

UNM Health Leaders Earn National Recognition for Excellence



UNM Health is celebrating an exciting milestone as two of its leaders step into prominent national roles within the National Association for Medical Staff Services (NAMSS). Alison Webster, director of medical staff services and the credentialing verification office at UNM Hospital, has been selected to serve as President of NAMSS in 2026—the first president in the organization’s history to come from New Mexico. Her leadership will help shape national standards in credentialing and patient safety. Summer Bloise, executive director of managed care and provider enrollment for UNM Medical Group, has been appointed Chair of the NAMSS Certification Commission, where she will guide the future of professional certification in this rapidly evolving field. Congratulations to both of these remarkable Lobo leaders for their well-deserved national recognition and for representing UNM with such distinction.

Strengthening Safety Across Our Campus



The University of New Mexico continues to make significant progress on long-term safety enhancements that support a secure, welcoming environment for every member of our Lobo community. Over the past several years, UNM has advanced a coordinated set of improvements, from expanding outdoor lighting and upgrading Code Blue emergency phones to adding new security fencing, cameras, and key-card access across campus. These investments, totaling more than $20 million, reflect our commitment to visibility, preparedness, and effective incident response. Additional projects are now moving from temporary to permanent solutions, including new access-control gates, security fencing, and targeted facility upgrades. As these efforts continue, UNM remains focused on the safety of our Lobo community.

Pack a Luminaria, Support the Food Pantry, and Light the Way



The spirit of Lobo generosity is shining brightly this season as the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration launches its Pack a Luminaria initiative in support of the UNM Lobo Food Pantry. Through Friday, December 12, the office is collecting donation bags filled with essentials, including special “Holiday Meals in a Bag” to support students during Thanksgiving and winter break. Donors can pick up bags at Scholes Hall, Suite 111, or make a contribution online. Each gift will be honored with a luminaria displayed in the Scholes Hall hallway, with a goal of filling the building with light all season long. The campaign concludes with a festive Cocoa Celebration on Friday, December12, recognizing the kindness and generosity that brings light to our campus.

Mellon Mays Fellowship Opens Doors for Emerging Scholars

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) is now accepting applications for its next cohort, offering an exceptional two-year research and mentorship experience for UNM undergraduates. Part of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, MMUF supports students pursuing careers in the arts, humanities, and social sciences through research opportunities, financial support, graduate school preparation, and a strong community of scholars. UNM welcomes up to five new fellows each year; students with two years remaining before graduation and a passion for academic research are invited to apply by January 9, 2026.

Lobos Make History at NCAA Cross Country Championships

The Lobos delivered a landmark performance at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships, earning podium finishes for both the men’s and women’s teams for the first time in program history. Habtom Samuel capped the day with a spectacular individual national title—the first by a Lobo man—setting a Mountain West record with his 10k time. Five Lobos earned All-American honors as the men raced to a program-best second-place finish and the women secured an impressive fourth. Among all universities fielding full squads, UNM stood alone with both teams on the podium—a powerful statement of Lobo excellence on the national stage. Congratulations to both of our remarkable Lobo teams!

Lobo Football Vies For MW Championship, Free Tickets Still Available

Following a big win over Air Force over the weekend—our first victory at Colorado Springs since 2000—the Lobo Football team finishes the regular season at home this Friday against San Diego State, with their eyes on the Mountain West championship. Lobo Athletics is continuing to provide all University of New Mexico employees with the opportunity to get as many as four free tickets for this big game, which takes place at University Stadium next Friday, November 28 at 1:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can get tickets here while supplies last.