Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

This week we recognize the members of our UNM community who are the first in their families to attend college. As a proud first-generation graduate myself, I recognize the challenges that navigating post-secondary education can pose for those encountering it for the first time. I also recognize the ways in which our backgrounds can offer assets such as caring support systems, strong work ethic, connections to family, cultural and linguistic values, and diverse worldviews.

My own father taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and commitment to getting the job done right. Over the course of his career as a plumber and life as an outdoorsman, he shared lessons that have shaped me to this day. While he never attended college, he was a lifelong learner and engaged citizen, and his hard work helped create the opportunity for me to attend college.

Each of our students on their pathway to and through their education has encountered both challenges and supporters that have helped prepare them for this moment and the future. We are lucky to be placed throughout the student experience in positions poised to be these supporters and to cheer on each of our students on as they seek to advance their lives. I am grateful to be part of a community where we celebrate success and assets that come in various forms and remain steadfast in my belief that when we do our work well, we can alter the trajectory not only of people, but families, communities, and our society.

With appreciation,

Eric

This week,The University of New Mexico joins many college campuses across the nation in recognizing our first-generation students through various events and celebrations.

Join us for our remaining events including:

Class of 2029 Day today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the SUB Atrium where the Class of 2029 banner—proudly signed by all incoming first-year students during orientation—will be unveiled.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, our UNM-Taos and UNM-Gallup campuses will hold celebrations over the lunch hour.

The week caps off with a First-Generation Celebration in the SUB Atrium from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. where the UNM community will join President Stokes, NMHED Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, and local representatives for a group t-shirt photo and cake. On Saturday, Nov. 8, join the UNM Men's Lobo Basketball team for their game against UT Arlington at The Pit at 2 p.m. as our first-generation student-athletes are honored during halftime for their dedication on and off the court. 

UNM’s American Indian Student Services, Native American Studies, Center for Native American Health, and several chartered student organizations have collaborated to engage the university community in learning and discovering more about the Indigenous experience and perspective.

The entire campus community is invited to attend and participate in a variety of public and cost-free educational, social, cultural, and artistic programming initiatives throughout the month of November.

The Lobo Food Pantry, located on the first floor of the Student Union Building is open Monday-Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and free to all currently enrolled UNM students. Students will have an opportunity to fill a basket with grocery offerings of their choice and must weigh the basket for final checkout. Students are required to sign a waiver for the semester and provide general identifying information (name, email, UNM ID number) when visiting the pantry in order to help us track the number of visits they use each month. The daily limit is either a full basket or 10.0 lbs., whichever the students meets first.

VMRC Hosting Toys for Tots Toy Drive

The Veteran and Military Resource Center is collecting new, unwrapped toys to support local families this holiday season. Please spread the word to encourage students, staff, and faculty participation across campus.

The College Enrichment Program will be hosting the Peer Learning Facilitator Final Study Sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 4-6 p.m. to help students review for their final exams of the semester.Join CEP for pizza, beverages, and class review.

Student Experience Survey

Please encourage students to participate in the Student Experience Survey launched by the CEEO with Grand River Solutions that is running until Friday, Nov. 21, which will be distributed thought a direct invitation in their their UNM email. This survey seeks input from our students as to their thoughts about campus culture. Students' responses will help us learn what we can do to better prevent sexual harassment and sexual and relationship violence.