Wednesday, Feb. 4 2026 | Edition #173

Message from Dr. Brandi Stone, director African American Student Services

Greetings Student Affairs,


Happy Black History Month!


In 2026, we are proud to join Lobos across campus in honoring 100 years of Black History Month. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson as a corrective to erasure, has grown into the vibrant, joyful, and expansive celebration we know today. This evolution was fueled not only by scholars and community leaders, but also by Black collegiate activism, where students across the country demanded fuller stories, deeper truths, and space to celebrate Black life beyond struggle alone.


At UNM, we recognize Black History Month as both remembrance and rejoicing as we honor legacy while amplifying Black communities past and present. This year, African American Student Services is excited to present “The ABCs of Black History," an intentional return to the basics. Our programs will follow an alphabetical order of engagement and will extend through the whole semester. 


Some exciting programs to be on the lookout for include:

  • I is for Innovate - featuring a dynamic student panel on hair, creativity, and identity, alongside the grand opening of our Afro Hair Shop.
  • Thursday, Feb. 12
  • 2-3:30 p.m.
  • SUB Lobo A&B


  • L is for Lorde/Morrison - a poetic immersion honoring the words, wisdom, and literary power of Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison.
  • Thursday, Feb. 18 
  • 2 p.m. 
  • Afro Lounge


  • O is for Overcome - a dinner with students about intentional allyship.
  • Thursday, Feb. 26
  • 6 p.m. 
  • More details to come


Throughout the month, we invite you and your students to engage with these programs and experience Black History Month as a living, breathing celebration of community, innovation, and belonging. As we commemorate 100 years, we are reminded that Black history has always been about telling the fuller story- one that includes joy, love, resistance, innovation, and excellence.


Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we celebrate together.


With appreciation,


Brandi Stone, PhD

Director, African American Student Services

Black History Month Events

African American Student Services (AASS) continues its month of “Back to the Basics” with the following Afro Black History Month events, each highlighting a core value and experience within Black history, culture, and community:

  • E is for Excellence

Wednesday, Feb. 4 | 9 p.m. | The Pit

  • F is for Fashion

Friday, Feb. 6 | 7 p.m. | SUB Atrium

  • G is for Grace

Sunday, Feb. 8 | Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

  • H is for Health

Monday, Feb. 9 | African American Student Services (AASS)

Professional Development Committee First Friday Event

Please join the DSA Professional Development committee for their next First Fridays event, at the College Enrichment and Outreach Programs (CEOP) conference room UAEC 250, this Friday, Feb. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Bring your lunch and connect with fellow Student Affairs staff.

Celebrate Kindness

The BeKind UNM Committee invites you to celebrate kindness during the annual BeKind UNM 2026 kindness celebration.

2026 Kindness Carnival

Join us for this FREE event which includes a photobooth, music, games, kindness goodies, and much more!

Bring a donation for the Lobo Food Pantry for your chance to win one of our grand prizes!

Teddy Bear Tosses

Bring a NEW stuffed animal to the game to toss onto the court during half-time for your chance to win one of our grand prizes which include items from our UNM and community partners. Donated stuffed animals will be given to APD and AFR to give to children experiencing traumatic situations. 

NSO Seeking Summer 2026 NSO Leaders

Applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2026 New Student Orientation Leader (NSOL) positions! NSO is looking for enthusiastic, service‑minded students who are passionate about representing UNM and helping incoming Lobos feel welcome, supported, and connected to campus resources and community.



Our goal is to recruit a diverse team of leaders who can help new students from a wide range of backgrounds and identities find their place here at UNM. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 13 via UNM Jobs posting Requisition: 353636.


Come learn what it’s all about!

Join one of our NSOL Information Sessions to hear about the role, key responsibilities, hiring timeline, and the many benefits of being an Orientation Leader.


📅 Upcoming Sessions:

👉 Wed, Feb 4 | 12–1 PM — Zoom (Meeting ID: 954 3837 6034)

👉 Thu, Feb 12 | 12–1 PM — CEP Office, UAEC 250

📣 All interested students are welcome!

Clauve Outstanding Senior Award

The University of New Mexico is now accepting applications for the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award, which recognizes exceptional undergraduate seniors who demonstrate strong academic performance and meaningful contributions to the campus community through leadership, service, and involvement.


Eligible students must be Albuquerque campus undergraduate baccalaureate students graduating in December 2025 or May 2026.


👉 Apply here: https://goto.unm.edu/clauve26


📅 Application deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 11:45 PM

📧 Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically to clauve@unm.edu

Howl-To Wednesdays

Save the Date for the Spring DSA All Staff Gathering

DSA Colleagues - please save the date for our Spring 2026 All‑Staff Gathering.


📅 Friday, February 13, 2026

⏰ 8-11 a.m.

📍 SUB Ballroom C


This gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect as a division, share updates, and align priorities for the spring semester. Breakfast will be provided.


A calendar invite has been sent to all DSA staff. Please use the calendar invitation to indicate your attendance.


University of New Mexico | 1 University of NM | Albuquerque, NM 87106 US