unm
(Winter 2002) t has been my fortune to meet, know, chat with, and enjoy the company of both F. Chris Garcia and Mari-Luci Jaramillo. Both exhibit a low-key approach to life, play, and work but one that is bolstered by determination, skill, and compassion. Receptive, always cordial, their professionalism and contributions to their communities represent the best of New Mexico. The accomplishments of Garcia and Jaramillo suggest that creative and positive “role models” exist not only for younger generations, but all of us. James A. Morris, ’74 PhD Baker City, Oregon
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read with great interest that the University of New Mexico has a Hispanic President, F. Chris Garcia. The reason this really caught my attention is the fact that years ago, probably in the 1920s, the University of New Mexico did not allow Spanish-speaking young people to enroll as students at UNM. It was Menaul School that had the honor of breaking that barrier and of sending the first Hispanic students to the University of New Mexico. There were three boys and of the three, I only remember one name, the Rev. José Inez Candelaria…. So you see, we are very proud to have President Garcia, a Hispanic, as president of the University of New Mexico. I would like to make one comment, though: Garcia must have an accent on the “i”. Lydia García Ras-Allard, ’49 BAED Carien, Connecticut Editor’s note: Within the limits of our knowledge, Mirage uses diacritical markings in names in accordance with the name-holder’s wishes. Dr. Garcia does not use the accent in his name. Also, curious about UNM’s history of admitting Hispanics, I asked the university archivist to fill us in:
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can find no evidence that “Spanish speaking” students, meaning students with Hispanic surnames, were denied entry into UNM prior to the 1920s. If the writer means students who spoke only Spanish and no English, she is probably correct because UNM is not a bilingual teaching institution. I do find abundant evidence that Hispanics were present at UNM prior to the 1920s. Mariano Otero served on the first Board of Regents when UNM opened in 1892. The first Hispanic professor, Atanasio Montoya Jr., was hired in the fall of 1897. His biography states that he was a student at UNM for six years before becoming a professor. That would put him in the first class of students in the summer of 1892. The yearbooks prior to 1920 list students with Hispanic surnames also. They were involved in athletics and theater, served as class presidents, and also won scholarships and prizes. When UNM was created by Territorial Act in 1889, there was not a public high school in New Mexico so not many people thought UNM would survive. Because of this, it was important that UNM admit anyone qualified—even women. The admission policy in the earliest catalogs states that potential students must either take a qualifying exam or have a certificate from their former school detailing their studies and grades. Terry Gugliotta University Archivist
Foul ID! (Winter 2002)
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y mother, Dorothy Burnett, was excited to see the basketball picture on page 10 of the Winter 2002 issue of Mirage. She and my brothers and I immediately recognized the 1937 Lobo hoopster as our father, Bill Burnett, who graduated from UNM in 1940. He was the leading scorer for the Lobos over his playing career. The picture caption incorrectly identifies the hoopster as Sam Shortle. While Sam was also a starter on the team, this is not his picture! Barbara Burnett Riggs Editor’s note: We appreciate your correction. And here again is your dad’s photo, correctly captioned! UNM Archives
Profile Pronouncements
Water Wish (Winter 2002)
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t was refreshing to hear from four well-informed and intelligent people about the water situation in New Mexico. I realize they wish to be cooperative and non-confrontational, but at least a mention of the water wasted on golf courses would be in order. Yes, I know, money into the state, recycled water, etc.—but couldn't it be recycled for a better use? Kathleen McNerney, ’67 BA, ’70 MA, ’77 PhD Morgantown, West Virginia
Hooping it Up: Lobo hoopster Bill Burnett poses for the camera in 1937.
Mirage welcomes letters to the editor. If you would like to comment on something you’ve read in the magazine, please write us. Letters will be published as space allows and may be edited for clarity and brevity. Letters must be signed. It’s helpful if you include your location and degrees. Our address is: Mirage, UNM Alumni Relations, Hodgin Hall, Albuquerque NM 87131-0016. E-mail: mconrad@unm.edu. To see the unedited version of these letters, go to www.unmalumni.com.