Daily Lobo 12/08/2025 by UNM Student Publications

Daily l obo new

A snapshot of graduating photo editor Liliana Esparza

By Addison Fulton @DailyLobo

Anyone who gets the chance to visit the Backshop in Marron Hall, the beating heart of the Daily Lobo, may wonder about the image of Sabrina Carpenter pasted on the door, and the one on the other side of the door, and the one above the door.

It’s all the handiwork of Liliana Esparza, Daily Lobo photo editor and University of New Mexico Fall 2025 graduate. She graduates this week with a Bachelor in Business Administration degree and a minor in Spanish.

When Esparza began at the Lobo in 2023, she’d already been working as a photographer with the New Mexico United soccer team.

“I was really looking for a place to meet people on campus, because I feel like UNM is a really hard place to actually make friends. I had all of my high school friends and friends from work, but I was like, ‘I feel like if I don’t leave UNM without having UNM friends, I’ll be so sad’” she said. “So, I was looking at jobs online, and I saw freelance photographer for the Lobo, and I was like, ‘oh my God, Daily Lobo could be perfect.’”

Esparza says she intends to

continue her work as a photographer, hoping to photograph women’s sports in Los Angeles after graduation.

In her time at the Lobo, Esparza has captured some of UNM and New Mexico’s most joyful moments — such as sporting wins and on-campus events — as well as times of tension, such as protests for Palestine.

Notably, she photographed the rally hosted by President Donald Trump in New Mexico during his 2024 presidential campaign. She explained that it is one of the hardest shoots she’s done, but also is some of the work she’s happiest with.

“I got some pretty incredible photos from that. It’s hard to describe because using the word proud isn’t really the right thing, but it’s definitely a huge accomplishment and it was a huge assignment for all of us,”

Esparza said. “It was an experience that really shaped me. I think as a photographer capturing sports and events on campus, that kind of thing, a lot of times it’s fun energy. I feel like it’s easy to capture smiles and screams and fans and students doing cool fun things, but it’s a whole different thing to capture hatred — I guess — which was really interesting.”

Esparza emphasized the role of photojournalism, its power to spread

messages and how she tries to use that power for good.

“I was trained in sports where it’s all about ‘what’s the story? What’s the narrative? What are we trying to push in terms of social media and marketing?’ That was kind of the eye that I was trained on,” she said.

“Through photojournalism, I learned how to be more of an observer and to let the story develop itself instead of sort of pushing the narrative. In journalism, it’s about telling what you

see, telling the quote unquote ‘truth’ as best as you can.”

Esparza has also served as a mentor for the Daily Lobo photo desk and a vibrant member of the general Daily Lobo community. She hopes her legacy is one of supportive leadership and love for the UNM community.

“I hope that people will see how much I care about UNM and how much I really love it here. I hope to continue that legacy of wanting to

showcase our community and all parts of our community. I really hope that I was able to do that as Photo Editor, and I hope whoever’s next is just as passionate about it as I was,” Esparza said.

Addison Fulton is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

At the end of each semester, the Daily Lobo recognizes graduating staff and their contributions to the paper and the broader campus community.

Valeria Brenes shares passion for photography, movement and individualism

By Jaden McKelvey-Francis @jadenmckelvey

Valeria Brenes will be graduating this fall with a Bachelor of Arts degree, having majored in dance and psychology while at the University of New Mexico.

Brenes is a freelance photographer for The Daily Lobo, and said that it was one of her favorite jobs she had while in college. Some of the other jobs she held while working towards her degree were as a lifeguard and as a Spanishlanguage interpreter, though she said she did not feel like either of those jobs made an “impact,” and she hopes to go into a job in which she can help vulnerable communities.

Brenes also said she wants to continue her studies related to art and therapy, perhaps by applying to a master’s program in the future, though she hasn’t applied to any just yet.

“I discovered, with a lot of patience and trust in myself, that what I needed to do and what I needed to fulfill (in) my life was this search for how I can help others. I felt that I was studying something, but I was not directing my energy or my attention into how that can really help or impact others,” Brenes said.

One of the most important things to Brenes is art, whether that be photography or dance and the study of movements and cultures. Originally from Costa Rica, Brenes moved to Albuquerque around eight years ago and didn’t necessarily feel aware of where she fit in at first, but chose to pursue dance because it was something that she had been into since she was very little, she said. Her focus on dance has more to do with the culture behind the movements and what dance can teach someone about themselves and their body, rather than the technical and competitive aspects of the art.

“(Dance shows) what ways I can explore or

also let go, in the holistic or therapeutic way; for me, it gives me the chance to explore myself and help others, and understand how others move. And I just love seeing behaviors. That’s why I am also studying psychology, because I think they both are so related,” Brenes said.

In terms of photography, Brenes said she focuses on digital photography, especially the preparation and process that goes into taking a photo. Recently, she said she has been taking more photos in a gothic, mystical and blurry style. Brenes also loves walks with her chihuahua and photographing nature.

Diet and exercise are also a big part of Brenes’ life. She said she finds them as a way to push herself, and gives her the opportunity to be very selective with the environment she’s in.

“Seeing the process and the changes and how the body can modify into whatever you are pushing yourself in — like the body is like a piece of art,” Brenes said.

Brenes has also recently changed her diet, becoming raw vegan in September.

“I call that freedom because it gives you different feelings and different ways of seeing life and seeing your body — how it reacts — and also the connection with nature and the living things, and the appreciation of stopping eating animals and being more connected,” Brenes said. “Seeing people doing the same thing inspired me a lot, because this is not an easy journey.”

During her time at UNM, Brenes also studied abroad in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

“It’s a place full of nature and the contrast it’s in everywhere, politically, socially, religiously, the contrast — it’s everywhere — and I love contrast so much,” Brenes said.

Jaden McKelvey-Francis is the editor-inchief of the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @ jadenmckelvey

Lobo cartoonist ends a college career slinging paper, be it zine or news

By Elliott Wood @DailyLobo

For a year and half, X E Oaks has worked in two roles rarely acknowledged when the topic of newspapers comes up: cartoonist and paper delivery. On the latter, the soon-to-be graduate had nothing but praise.

“(It’s) actually really so lovely and meditative,” Oaks said. “It’s like, wake up on Monday at 4:30, get ready, and then go and you have like two hours just completely alone, blasting tunes and driving around campus, and no one’s awake yet.”

Oaks will be graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree this Fall.

Oaks said that while the colder months could sometimes make the task harder, the element of fun was preserved. On occasion, Oaks’ friends could even be convinced to tag along despite the tall ask of being so active in the wee morning hours.

“That was the best, because then you’ve got, like, someone rolling papers for you, (so) you can just throw them out really easily. I enjoyed it a lot,” Oaks said.

The topic of friends was a consistent theme throughout Oaks’ time at the University of New Mexico, as they were typically an important part of the creative process for Oaks when it came to cartoons for the Lobo, like making sure that the idea that made it on paper made sense to people other than Oaks themself.

Firstly though, Oaks said the task of making an original cartoon began with playing with the theme of the paper; for example, the Lobo’s annual elections issue or the satire issue, published the week of April Fool’s Day. Additionally, and especially if the paper was not themed that week, the inspiration for a cartoon came to Oaks through the everyday.

“If it’s like a midterms part of the year, then I’m

going to do something where they’re studying in heaven,” Oaks said, referring to a comic published during exam season earlier this year where a character exhausted by studying had their spirit leave their body and rise up, only to find more books and classwork above the clouds. “But if it’s like winter, I don’t know, it’s very situational inspiration, kind of just like, ‘what’s going on in my life?’ Just drawing from life is easiest.”

While Oaks has continued to work as a cartoonist for the Lobo throughout the year, it’s been a long time since the last paper delivery, as Oaks has spent the last six months doing classwork remotely from Scotland. First as part of a summer course in June, then later out of personal preference while Oaks has worked on three independent studies.

The reason for Scotland? It comes right back again to a friend, this time one that Oaks met through the Land Arts of the American West program who was studying at UNM on an exchange program from the country. A combination of learning more about “the magical land of Scotland” through the friend and an increasing desire to visit them in their country of origin caused Oaks to leap at the opportunity to take the summer course abroad. Oaks said that the experience of living in Scotland has helped during their independent studies, despite some of the unique challenges that come with a study abroad program and online classes in general.

“I find it quite difficult,” Oaks said. “It’s all self-directed drawing projects. Basically, I’m making daily diary comics right now, and having this daily creative practice in a place that I’m trying to live my life, also. I just didn’t think it would be this difficult to do both.”

Oaks repeatedly expressed excitement

Liliana Esparza, photo editor for the Daily Lobo, poses for a photo in front of Hodgins Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Liliana Esparza / Daily Lobo / @lili.published

‘Build-a-Bo’ builds community (and plushies)

By Addison Fulton @DailyLobo

During a chilly but bright New Mexican afternoon, cuddly plush animals spread holiday cheer as students lined up through the University of New Mexico Student Union Building to take part in this year’s “Build-a-Bo” event.

A pun on “Build-a-Bear,” the “Builda-Bo” event provided free empty plushies, cotton stuffing and an animal sized New Mexico themed t-shirt to students, turning the SUB into a whimsical workshop. To design their plush, students picked from snow leopards, reindeer, snow men, arctic foxes, penguins, snowy owls and, of course, the titular wolf: “Bo.”

Participation was free while supplies lasted for those with student ID. The Dec. 2 event is the second year the event has been hosted by the SUB. The event also featured festive

holiday music and a video of a crackling fireplace to create a festive, cozy atmosphere.

“Build-a-Bo” gave over 300 plushes homes to more than 300 participants, Executive Director of Associated Students at UNM, Student Special Events Karis Daskalos said.The event was sponsored by the SUB, who sourced the plushes form The Bear Factory, a toy company that provides stuffed animals and polyfill made from recycled materials.

Angel Serrano, assistant director of ASUNM SSE, said that “Build-aBo” offers a chance for students to de-stress around “dead week,” the time between Thanksgiving and finals week.

“With students being stressed, we thought it would be a fun way to bring student spirits up,” Serrano said. “I’m hoping that students will be able to go into finals week, as they’re studying during dead week, and just feel better.”

Serrano made a snowman, and

Daskalos made an animal that will stay in the ASUNM office, they said.

Cadence Olander, who brought to life a plush snowy owl, attended the event out of a love for plushies and enjoyed the event as a communitybuilding experience, they said.

“It’s fun, it’s loud, but I figured it was gonna be that way. Getting to just talk to other people and figure out why they chose theirs as fun too, so, it’s a great community thing,” Olander said.

Daskalos said that, due to the event’s popularity with students, SSE hopes to host another “Build-a-Bo” in the Spring semester.

“This event is loved every year, our goal is to maybe do this event twice this year, so that we can get more people in,” Daskalos said.

Addison Fulton is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

Recent UNM graduate calls on local leaders during COP30

By Leila Chapa & Paloma Chapa

@lchapa06 & @paloma_chapa88

The Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change occurs every year in a selected country, during which the United Nations decision making body, represented by nations around the world, convenes with the aim of preventing ‘dangerous human interference with the climate system,” according to their website.

This year, the UNFCCC was held in Belém, Brazil, where recent University of New Mexico alum Feleecia Guillen spoke at a press conference organized by US Climate Action Network at the convention, during which she called on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham after having spoken with her in-person at the convention.

Guillen graduated with a business degree from UNM this May, and was actively engaged with local environmental issues through UNM Leaders for Environmental Action and Foresight and Youth United for Climate Crisis Action. She is currently the New Mexico Fellow

St. Thomas of Canterbury

Episcopal Church

425 University Blvd. NE Albuquerque NM 87120

Part of the community of the University of New Mexico for 65 years. Our Service is at 10am with music and Wednesdays at 12:05pm. Website: canterburyabq.org

Please join us if you can. Everyone is welcome!

with the Institute for Policy Studies within the Climate Policy Program in Washington D.C., she said.

Other New Mexicans at the conference included Lujan Grisham, Julia Bernal from Pueblo Action Alliance and Acoma Pueblo elder Petuuche Gilbert.

Guillen said she was able to “confront” Lujan Grisham after the governor’s opening remarks at COP30, and tell her that her organization, NM No False Solutions, has been trying to meet with her to share their analysis about why nuclear and hydrogen energy is harmful to the NM community.

Lujan-Grisham’s office promised to set up a meeting for another time, according to a press release from NM No False Solutions and Pueblo Action Alliance.

Guillen said she felt overwhelmed as one of the youngest people in the room, and also struggled with the heat and humidity of Belém.

“Half the time you’re just trying to cool down,” Guillen said. “As someone from New Mexico, I am not accustomed to humidity.”

Guillen said she was in the venue when dozens of protesters breached security barriers.

“Things got very tense because people started arguing with the UN security,” Guillen said. “It set this fear within us of not knowing what was going on, we saw UN security running towards the entrance and

we had completely no idea of what was happening.”

According to The Associated Press, Brazilian military personnel kept demonstrators from entering the site as protesters dressed in traditional Indigenous garb formed a human chain around the entrance.

“Their action was a direct response to the years of exclusion and tokenization within the UN climate process and it clearly made it visible indigenous people were among the most effective protectors of the forests, of our water systems, of biodiversity,” Guillen said. “It was just extremely powerful to see this group of indigenous people fight for their homelands.”

Organizers met to strategize about artificial intelligence and how they would “uplift each other’s fights,” Guillen said.

“The Center for Biological Diversity did a press conference against AI, and it was so powerful as we think about Project Jupiter in New Mexico and also Blackstone wanting to come in to take over our electric utility, it’s absolutely intertwined, and I cannot stress the danger of data centers and AI,” Guillen said.

Project Jupiter is a proposed data center in Doña Ana County, though construction has yet to begin due to lawsuits alleging the project managers did not properly fill out forms to secure funding through

government-backed bonds, according to Source NM.

In late August, Public Service Company of New Mexico announced it would be acquired by Blackstone Infrastructure, the energy and transportation arm of private equity firm Blackstone, for $11.5 billion, according to the Santa Fe-New Mexican.

Guillen said that from her perspective, COP30 did not deliver justice or live up to the scale of implementation that needed to deliver a just transition away from fossil fuels and that she saw several fossil fuel lobbyists at the conference.

“As young people, we have so much work ahead of us, not only to combat the climate crisis, but to combat historical injustices that have been done to our people since time immemorial, and, continue to build knowledge, to seek out political education opportunities,” Guillen said.

Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@ dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

Bo, the recently come-to-life wolf, poses for a photo in the Daily Lobo Library on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Liliana Esparza / Daily Lobo / @lili.published

Feleecia Guillen, a UNM alum, speaks to attendees at COP 30 about fossil fuels and democracy in Brazil on Nov. 13.

Courtesy Photo/ Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo

Inside the wonderful tradition, Hanging of the Greens

By Alex Joe @DailyLobo

As the calendar turns to December and the temperature drops, it’s officially time to decorate for the holidays and for Christmas songs and carols — the reasons as to why Hanging of the Greens is one of the University of New Mexico’s best traditions.

After a long week of work and studying, on Dec. 5, people were able to unwind and bring their holiday cheer with Hanging of the Greens. The festivities started with some cocoa and biscochitos served at the UNM bookstore.

Following some sweet treats, the march to University House would begin. There were four stops with Christmas caroling, culminating with the hanging of the wreath, also known as “the Greens,” on the President’s residence. The first stop was outside the Cornell Parking Structure next to Popejoy Hall and the Fiestas Dancers statue. The singing started off well with classics: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” The singing was led by the President of Mortar Board Bree Hawkins, Vice President Tazz Jaber and a choir of students.

“Hanging of the Greens is probably one of my favorite Christmas traditions that I’ve adopted with my family,” Hawkins said. “It is really cool to see the whole community come out for the holidays, getting to be president is an honor to plan the event and see it through. So I’m just super excited everyone comes out, it’s my favorite part to see everyone with their families and their friends. I hope tonight is special as it’s President (Garnett) Stokes’ last

Daily Lobo

Hanging of the Greens.”

Stokes announced earlier this semester that she would be retiring as University President at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

While the day got darker, the energy rose up as the march continued to the second stop of the night — the west side of the Student Union Building in front of Johnson Center. The classics continued with “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

The last stop before the President’s House was at the cactus gardens, which definitely felt most like the season. Due to the snow delay on Dec. 4, there were some snow remnants on the ground, allowing for kids to play and even make little snowmen. Next on the song sheet included “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Deck the Halls.”

Finally, the path of the event came to its destination as the march arrived at President Stoke’s house. The last two main carols capped off the event with “Silent Nights” and “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The Mortar Board thanked the President after awarding her with a gift. Then the crowning moment hit when President Stokes hung the wreath on the house, symbolizing the hanging of the greens.

Afterwards, there were refreshments to fuel back up and cool down after some energetic caroling, along with posole served at Hodgin Hall, water and hot apple cider.

Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at culture@ dailylobo.com or on X @ DailyLobo

Luminarias light up the pathways of UNM campus for students, families and community members to walk through during the Hanging of the Greens event on Friday, Dec. 5.

Leila Chapa / Daily Lobo / @lchapa06

UNM President Garnett Stokes joined student carolers to sing Christmas songs in front of her campus house during the Hanging of the Greens event on Friday, Dec 6.

Leila Chapa / Daily Lobo / @lchapa06

LOBO SPORTS

Lobos unleashed at the Pit, send Broncos back to Santa Clara

By Alex Joe @DailyLobo

The Lobos came into the contest on a wave of momentum after vanquishing New Mexico Highlands University, which they looked to build upon against a talented Santa Clara University team on Saturday, Dec. 6 at The Pit. They secured a decisive performance in a 98-71 home victory.

The Lobos started out with an aggressive approach, as forward

Tomislav Buljan was fouled twice in the first two minutes of the game, leading to four free throws. The defense forced four quick turnovers, giving the Lobos an early 11-6 lead.

Tomislav Buljan finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.

“That’s what I do, because I practice it also,” Buljan said. “I knew the bigs are not going to be ready. I’m going to be aggressive, you also practice that in practice. I’m going to be aggressive against them.”

After being down 16-14, a threepoint shot by guard Uriah Tenette would spark a 12-0 run by the Lobos, giving them a 10 point lead around halfway through the first quarter, 26-16.

Lobos offense attacked Santa Clara in phases, as they went on another big run for a lead of 18 points, their largest lead of the half, before Santa Clara finished the first half on a 15-6 run. The Lobos would cling to a 45-36 lead at halftime.

The second half started off slow, as the Broncos went on a 10-2 run

to cut the deficit to one point, but the Lobos quieted the noise with a 9-0 run themselves, getting the lead back to double digits — 56-46.

Santa Clara was never comfortable, as they did not lead in the second half, while the Lobos led by as much as 31 in the second half. The Lobos proved to be very efficient on offense, scoring 60% from the field. They had five players in double digits, and were led by guard Deyton Albury with 22 points.

“It felt good, but credit to my teammates, they were making shots, so the paint just felt more open for me and it was just easier to finish around the basket,” Albury said. “I started the season kind of rough, but just kept working, kept my head in it and getting confident in myself.”

The Lobos finished with 29 breakaway points, 36 points off the bench and 50 points in the paint, a complete performance offensively.

“I thought we played probably easily, our most complete game. How we sustained our effort, our execution for the vast majority of the game and we got a great result against some really good basketball team,” Lobo Head Coach Eric Olen said.

The Lobos improved their win streak to four; now at 7-2, they have a road date next on Wednesday, Dec. 10 versus Virginia Commonwealth University, one of the Lobos other top non-conference opponents.

Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo. com or on X @DailyLobo

Daniel Hughes, a punter from the land down under

By Elizabeth Bolke @DailyLobo

University of New Mexico punter

Daniel Hughes has become one of the main faces of the program through his social media platforms and his unique journey.

Coming to the United States from Australia last season to play football at City College of San Francisco, he’s since moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue his career for the Lobos.

Hughes was one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which honors the best punter in college football, presented by the Augusta Sports Council. Hughes is the third Lobo punter to become a semifinalist for the award. Some highlights from Hughes’ 2025 season include a 51-yard punt to the oneyard line against Utah State, which set up a safety, and a 36-yard punt to the two-yard line against UNLV that helped secure a win.

He had eight punts travel over 50 yards, with a season-long of 64 yards at San Jose State. This season, Hughes is averaging 46.2 yards on 24 punts with only one touchback. Ten of his punts have been downed inside the 20-yard line, including seven inside the 10.

While living in New Mexico, Hughes has noticed a few crucial differences between living on the coast and in the mountain west. These differences include the drastic elevation change from sea level and the absence of white-sand beaches in New Mexico, Hughes said.

Hughes also said, “Not being around family and friends, that gets tough sometimes.”

Hughes said that some of his favorite things about attending UNM come from the football program.

“Couldn’t ask for anything more, love the people around me” Hughes said.

Hughes has built an online presence that invites people into his life, sharing his experiences as a student-athlete at UNM through videos he posts on Instagram and TikTok, including ‘A Day in the Life’ clips, travel videos from away games and game-day vlogs. Hughes has garnered over 26 thousand followers on Instagram and over 12 thousand followers on TikTok.

Hughes is looking to the future and seeing what it may hold as he wants to turn his NFL dreams into a reality, he said.

“I’d love the Dolphins to pick me up, but the reality is, if a scout gives you a contract, you take it,” Hughes said.

Elizabeth Bolke is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobo. com or on X @dailylobo

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Hughes.

Courtesy Photo / Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo

Lobos Guard Deyton Albury (1) pokes the ball loose while defending Broncos guard Brenton Knapper (0) during

Saturday night’s matchup at the Pit on Dec. 6. The Lobos won 98-71.

John P. Hefti / Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo

Lobos guard Uriah Tennette (4) goes up for a layup during Saturday’s win against Santa Clara University at The Pit on Dec. 6. The Lobos won 98-71.

John P. Hefti / Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo

Congratulations 2025 Lobo Graduates!

HOUSING GUIDE daily lobo

Congratulations 2025 Lobo Graduates!

Technical and Professional Communication

Laura Burkemper

Athena Gordon

Kayla Stoltenberg

MASTER OF ARTS

Anthropology Josue Aciego Katya Connell

James Gunn

Rangel Cassie Velarde Neher raven Vix

Chicano

Risha Broom Sergio Garza

Veronica Lopez

Dante Olivas

Travis Thompson

Valeria Vasquez

Communication

Christopher Apodaca

Yage Du

Brooke Pope

Comparative

Literature & Cultural Studies

Noah Mertz

Rosemary White

French Gilles Valere Djietcheu Woosem

History

Louis Huning

Emma Masterson

Jackie Truitt

Latin American Studies

Maria Fiuza

Durham

Darius Etheridge

Joseph Fredericks

Isaiah Garcia

Ashley Garcia-Grijalva

Victoria Ghahate

Andrew Harvey

House

Caroline Jamharian

Harry Jamharian

Hulda Joaquim

Kate Kennedy

Dustin Kenzel

Jiajun Lin

LeeAnn Montoya

Jacob Maestas

Billy Dee Murphy

Rebekah O’Rourke

Araceli Ramirez

Marie Ramirez

Jackie Rodriguez

Susan Ross Mackenzie Rubin

David Sager

Andres Sanchez

Johnny Sanchez

Smith

Ezekiel Sorenson

Kat Stalker Frank Svet

Irlanda Torres-Solis Crystal Trujillo

Brian Valdez

Jordan Vincent

Karyn Walliker

Deon Watson

Nichole Wroten

Amy Wyman

Xiangzhou Yang

Rayyan Zindani

College of Arts and Sciences

GRADUATE

CERTIFICATE

Race and Social

Justice

Dominic Harrison

Congratulations 2025 Lobo Graduates!

HAPS The Entertainment Guide

Monday

JC’s

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Books, Puzzles, Stickers, Mugs, Etc. 11 AM - 6 PM 120 Jefferson St NE

Birthright of Albuquerque

Providing love, support, and hope to woman both before and after childbirth.

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Tuesday

Birthright of Albuquerque

Providing

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JC’s

Thursday

Birthright of Albuquerque

Providing love, support, and hope to woman both before and after childbirth.

birthright.org/albuquerque

New Volunteers Always Welcome

10AM-1PM; 3228 Candelaria Rd NE

JC’s New York Pizza Dept.

Buy Pizza, Wings, and more With LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 10PM; 215 Central Ave, Nw (505) 766-6973

Mama and the Girls Cannabis Dispensary and Education Center

Open 8 AM - 10:30 PM

Quirky Used Books & More Books, Puzzles, Stickers, Mugs, Etc. 11 AM - 6 PM 120 Jefferson St NE

Friday

JC’s New York Pizza Dept. Buy Pizza, Wings, and more With LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 12PM; 215 Central Ave, Nw (505) 766-6973

Mama and the Girls Cannabis Dispensary and Education Center

Open 8 AM - 10:30 PM

Quirky Used Books & More

More than 24,000 Used Books

11 AM - 6 PM | 120 Jefferson St NE-

Saturday

JC’s New York Pizza Dept. Buy Pizza, Wings, and more With LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 12PM; 215 Central Ave, Nw (505) 766-6973

Mama and the Girls Cannabis Dispensary and Education Center Open 8 AM - 10:30 PM

Quirky Used Books & More Books, Puzzles, Stickers, Mugs, Etc. 11 AM - 6 PM 120 Jefferson St NE

Sunday

JC’s New York Pizza Dept. Buy Pizza, Wings, and more With LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 10PM; 215 Central Ave, Nw (505) 766-6973

Mama and the Girls Cannabis Dispensary and Education Center

Open 8 AM - 10:30 PM

Quirky Used Books & More Books, Puzzles, Stickers, Mugs, Etc. 11 AM - 6 PM 120 Jefferson St NE

Most New Mexicans face barriers to local news, report finds

By Alex Joe @DailyLobo

Two-thirds of New Mexico residents say they do not have access to trustworthy local news, according to a new report by the New Mexico Local News Fund.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the NMLNF released their 2025 Local News Ecosystem Report, detailing choices that people around the state have for getting specialized or general news about their communities.

Along with access, there are issues with a lack of staff, as 90% of news outlets statewide were found to have fewer than 10 full-time staff members, and 75% of news outlets statewide have fewer than five full-time staff members, according to the report.

Gwyneth Doland is a Professor of Practice for the University of New Mexico’s Communication and Journalism Department, and was one of the authors of the report.

According to the report, 80% of outlets serving the state have annual budgets under $500,000.

Doland was adamant that these are jobs to be reserved for humans, rather than automated or given to artificial intelligence agents, and that they be compensated equitably.

“This is a job that humans need to do, and they deserve to be paid fairly for it,” Doland said. “If this industry can’t pay people decently, then we can’t attract people to these jobs. And it’s important to remember that our democracy depends on it.”

Part of the issue these days is a digital divide or disruption, as social media is the most preferred source of news for New Mexicans, and 20% of people surveyed said distrust is a barrier to receiving local news, according to the report.

said this can also extend to coverage with less negativity, and more about what is working for those communities.

“In our research, revenue emerged as a consistent challenge,” Doland said. “The whole business model for journalism has shifted radically over the past couple of decades, and big legacy media outlets that used to be really big businesses in their towns, no longer find it so easy to make money selling newspapers, so the business has shifted to digital. Both newspapers and TV stations told us that some of them get the majority of their audience online, not in a printed paper or on their TV broadcast. And advertising just generates less money online.”

“People reach for their phones and they’re not getting the same quality of news. They’re not getting the same trustworthy news as they used to get, so that has huge ramifications for us as a community, a city, a state, a country and a world,” Doland said. ”If we don’t share an understanding of what’s going on around us, if we don’t share a set of reliable, trustworthy facts about what’s happening in the world today, then we can’t come up with solutions to problems. We can’t make any progress if we don’t agree on what’s going on.”

Final Exam Schedule for Fall 2025 Week of December 8 ‐ 13

Another area to be addressed is communities being left out in coverage, with the report finding that 25% of residents believe local media does not reflect them at all.

“There are a lot of small communities out there where no local television covers them,” Doland said. “So they get Albuquerque TV and they hear a lot, maybe they subscribe online to the Albuquerque Journal or they see the Journal and the (Santa Fe) New Mexican’s posts on social media, and they get an awful lot of news about car crashes and DWIs and murders and child abuse and terrible things that happen in big cities all over the country. They are tired of it because it doesn’t represent the communities they live in. Everybody deserves to get news about the place where they live, and that’s not

really what’s happening across the news deserts that we found in our study. There are so many counties where there’s no one reporting the bad or the good. That’s something we hope will change in part because of our research.”

The methodology that was conducted for their research included surveys, focus groups throughout the state and content analysis. Doland said that the NMLNF team “scoured the state pretty hard” to assemble the full list of more than 130 news outlets assessed in the report, even after decisions to not include some outlets on their New Mexico News Map and in the report.

Usethelistingbelowtodeterminethefinalexamscheduleforyourclasses.Examinationswilltakeplaceinthesameroomsasclass meetingsunlessotherwiseannouncedbytheinstructor.Achangeinthefinalexamday/timemustbeapprovedbytheinstructor'sCollege Dean.PriortoNovember7,2025,theSchedulingOfficemustreceivenotificationoftheapproval.Labexamsmaybegivenduringthe weekprecedingfinalsweekorduringthetimeperiodlistedbelowduringfinalsweek.Itisthestudent'sresponsibilitytoinformtheir instructors before Friday, October 25, 2025, if they have conflicts with this exam schedule.

While there are a number of issues with the local news ecosystem, Doland said she is hopeful with this

report that change is headed in the right direction.

“We feel very confident that our news map includes the vast majority of outlets doing journalism and of providing other important sources of high-quality civic information,” Doland said. “Sometimes these lines are hard to draw, but we did not include opinion blogs, for example. We didn’t include some printed things that didn’t include any local news, but instead included some syndicated content around ads.”

Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo. com or on X @DailyLobo

X E Oaks from page 1 about a planned engagement with friends later that night that was set to include a custom tattoo, a home cooked meal and Oaks’ roommates, all in honor of the artist’s approaching departure back to the States before

the expiration of Oaks’ visa.

PleaserecogniPleasebeawarethatstudentstakemultipleexams,andmanyoftheseareofferedatspecifictimesaccordingtothefinal examschedule.Ifyouchoosenottofollowthisexamschedule,itisimportanttoprovidestudentswithabroadwindowoftimeforexam completion(12hoursormore)toavoidcreatingexamtimeconflicts.Bestpracticesforexamsinremotecontextsincludeproviding studentswithabroadwindowforcompletion,allowingstudentstopracticetheexam‐takingconditions,andprovidingawayforstudents to communicate with the instructor if their internet connection fails during the exam.

As for plans after graduation this Saturday, Oaks said the goal is to work outside of the art world, and instead pursue the drawing craft on a more personal level, rather than

for a grade or regular paycheck, in addition to moving back to Europe.

“I would love to pursue selfpublished comics. I’m kind of already doing that, but it’s been more and more difficult to do it within

the constraints of the academic institution,” Oaks said. “So I’m really excited to graduate and, like, explore what it is to have a personal practice outside of school.”

Note:Duringtheweekoffinals,facultyandstudentswillagreeonatimetoconductexamsoutsideofthoselistedbelow.TheScheduling OfficemustbenotifiedbeforeNovember7,2025.Intheeventofinclementweather,examswillberescheduledattheendoffinalsweek according to University classroom schedules, weather projections, and students' needs.

IF YOUR CLASS IS:

FINAL WILL BE ON:

Foreign Lang & Lit, Spanish & Portuguese Monday, December 8

MATH 1350, 1430, 1512, 2531 and 314Monday, December 8

MATH 1215, 1220, 1240, 1250, 1522 and 316Monday, December 8

IF YOUR CLASS MEETS: FINAL WILL BE ON:

MWF 7:00‐7:50 or MW 7:00‐8:15 a.m.

AT THIS TIME: 12:30‐2:30 p.m.

3:00‐5:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m.‐9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.‐12:00 p.m.

AT THIS TIME: Wednesday, December 105:30‐7:30 p.m.

MWF 8:00‐8:50 or MW 8:30‐9:45 a.m. Wednesday, December 10

MWF 9:00‐9:50 a.m.

Wednesday, December 10

MWF 10:00‐10:50 a.m. Friday, December 12

MWF 11:00‐11:50 a.m. Wednesday, December 10

MWF 12:00‐12:50 or MW 12:30‐1:45 p.m.Friday, December 12

MWF 1:00‐1:50 p.m. Friday, December 12

MWF 2:00‐2:50 or MW 2:00‐3:15 p.m.

Wednesday, December 10 MWF 3:00‐3:50 p.m.

Tuesday, December 9

MWF 4:00‐4:50 or MW 4:00 5:15 p.m. Monday, December 8

MWF 5:00‐5:50 p.m.

Wednesday, December 10

MW 5:00‐6:15 or 6:00‐7:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 10

MW 7:30‐8:45 p.m. Monday, December 8

TR 8:00‐9:15 a.m. Thursday, December 11

TR 9:30‐10:45 a.m. Tuesday, December 9

TR 11:00 a.m.‐12:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 9

TR 12:30‐1:45 p.m.

TR 2:00‐3:15 p.m.

TR 3:30‐4:45 p.m.

Thursday, December 11

Tuesday, December 9

Thursday, December 11

TR 5:00‐6:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 9

TR 6:00‐7:15 p.m.

TR 7:30‐8:45 p.m.

Tuesday, December 9

M 4:00‐6:30 or 4:15‐6:45 or 4:30‐7:00 p.m.Monday, December 8

T 4:00‐6:30 or 4:15‐6:45 or 4:30‐7:00 p.m.Tuesday, December 9

W 4:00‐6:30 or 4:15‐6:45 or 4:30‐7:00 p.m.Wednesday, December 10

R 4:00‐6:30 or 4:15‐6:45 or 4:30‐7:00 p.m.Thursday, December 11

F 4:00‐6:30 or 4:15‐6:45 or 4:30‐7:00 p.m.Friday, December 12

M 5:00 or later Monday, December 8

T 5:00 or later

W 5:00 or later

Tuesday, December 9

Wednesday, December 10

R 5:00 or later Thursday, December 11

S 8:00 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.

S 1:00 or later

12:30‐2:30 p.m.

7:30‐9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.‐12:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.‐12:00 p.m. 12:30‐2:30 p.m.

3:00‐5:00 p.m.

5:30‐7:30 p.m.

7:45‐9:45 p.m.

7:30‐9:30 a.m.

12:30‐2:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.‐12:00 p.m.

3:00‐5:00 p.m.

5:30‐7:30 p.m.

7:45‐9:45 p.m.

5:30‐7:30 p.m.

3:00‐5:00 p.m.

7:45‐9:45 p.m.

7:45‐9:45 p.m. 7:45‐9:45 p.m.

Saturday, December 137:30‐9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 1310:00 a.m.‐12:00 p.m.

Elliott Wood is the news editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @ DailyLobo

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE

December 8 -13, 2025

Use this listing to determine the final exam schedule for your class. Exams will take place in the rooms in which the individual classes have been meeting, unless otherwise announced Exams for lab times of a section may be given during the week preceding finals week or at the time period listed during finals week.

Doland

The University of New Mexico Communications and Journalism Building on Sunday, Dec. 7. Liliana Esparza / Daily Lobo / @lili.published

DAILY LOBO C ampus Calendar of Events Calendar

A journaling support group for anyone who has a loved one with cancer, a loved one who has survived cancer, and/or a loved one who has died from cancer.

Honors Student Association: General Meeting Honors College Forum 5:30 – 7:00pm

Lectures & Readings

fellow Lobos while watching episodes of Wednesday. Free popcorn.

MJ The Musical Popejoy Hall 7:00 – 9:00pm He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Albuquerque in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

THURSDAY

Honors College Fall 2025 Convocation Honors College Forum 6:00 – 8:00pm A celebration of our Fall 2025 graduates.

Chinese Club Study Session LLC. Ortega, Room 120 3:00 – 4:00pm Conversation group follows. Family & Friends Cancer Support Group Health Sciences, Education Wing 4:00 – 5:30pm

Thesis/Dissertation Presentation Castetter Hall 9:00 – 10:00am Benjamin Garcia, Biology, presents “Adaptive Immunity in Teleost Fish: the nasal cavity as a sight of afﬁnity maturation.”

Art & Music

Polarity John Sommers Gallery 1:00 – 3:00pm

BFA/BAIA Capstone Artist Talks.

Polarity Keller Hall 3:00 – 5:00pm

BFA/BAIA Capstone Artist Talks.

& All That Follows Opening Exhibit 6th Street Studio 5:00 – 8:00pm A group exhibition by the RAVEL: Seeding Radicle Futures Fall 2025 cohort.

Theater & Film

MJ The Musical Popejoy Hall

1:00 – 3:00pm He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Albuquerque in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning

musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

MJ The Musical Popejoy Hall

7:00 – 9:00pm He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Albuquerque in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

FRIDAY

Lectures & Readings

BAIA Capstone Final Presentation Arts Lab

2:00 – 5:00pm The Fall 2026 Senior Interdisciplinary Arts (BAIA) students present their ﬁnal works. Theater & Film

La Estrella: A Flamenco Story of the Kings’ Quest Rodey Theater 7:00 – 9:00pm

Avery Silfer/ Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo

DAILY LOBO CLASSIFIEDS

get your free ad, email classiﬁeds@dailylobo.com from your UNM email.or Come by Marron Hall room 107 and show your UNM ID by Marron Hall room 107. Textbooks

HEY STUDENTS! YOU can place FREE ads in this classiﬁeds category?

Ads must be 25 words or less. To get your free ad, email classiﬁeds@dailylobo.com.or Come by Marron Hall room 107 and show your UNM ID by Marron Hall room 107. Jobs Off Campus

PART-TIME

DAILY LOBO C ampus

World Tour.

La Estrella: A Flamenco Story of the Kings’ Quest Rodey Theater 2:00 – 4:00pm A family-friendly holiday tradition. Tickets start at $44.50.

La Estrella: A Flamenco Story of the Kings’ Quest Rodey Theater

7:00 – 9:00pm

A family-friendly holiday tradition. Tickets start at $44.50.

MJ The Musical Popejoy Hall

7:30 – 9:30pm He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Albuquerque in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

SUNDAY Theater & Film

MJ The Musical Popejoy Hall

1:00 – 3:00pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Albuquerque in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous

MJ The Musical Popejoy Hall

6:30 – 8:30pm He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Albuquerque in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Sports & Recreation

UNM Men’s Basketball vs Florida Gulf Coast The Pit 7:00 – 9:00pm Tickets are free for students but must be acquired online.

CURRENT EXHIBITS

Polarity

John Summers Gallery December 5 – 12, 2025 BFA capstone.

In Memoriam Spectra Gallery, Honors Forum

Through December 13, 2025

Navigates the intricate intersection of domestic and wild elements, honoring non-human animals and exploring the collective healing that arises through art-making and mourning.

& All That Follows 6th Street Studio December 11, 2025 – January 9, 2026

A group exhibition by the RAVEL: Seeding Radicle Futures Fall 2025 cohort.

Harmony Hammond: Desire Through January 23, 2026

Tamarind Institute

Harmony Hammond, a pivotal and ground breaking ﬁgure in the feminist art and queer abstraction movements, investigates the lithograph as a non-planographic object.

The Armor We Wear

Through January 31, 2026

516 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

How do clothing and adornment

transcend utility —becoming symbols of power, identity, and intent. The exhibition features eleven local and regional artists, including from UNM.

Entangled Cultures: How Humans and Microbes Co-create through Fermentation

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Through March 14, 2026

Entangled Cultures presents diverse global examples of traditional

Ancestors

vessels used in the creation and consumption of fermented foods and beverages.

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Permanent Exhibit Ancestors will lead you through those aspects of modern humanity that makes us unique and successful, tracing the path of evolution through the past four million years.

People of the Southwest Maxwell Museum of Anthropology Permanent Exhibit

This exhibition celebrates the cultural history of the Southwest, especially the close relationship southwestern people have had with the land around them.