2012, Spring

SPRING 2012

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

Making a Paws-itive Impact • The Art of Clowning Around • Bestsellers by Alumni • Blazing a Trail in Politics T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W M E X I C O | A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N

The Lobos Win The Mountain West Conference

The Lobo Men’s Basketball team (and coach Steve Alford) celebrated a joyful win at the Mountain West Conference in Las Vegas.

The team made it to the third round of the NCAA tournament before dropping a heartbreaker to Louisville.

2

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

contents

on the cover: Animal Excellence

Karen Menczer (pictured with adopted pups Eubie, Lizzie, and Bruni) strives to help animals around the world—and help to teach people to help them, too—with her organization, Animal-Kind International.

Photo by Liz Lopez

checking in 6

Meet President Robert Frank, Ph.D.

This summer, UNM’s newest president starts his term.

28

13 The Lobos’ New Coach

21 The Onion Is in Albuquerque

Bob Davie takes over as head football coach.

16 By UNM Alumni

UNM grads have penned books about every subject. Browse the Hodgin Hall collection.

How one alum brought a national paper to UNM.

34 13 Things You Didn’t Know...

...about the UNM Alumni Association. reading up 18 A Driving Force

For Jesse Herron and Michael Silva, Jr., success came in the form of a trolley.

22 Through Life’s Twists and Turns

Theater grad Jason Nious takes on Cirque du Soleil.

26 Blazing a Trail

Jennifer Carroll finds her path in politics.

28 More Than a Pet Project

18

Karen Menczer invests in the world’s animals, saving one at a time.

32 Confessions of a Nursing School Grad

Whitny Doyle’s journey to becoming a nurse. spring 2012

|

3

catching up 5

President Schmidly’s Note

5

Album

8

UNM Links

14 The UNM Chapel Turns 50 25 A Letter from the

Alumni Association President 34 Marriages 38 Zia Awards 39 Lifelong Winners 41 Mailbox 41 In Memoriam

5 Mirage was the title of the University of New Mexico yearbook until its last edition in 1978. Since that time, the title was adopted by the alumni magazine, which continues to publish vignettes of UNM graduates.

making plans 36 “U” Had a Blast

Thanks for Homecoming 2011 —and some news about Homecoming 2012.

42 Chapter News

Travel opportunities, upcoming events, and more.

40 We Dream Big

The Alumni Association’s wish list.

Spring 2012, Volume 32, Number 1, THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO: David J. Schmidly, President; Karen A. Abraham, Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations; Lexi Petronis, Editor; Vicki Marie Singer, Art Director.

UNM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Waneta Tuttle, President, Albuquerque; Duffy Swan, President Elect, Albuquerque; Randy Royster, Treasurer, Albuquerque; Steve Chreist, Past President, Albuquerque; Monica Armenta, Albuquerque; Rich Diller, Albuquerque; Harold Lavender, Albuquerque; Kathie Winograd, Albuquerque.

MIRAGE is published two times a year by the University of New Mexico Alumni Association for the University’s alumni and friends.

Address all correspondence to UNM Alumni Relations Office, MSC 01-1160, 1 University of New Mexico, 87131-0001 or alumni@unm.edu.

You may also contact us at 505-277-5808 or 800-258-6866 (800-ALUM-UNM). Our web address is unmalumni.com. Join us on Facebook (facebook.com/unmalumni) and Twitter (@unmalumni). To comply with the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, UNM provides this publication in alternative formats. If you have special needs and require an auxiliary aid or service, please contact Karen Abraham usingthe contact information listed here.

4

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

A Last Note From the President

A

D A V I D J . S C H M I D LY

As I reflect upon my time here as President of this great University, it occurs to me that UNM is many things to many people. It is a major research institution, a high quality educational institution, and a public agency that provides statewide services that, in many respects, are unique in American higher education. But when you get to the heart of what UNM is all about, it is about our students and future alumni, our greatest assets, and our hope for the future.

I am frequently asked these days what I am most proud of in terms of the accomplishments that have been made over the past five years. Let me begin by emphasizing that these are not my accomplishments. They are the result of the inspiration and commitment of many individuals dedicated to making the University as strong as it can be. Over the years and with the partnership of an outstanding faculty, a highly talented and committed staff, and actively engaged and philanthropically committed alumni and friends, we have reached most of the goals we set for UNM over the past five years. Having said that, let me identify just a few of those accomplishments that we can all celebrate.

Since 2007, UNM has built more than a half billion dollars in capital projects to support and strengthen its mission, national reputation for excellence, and ability to serve students, faculty, and staff. This infrastructure is necessary to support our total enrollment of 29,000 students —the largest student population in UNM’s history. But it’s not just our numbers that have increased. UNM adopted the first improvements in admission standards in well over a decade and is now ranked among the top 150 universities in the country for National Merit Scholar enrollment.

During one of the most trying economic times in history, UNM has

a LBU m compiled by Margaret Weinrod

Look for a friend on every page!

Send your news to Kara Evans, The University of New Mexico Alumni Association, MSC 01-1160, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131-0001.

Please include your middle name or initial!

Fall (August) deadline: May 1 Spring (March) deadline: January 1

‘50s and Back

JANET AND DAVID SCHMIDLY

both successfully balanced its budgets and increased its private resources.

Many of you have invested in our future alums and your alma mater through generous contributions to the UNM Foundation, which received $359 million in private gifts and grants between 2007 and 2011—more than in any similar period in the history of UNM. We’ve also strengthened our family ties. Since the UNM Parent Association was established in 2008, it continues to grow with nearly 8,000 members, many of whom are UNM alums and share that special connection to the University.

I leave this office wishing you the very best. Together we have worked hard for a better University of New Mexico. I am proud that we can take pride in saying: Go Lobos!

Sincerely, David J. Schmidly

Robert Figge, ’51 BA, ’53 MA, and his brother, Roger Figge, ’57 BA, ’59 MA, Albuquerque, have had a new classroom building named for them at Highland High School in Albuquerque. Robert taught world history there for 34 years; Roger taught there for 26 years. Figge Hall has three floors and 23 rooms.

James V. Neely, ’51 BSME, ’57 MSME, Denver, won three gold medals in the Rocky Mountain Senior Games in Greeley, Colo. last June. He has participated and medaled in the Senior Games in Maryland and Colorado for more than 20 years and says he plans to continue for many more.

Glen Houston, ’52 BA, ’55 LLB, and the late Rosemary “Poe” Jones Houston, ’51 BSED, were honored by New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, which renamed one of its residence halls to “Glen & Rosemary Houston Thunderbird Hall.”

James H. Turner, ’56 BBA, Clovis, served Eastern New Mexico University-Clovis from 1969 to 1990 and Clovis Community College as president from 1990 until his retirement in 1999. The Board of Trustees of CCC dedicated the business offices of the Vice President for Finance and Administration as the Dr. James H. Turner Business Services Center.

In January 2011, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce gave Turner the “Chamber Heart Award” in recognition of his dedication of time and charitable resources in serving underemployed, youth, elderly, and local causes. He is a 2007 UNM Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame inductee.

N. Scott Momaday, ’58 BAED, ’01 HOND, Santa Fe, has been named to the honorary literary post of Centennial Distinguished Writer by the New Mexico State Library.

spring 2012

|

5

UNM’s 21st President: Robert G. Frank, Ph.D.

A

After a six-month search at the end of 2011, the University of New Mexico Board of Regents has selected Robert G. Frank as the next president of UNM. He will officially take office in June, after David J. Schmidly steps down from his five-year tenure as president.

Dr. Frank is no stranger to the University of New Mexico—he’s a three-time Lobo, having earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate’s degrees at UNM (while also excelling as an NCAA All-American swimmer). But he is blazing new territory in other ways: after all, he is one of a very few UNM alumni to ever serve as UNM president.

6

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

“The chance to be president at a university with as much potential as UNM is the most exciting opportunity I can imagine,” Frank says.

After leaving UNM with a doctorate in clinical psychiatry, Dr. Frank moved on to the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, where he established

the Division of Clinical Health Psychology and Neuropsychology.

He later served as the dean of the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida, where he was also professor in the department of clinical and health psychology.

He returned to the University of Missouri, where as assistant to the dean for health policy, he worked with Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) to manage Missouri’s state health reform effort. Until he officially takes his post in June, Dr. Frank is Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Kent State University—Times Higher Education named Kent State as one of the top 200 universities in the world during Dr. Frank’s tenure.

The presidential search committee included 29 members made up of Regents, faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

All five of the finalists for the presidential position met with members of the community, as well as UNM administrators and the Board of Regents.

Since accepting the position, Dr. Frank has returned to the campus—with his wife, Janet—to meet with the faculty, staff council reps, the UNM Alumni Association Executive Committee, UNM Foundation members, and Regents, while also traveling to Santa Fe to speak with Gov. Susana Martinez about each other’s hopes for UNM’s future.

a LBU m Robert Andrew Mannle, ’72 BA, Gloucester, Mass., says that he is “almost retired” and returning to Santa Fe. He is in the process of selling his first novel, and is currently working on his second.

Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales, ’73 BSED, Taos, has been honored by the New Mexico Library Association for demonstrating leadership in the advancement of libraries in New Mexico and named the Association’s Legislator of the Year in April. He has served as a legislator since 1994.

Ann Hammond, ’74 BSED, ’76 MA, Albuquerque, has joined the Presbyterian Rio Rancho Family Practice. She previously worked at Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital while running her private practice.

Josephine Maez, ’74 BSED, ’78 MA, Los Lunas, is a Special Education Inclusion Teacher at Los Lunas Middle School. She retired in 2000 after 26 years, and returned in 2008.

“As I transition into the presidency, I am ready to work hard to help lead this dynamic place and advance our critical mission as the state’s flagship university, becoming fully engaged in the intellectual and cultural life of our institution,” Dr. Frank wrote in a blog post for the UNM website.

“We look forward to our arrival in May and are honored to be a part of the Lobo community. I have much to learn and, I hope, much to offer as we work together for the future of the University of New Mexico.”

To find out up-to-date news about Robert Frank’s transition into his role as UNM president, check out newpres.unm.edu.

Did You Know…

• Dr. Frank went to Mayfield High School in Las Cruces.

• He graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in psychology from UNM in 1977.

• He and his wife, Janet, have two children: Daniel (26) and Brian (23).

• Dr. Frank says that his presidential priorities center on “enhancing the educational opportunities for UNM’s richly diverse student body.”

• His family will live at University House with their dogs, Lobo and Bailey (pictured above).

James P. Miller, Sr., ’74 EdD, Albuquerque, was inducted into the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators Hall of Fame in 2010 after a career spanning nearly 60 years in New Mexico public education.

Barbara G. Stephenson, ’74 BA, ’79 JD, Albuquerque, joined the Sheehan & Sheehan P.A. law firm last year and is now Shareholder/Director.

She has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in employment law since 2001.

Diana Schoenfeld, ’75 MA, ’84 MFA, Loleta, California, exhibited her photographic research, “Schoolhouse Odyssey: Exploring Remote Location Ghost Schools and Voices from the Past, A Literal and Metaphorical Journey” at the Morris Graves Museum of Art, Eureka, Calif., last spring. The introductory essay for the exhibition, “A Vanishing Cultural Landscape,” was written by Darwin W. Marable, ’81 PhD, Moraga, Calif.

Larry Abraham, ‘76 BBA, has been inducted into the 2012 Anderson School of Management’s Hall of Fame. Abraham has served as the mayor of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque since 2004.

Ernie C’ de Baca, ’76 BA, Albuquerque, is Vice President of Governmental Affairs for PNM Resources and its subsidiaries. He also serves on the Utility Executive Course Advisory Board for the University of Idaho.

Hannah Best, ’77 JD, Albuquerque, has received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women.

She is a founding member of the New Mexico Black Lawyers Association and the New Mexico chapter of the National Employment Law Association.

Her practice focuses on employment law, civil rights, and work-related discrimination cases.

spring 2012

|

7

UNM LINKS HONORS Adding up: Florentin Smarandache, professor of mathematics at UNM’s Gallup branch campus, is a recipient in the 5th Annual New Mexico Book Awards sponsored by the New Mexico Book Co-op. Smarandache was honored in the category of Science and Mathematics for his book, Algebraic Structures Using Natural Class of Intervals. More than 45 books authored by New Mexicans were recognized in a variety of categories. http://news.unm.edu/?p=22708 By the numbers: Anderson School of Management’s accounting professor Joni Young received the Notable Contributions to Accounting Literature Award at the 2011 American Accounting Association Annual Meeting.

The award, sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, was based on Dr. Young’s article, “Making Up Users.” http://www.mgt.unm.edu/news/ details.asp?PR=530 Building the future: Tim C. Bicknell, ’94 BA, was named one of the 2012 Young Architects of the Year by the American Institute of Architects. Young architects are professionals licensed 10 years or less, regardless of their age.

Bicknell has worked for AECOM in Minneapolis, Minn., since 2006, and has earned recognition for his “incredible dedication to both community and craft.” http://news.unm.edu/2012/01/ 8

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

unm-architecture-alum-receives-aiayoung-architects-award Fresh off the press: Four of UNM’s schools were highly ranked in Hispanic Business Magazine’s “40 Best Schools” issue, which measures the effectiveness of universities in attracting Hispanic students in the fields of business, engineering, law, and medicine. The School of Law was ranked No. 5, the Anderson School of Management was No. 7, the School of Medicine was No. 8, and the School of Engineering was ranked No. 9. http://news.unm. edu/2011/10/hispanicbusinessmagazine-ranks-four-unm-schoolsamong-top-10-for-hispanics

honored in the 32nd Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. The recipient of the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, Anaya’s award-winning 1972 debut novel, Bless Me, Ultima is the most widely read and critically acclaimed novel in the Chicano literary canon.

Throughout his career, Anaya also served as a professor in UNM’s Department of English Language and Literature. http://news.unm. edu/?p=25363

C. Robert Campbell

Yasamin Mostofi

Award of a lifetime: C. Robert Campbell, ’58 BS, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Albuquerque chapter of the American Institute of Architects at the organization’s December 2011 meeting. http://www.aiaabq.org/ abqawards_specialpast.htm

A presidential honor: Yasamin Mostofi, assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering, was awarded a 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by President Barack Obama. This is the highest honor bestowed by the United State government to science and engineering professionals who are in the early stages of their research careers. http:// www.ece.unm.edu/%7Eymostofi/

Literary achievement: Rudolfo Anaya, UNM professor emeritus of English, is among those being

Intriguing reading: A UNM Press title, The Secret War in El Paso: Mexican Revolutionary Intrigue,

a LBU m ‘60s 1906–1920, by Charles H. Harris III and Louis R. Sadler, was selected as a winner of the Western Writers of America 2010 Spur Award in the Best Western Contemporary Nonfiction category. http://www.unm.edu/~market/cgibin/archives/004940.html#more Changing the game: Former Lobo basketball player, Greg Brown, ’95 BUS, ’01 MS, received an inaugural Notah Begay III Foundation GameChanger Award. The award honors outstanding athletes and leaders who are examples for their peers, athletes, community, and youth in New Mexico.

One of the year’s best products: Dorian Arnold, assistant professor in UNM’s Computer Science Department, is a mem­ber of a research team that has been recognized with a 2011 R&D 100 Award (known as an “Oscar of Innovation”). The award is for STAT, the stack trace analysis tool, which is being developed with researchers from UNM, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the University of Wisconsin. http:// news.unm.edu/?p=17105 Teaming up: The UNM Department of Civil Engineering was recently named the $25,000 Grand Prize winner in a competition sponsored by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The award recognizes engineering programs that encourage collaboration between students and licensed professional engineers. http://soe.unm.edu/ latest/july-dec11/unm-civil-

engineering-senior-design-coursewins-national-award.html

APPOINTMENTS A proven authority: Mark Koson, UNM associate athletic director and director of ticketing services, was one of eight people appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez to various state boards and commissions.

Koson, who has been at UNM for 19 years, was appointed to the New Mexico Lottery Authority Board. http://news.unm.edu/?p=24849 Advising on health: Maggie Werner-Washburne, a UNM Regents’ professor of biology and a member of the UNM Cancer Center, has been appointed to the advisory council of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Part of the National Institutes of Health, NIGMS supports research that increases our understanding of life processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. http:// news.unm.edu/?p=24195 Coming home: A former Lobo football lineman, Jason Lenzmeier, ’06 BUS, has been named the Lobos’ assistant coach for offense under new head football coach Bob Davie. Lenzmeier served as the offensive line coach for the NMSU Aggies before returning to UNM. http://www.unm.edu/news/2011/ dec/06football2.html Top edits: UNM Anderson School of Management professor Joni Young was appointed editor of the

Wayne Lambert, ’61 MS, ’68 PhD, Colorado Springs, has opened the Wayne Lambert Gallery in Santa Fe, which showcases his black-and-white photographs of Mexico, the Southwest, and the Rocky Mountains.

Nasario Garcia, ’62 BA, ’63 MA, Santa Fe, is the author of An Indelible Imprint: Rubén Cobos, a Multi-Talented Personality (Rio Grande Press).

Prof. Cobos was a UNM faculty member from 1944 to 1977.

Vincent Barrett Price, ’62 BA, Albuquerque, is the author of The Orphaned Land: New Mexico’s Environment Since the Manhattan Project (UNM Press), in which he addresses the ongoing conflict of interpretations between those who view the environment as a commodity and those who view it more broadly as a habitat for nonhumans and humans.

Douglas Collister, ’63 BBA, Albuquerque, has been inducted into the Anderson School of Management 2011 Hall of Fame. He is with High Desert Investment Corp.

Guy Wimberly, ’65 BA, Albuquerque/Elephant Butte, has been elected to the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame. Known as “Mr. New Mexico Golf,” he is director of Golf at Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Sierra del Rio in Elephant Butte and at Arroyo del Oso in Albuquerque.

John P. Salazar, ’65 BA, Albuquerque, is featured in “Collaboration, Community Building and John Salazar,” an article in Super Lawyers/Southwest 2011 Magazine. He is with Rodey Law Firm.

DeBow Freed, ’66 PhD, Ada, Ohio, was recognized by The University of Findlay Board of Trustees last year for his devoted service as the institution’s 16th president from 2003 to 2010, and was named president emeritus.

Jim Danner, ’69 BS, ’82 MS, Belen, is now coach for the Rio Grande High School football team in Albuquerque. Before retiring, he taught and coached at Belen High for 35 years and was BHS principal and athletics coordinator for the past few years.

Lorie L. Dwinell, ’69 BA, Seattle, and co-author Jane Middelton-Moz have revised and expanded their book After The Tears: Helping Adult Children of Alcoholics Heal Their Childhood Trauma, (Health Communications, Inc., Deerfield Beach, Florida, 2010) originally published in 1986. Lorie has been a clinical social worker in private practice since 1977. Before that, she was on the faculty of the University of Washington School of Social Work and Seattle University’s Alcohol Studies Program.

Eugene Moser, ’69 BA, ’75 MPA, Albuquerque, has been appointed a director for the New Mexico Personnel Office by Gov. Martinez. Most recently, he was director of human resources for the City of Albuquerque.

spring 2012

|

9

+ MORE UNM LINKS prestigious journal, Accounting, Organizations and Society. Dr. Young joins six other editors in helping to decide the content of the journal and in shaping the focus of accounting research. http://www.mgt.unm.edu/ news/details.asp?PR=538

GRANTS The business of scholarships: Every year, the UNM Anderson School of Management awards fellowships and scholarships to deserving graduate and undergraduate students. For the 2011–12 academic year, Anderson gave out more than $253,000 in the form of 136 scholarships and fellowships. Fortythree percent of the 316 applications submitted to the school received some form of financial support, and 54 percent of the applications came from self-identified minorities. http://www.mgt.unm.edu/news/ details.asp?PR=535 Adding up: The Offices of Student Services and the Office Support Effective Teaching, along with CNM, received two new grant awards totaling $8 million. The grants are science, technology, engineering, and mathematics focused, Hispanic Serving Institution grants that are designed to improve our capacity to serve Hispanic students. http://news.unm.edu/2011/10/ unm-receives-two-stem-grants/ Family matters: The Family Development Program in UNM’s College of Education has initiated Circles of Support, a major system building initiative strategically 10

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

designed to build a strong foundation for early childhood education within a community school, aimed at closing the achievement gap for vulnerable children. The first phase of the project, running until July 2013, is funded by a grant totaling more than $771,000 from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. http://news.unm.edu/2012/02/w-kkellogg-foundation-awards-771000grant-to-unm-college-of-educationsfamily-development-program/ Investigating gets good: Mary Vilay, PharmD, has been awarded a $10,000 New Investigator Award from the American Association of Colleges Pharmacy. Her research grant, “Timethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole loss in modeled continuous renal replacement therapy,” competed against professionals from pharmacy schools all over the country.

Student pharmacist Jacob Kesner will help carry out the testing this spring. UNM COP Infectious Diseases Renee-Claude Mercier, PharmD; UNMH Pediatric Nephrologist Craig Wong, MD; UNM COP Biostatistician Lisa Marr-Lyon, Ph.D.; and VA Cooperative Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Lab member Dean Agryes all contributed to the success of the grant.

RESEARCH Targeting cells: UNM researchers Larry Sklar and Bruce Edwards unveiled a powerful new method for discovering molecules that target the regulation of cancer cell life and death. Their high-tech screening

approach, detailed in a scientific paper published in Nature Protocols, offers cancer researchers at UNM and around the world a potent tool for identifying and characterizing molecules that show promise as the basis for targeted anti-cancer drugs. http://news.unm.edu/?p=17240 Zoning in on breast cancer: Scientists from the UNM Cancer Center have discovered that noncancerous tissue one centimeter from breast tumor tissue contains levels of the enzyme telomerase, similar to that of the tumor itself.

Their study, published in Molecular Cancer Research, raises new questions about the relationship between breast cancer tissue and its “microenvironment.” http://news.unm.edu/?p=21351 Good news for kidneys: New UNM-led research, presented at the American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting in Denver, has found that after a four-week course of the vasodilator hormone relaxin, kidney function and blood flow immediately improved in lab rats genetically altered to model polycystic kidney disease, a life-threatening genetic disorder. The research was led by Heather Ward, Ph.D., and Angela Wandinger-Ness, Ph.D. http://hscapp.unm.edu/calendar/ output/index.cfm?fuseaction=main. release&EntryID=10305 Patently true: The U.S. Patent Office issued its 108th patent to researchers at the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM).

It is noted as a milestone for CHTM, and a tribute to the New

a LBU m Mexico legislature, which set out to do something about economic development more than 25 years ago. http://news.unm.edu/?p=18468

POLICY & PEOPLE

STUDENTS Looking at ancestors: Diana Rabenold, a graduate student working on her Ph.D. in anthropology, is challenging conventional wisdom about the diet of Paranthropus boisei, a largetoothed species of early hominid found in East Africa between 1.4 and 2.5 million years ago, with a paper published in the Journal PLoS ONE. http://news.unm.edu/?p=23035 A solid landing: UNM architecture graduate student Jeremy Jerge is one of 16 finalists in the 2011 Fentress Global Challenge competition. His submission, “2100 Air Terminal of the Future,” was developed in professor Kramer Woodard’s 604 graduate architecture studio this fall and was selected from more than 200 competition submissions. http://news.unm.edu/?p=25285 Off to market: UNM’s Anderson School of Management was selected as one of 12 schools to participate in the StartUP Productions Marketing Challenge.

Students in digital marketing created an in-class, working marketing agency. Participating campuses will compete for the chance to present their creative ideas to StartUP Productions executives at the term’s conclusion. http://www.mgt.unm. edu/news/details.asp?PR=541

Vina Padilla, ’69 BSED, Paguate, NM, has retired from her 52-year long teaching career in the Grants/Cibola County area.

Bryan H. Robinson, ’69 BAR, Benton City, Wash., was a Department of Interior Public Use Specialist, photographer, federal law enforcement agent, writer-editor, Rogue River manager, and California Desert Manager. He owned businesses in San Diego, Montana, and Seattle, and served as mayor of Benton City until 2008 when he retired to focus on writing, photography, and livestock ranching.

‘70s William Byrnes, ’70 BA, Cedar City, Utah, is Southern Utah University’s associate provost and dean of graduate studies. He has been recognized for his accomplishments in theatre management by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and received its Distinguished Achievement in Management Award this spring.

Brad Ellingboe

Music to our ears: UNM’s choral program celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. In March 2012, the program performed René Clausen’s Requiem (which was commissioned by the choral program, and premiered in UNM’s Popejoy Hall last April) in Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. The program is directed by professor Brad Ellingboe. http://news.unm.edu/?p=17363 Developing networks: Albuquerque mayor Richard J. Berry and UNM president David J. Schmidly announced a Memorandum of Agreement to fund, develop, and manage broadband initiatives aimed at expanding the educational and economic opportunities for the community. The initiative will allow the development of municipal and neighborhood broadband networks, share resources, and create a more favorable economic climate through improved broadband access. http://news.unm.edu/?p=24710

Paul Murray, ’70 BA, Santa Fe, has recently won an award for his art from the Miniature Arts Society of Florida, the Pastel Society of New Mexico, New Mexico MasterWorks, and the Rio Grande Art Associaton.

John Romero Jr., ’70 BA, ’78 MPA, ’85 JD, Albuquerque, was presented with the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award last spring.The award honors Judge Romero who, over the course of his lifetime, has made significant contributions to New Mexico through volunteer efforts.

Gordon Bronitsky, ’71 BA, Albuquerque, of Bronitsky and Associates, presented a dialog between Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld of Congregation Albert and Navajo medicine man Johnson Dennison to discuss “Living in Two Worlds: How Do We Keep Our Balance?” In August, he spoke at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2011, where he met with Aboriginal artists and performers from across western Australia.

Virginia R. Dugan, ’71 MA, ’92 EdD, ’95 JD, Albuquerque, has been named “Best of the Bar”

by New Mexico Business Weekly, and is listed in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Dugan is an attorney and shareholder with the divorce and family law firm Atkinson & Kelsey, PA in Albuquerque.

Janice E. Lucoff, ’71 BUS, Idaho Falls, Idaho, published two books in 2010: Sparrow Tales (children’s fiction with illustrations) and Mystery at Camp Saddle-Up (juvenile fiction).

F. Rubio Boitel, ’72 MA, Albuquerque, became a priest following graduation and now is the author of a book about his life in Cuba and New Mexico in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Kirk Gittings, ’72 BUS, Albuquerque, exhibited his photographs in the “Urge to Wander” show at the City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center Gallery.

spring 2012

|

11

+ MORE UNM LINKS Solar thinking: UNM was selected to compete in the U.S. Department of energy’s Solar Decathlon 2013 against Arizona State University. The team has begun a two-year process to design, construct, and test solarpowered, energy-efficient homes that will be reassembled at the Decathlon in Irvine, Calif. http:// soe.unm.edu/latest/jan-june12/ unm-team-selected-to-compete-inus-doe-solar-decathlon-2012.html 2013 Solar Decathlon Team

BUILDINGS Forensically speaking: A major collaboration between UNM’s Anderson School of Management and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will give students an opportunity to get education and internships in the field of Information Assurance. The newly opened New Mexico Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory is a full-service forensics laboratory and training center devoted entirely to the examination of digital evidence in support of federal, state, and local criminal and national security investigations. http://news.unm.edu/?p=22991 We’re on the map: Students, alumni, and other campus visitors can now navigate UNM’s 197 structures on main campus with the colorful new Wayfinding signs.

12

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

It’s a big change from the former system, in which signs were posted in front of buildings on campus, but the only way to find the building was to use a printed version of the UNM map. http://news.unm.edu/?p=22453 The tooth of the matter: The University of New Mexico Division of Dental Hygiene, which operates three school-based dental clinics serving four middle schools—Van Buren, Wilson, Native American Community Academy, and Grant—has opened a new clinic at Highland High School. http://hscapp.unm.edu/calendar/ output/index.cfm?fuseaction=main. release&EntryID=10306 New center: UNM Hospitals opened the new Clinical Neurosciences Center, a stateof-the-art multidisciplinary

diagnostic, treatment, and research center located at 900 Camino de Salud NE. The 31,000 squarefoot facility provides some of the most comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, and pain management care in the Southwest. http://hscapp.unm.edu/calendar/ output/index.cfm?fuseaction=main. release&EntryID=10394

MORE NEWS Drink up: A former NBA and Lobo basketball player, Kenny Thomas, ’99, has started a new business venture as the owner of Infinity 02 Super Oxygenated Water. The water is supercharged with oxygen, which reportedly helps hydrate the body better than regular water.

Scoring cards: Jodi Ewart, BA ’10, earned her 2012 Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour Card.

Lobo Football Scores Bob Davie as Head Coach Call it a new era for the Lobos. UNM has named Bob Davie as its 31st head football coach, welcoming his talents as both a coach and an analyst.

“I’ve had my eye on this program for a long time.

Both my wife and I are just so excited,” Davie says. “It’s a school and a program that I think I can have a great impact on. It’s a place I can see coming [to], doing it the right way, building it step by step, and turning it into something special.”

The 57-year-old Davie replaces George Barlow, who was serving as interim head coach since September 25, 2011, after the departure of then-coach Mike Locksley.

The new head coach is a Pennsylvania native who played football at his alma mater, Youngstown State University. It was there that he met his wife, Joanne (the couple has two children—Audra and Clay, the latter of whom played football for Arizona State University).

Bob Davie

And now, Coach Davie brings to New Mexico an impressive resumé that’s rich with wins: he served as head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, where his career record was 35-25 and he led the team to three bowl games. He also coached at Texas A&M University, Tulane University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Arizona. He’s coached a slew of NFL stars, too: San Francisco wide receiver Arnaz Battle, Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant, and Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano among them.

But UNM alumni might recognize the new coach’s face from TV: he’s served as the lead analyst on ABC “Saturday Night Primetime” college football telecasts, as well as ESPN and ESPN2 “Saturday Night Primetime.” He also wrote a weekly column for ESPN. com, “Football 101.”

So what does the future hold for Lobo football?

Davie says that he has a plan—and that the plan will take hard work on the parts of coaching staff and players alike.

“I’m not going to be afraid to lose a game if that might keep us from building a solid foundation,” Davie says. “I’m going to take my time. I’m going to do this step by step.”

spring 2012

|

13

Special Invitation: the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel Turns 50 This year, the historic structure—dedicated to UNM’s fallen soldiers—reaches its Golden Anniversary. Celebrate and remember with us at a very special event this April.

The UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel was built in 1962 as a memorial to alumni killed in the nation’s wars—their names are listed on its south wall. It’s a special place built for reflection and remembrance; hundreds of weddings and memorial services have taken place within its walls.

It’s known for its simple elegance that complements any occasion, public or personal.

Fifty years later, the chapel has secured a special place in the heart of the UNM and Albuquerque community.

And now, it’s time to celebrate.

About the Chapel The Alumni Relations Office proposed the idea of a memorial chapel in 1944. Architect John Gaw Meem drew the first plans, and the building contract was awarded to Bradbury and Stamm Construction.

The chapel’s architecture is based on the Franciscan Mission style, with materials chosen specifically to create a gentle slope from the ground up.

Architect Edward Holien designed the landscaping, focusing on forsythia, fountain juniper, coral berry, hopa crab, and pine trees.

The chapel’s retablo mayor was designed by art professor John Tatschl in 1964, with retablos 14

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

J.D. Wellborn created this image of the UNM Alumni Chapel especially for its 50th anniversary. Posters are available for $25.

later painted by santero John M. Gonzales. Gonzales also sculpted the bultos in the center of the display. A large American flag can be lowered over the retablos.

In 1975, Chi Omega donated bronze carillon bells, that ring on special occasions and can be heard across campus.

The chapel’s pipe organ was added in 1974. A nine-stop baroque organ with 432 pipes, it’s the only one of its kind in the state.

Today, the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel remains an inspirational, important part of the university community; a nondenominational chapel that’s available to students, faculty, staff, and alumni for weddings and memorial services.

Find out more at unmalumni.com or call 505-277-5808 (800-258-6866) —and be sure to join us April 28–29.

Celebrate

The 50th Anniversary of the UNM Alumni Chapel April 28–29, 2012

You are cordially invited to join the

UNM Alumni Association and alumni from around the country in a memorable celebration of life and love with the Golden Anniversary of the Memorial Chapel.

The exciting event lineup includes: Saturday, April 28, 7:00 pm - Flag ceremony in remembrance of UNM’s soldiers - UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel Sunday, April 29, 1:00 pm - Chapel history and dedication, marriage vow renewals, musical performances, photo opportunities, and more - UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel Reception to follow - the Alumni Center, Hodgin Hall RSVP online today at unmalumni.com

Were you married in the chapel, or would you like to share a fond memory?

We’d love to see your photos (of then and now).

Please email them to alumni@unm.edu, or send with a self-addressed envelope to: UNM Alumni Association, Hodgin Hall, MSC01-1160, Albuquerque, NM 87131 Special accomodation rates for alumni: Hotel Parq Central: 806 Central Ave. SE, 505-998-7604. $120/night plus tax for traditional guest room. Includes gourmet continental breakfast, free parking, wireless internet, airport shuttle.

Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport: 1920 Yale Blvd. SE, 1-800-321-2211. $84/night plus tax for king/queen guest rooms. Includes airport shuttle, free wireless internet.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town: 800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, 1-800-237-2133. $99 plus tax for single/double guest rooms. Reserve by April 7.

Hotel Andaluz Downtown Albuquerque: 125 2nd St. NW, 1-877-987-9090. 20% off rack rate for limited time.

We look forward to seeing you for this very special celebration. spring 2012

|

15

BY UNM ALUMNI

U

UNM alumni are a well-read bunch—but did you know that many alumni have also authored, edited, illustrated, photographed, and contributed to books? The shelves of Hodgin Hall’s new library are spilling over with autographed copies of books written by UNM alumni, all donated by the creators and publishers. Browse through a few here.

Farishta by Patricia McArdle (Riverhead Hardcover, 2011) About the book: Farishta tells the fictional story of a diplomat who witnessed the death of her husband during the U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut. Devastated, she avoids the international jobs she used to love until she has no choice but to travel to Afghanistan. There, she secretly provides aid to refugees and discovers a new purpose in her life. The book was a 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award finalist.

About the alum: Patricia McArdle—who graduated from UNM in 1972 with a BUS degree—worked for years with the U.S. Navy and the Department of State, eventually becoming a diplomat. On her last assignment, she was stationed in northern Afghanistan, where she introduced the idea of using sun-powered ovens instead of fire to cook food to local people.

A Poet’s Bird Garden by Laura Nyman Montenegro (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2007) About the book: In this colorful book, Natalie’s pet bird, Chirpie, escapes from her cage and flies to a tree outside, but the little girl thinks fast: she calls poets to help fill the yard with all the things birds like most to lure Chirpie from his perch.

About the alum: Laura Nyman Montenegro is an illustrator, author, puppeteer, actor, movement artist, and educator (she teaches a class near Chicago, where she currently lives, about the art of making picture books). Montenegro is a two-time UNM alum, graduating with a BA in fine arts in 1978 and her MA in 1981. She’s published several other children’s books, including Sweet Tooth and A Bird About To Sing.

Distance No Object by Gloria Frym (City Lights Publishers, 2001) About the book: This critically-acclaimed book comprises 24 individual pieces, all based in Berkeley and San Francisco. Each story turns an “unflinching eye on human interaction,” according to Publishers Weekly, capturing bits and pieces of conversations and situations between people that highlight “difficult realities” in the world at large.

About the alum: As a student at UNM in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, Gloria Frym studied writing and poetry with Robert Creeley. Two of her works were published in 2010 and 2011—Mind Over Matter and Any Time Now—and she’s also written How I Learned, Homeless at Home, and volumes of poetry.

She teaches writing and literature at California College of the Arts.

16

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table

by Russ Parsons (Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt, 2007) About the book: We might intellectually know that good cooking starts with the best ingredients, but this book—which is a cookbook, buying guide, and agricultural history all rolled into one—makes the case perfectly clear. It’s a season-by-season guide through produce of all sorts, throwing in some delectable recipes for things such as Tart of Garlicky Greens and Black Olives and Nectarine-Cardamom Ice Cream.

About the alum: Russ Parsons, a former UNM student who also wrote for the Albuquerque Tribune, is the food and wine columnist for the Los Angeles Times.

He’s won several highly-coveted James Beard Awards, and also wrote How to Read a French Fry and Other Stories of Intriguing Kitchen Science.

Brujerias: Stories of Witchcraft and the Supernatural in the American Southwest and Beyond

by Nasario Garcia, Ph.D. (Texas Tech University Press, 2007) About the book: Brujerias—which means “witchcraft” in Spanish—is an extensive compilation of first-person oral histories: 64 narrators telling 165 stories. Each English story is followed by one in Spanish, covering everything from La Llorona (the “weeping mother” who wanders the ditches) and chupacabras to mischiefcausing owls and spine-tingling ghost stories.

About the alum: Nasario Garcia is an oral historian and folklorist who received a BA 1962 and an MA in 1963 from UNM. He’s written many other books detailing the culture and folklore of New Mexico, including Rattling Chains and Other Stories for Children and Fe y Tragedias: Faith and Tragedies in Hispanic Villages of New Mexico.

The Gap Year by Sarah Bird (Knopf, 2011) About the book: The Gap Year follows the relationship between a mother and her 17-year-old daughter who is just about to head off to college. Told from the points of view of a broken-hearted, divorced mother and a teenage girl who’s waiting for her “real life” to begin, the book has earned scores of accolades.

About the alum: The Gap Year is Sarah Bird’s eighth novel; her previous books include The Boyfriend School (later made into a movie starring Shelley Long and Steve Guttenberg), The Yokota Officers Club, and The Flamenco Academy. Bird—who graduated from UNM with a BA in 1973—is also a columnist for Texas Monthly, and writes screenplays for TV and film.

a LBU m

Linda Leckman Linda Leckman, ’77 MD, Salt Lake City, is the treasurer of the American Medical Group Association. She is vice president of Intermountain Healthcare and CEO of Intermountain Medical Group.

Edward Mazria, ’77 MARCH, Santa Fe, received a 2011 Purpose Prize from Civic Venture for his work challenging the building sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sharon Thorpe, ’78 BSED, of Business Environments, Albuquerque, is president of the Albuquerque Chapter of Executive Women International.

Shelly Green, ’78 BS, ’93 EDSPC, Albuquerque, has become principal of Volcano Vista High School.

She previously was responsible for curriculum at La Cueva High School.

Debra Herman, ’78 BSPH, ’03 PHARM, Clovis, has been recognized by the UNM College of Pharmacy as a distinguished alumna. She is director of pharmacy at La Casa Family Health Center and has served as president of the New Mexico Pharmacists Association.

Dennis Trujillo, ’78 BUS, Española, has been manager of the Valles Caldera National Preserve since 2002, has been named as the interim executive director of the Valles Caldera Trust.

Don Clampitt, ‘79 BBA, has been inducted into the 2012 Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame. Clamppitt is the chairman and CEO of Clampitt Paper Co. in Dallas.

Nancye Cole, ’79 BSN, Bosque Farms, has been promoted to COO at the Lovelace Westside Hospital in Albuquerque.

Rudy Rodriguez, ’79 PhD, has retired from the University of North Texas after more than 40 years of service in education. He now serves as a member of the Denton Public Schools Board of Trustees.

Maria Varela, ’79 BA, has an essay, “Time to Get Ready,” included in Hands on the Freedom Plow (Faith Halstaert, et al) in which she writes of her job as a Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee field worker in Alabama and Mississippi between 1963 and 1968.

spring 2012

|

17

alumni pr Courtesy Liz Lopez/Albuquerque The Magazine (abqthemag.com)

A Driving Force

How two enterprising UNM alumni rolled out ABQ Trolley Co.—Albuquerque’s only trolley tour service In 2007, Jesse Herron, ’03 BBA, ’05 MBA, and Michael M. Silva, Jr., ’95 BA, got behind the wheel of a brand-new idea: ABQ Trolley Co. Albuquerque’s only city-tour company gives visitors and locals alike an in-depth look at the city (and UNM)—while on board a customized, stucco-covered, open-air trolley.

You’re both UNM alumni (of course!).

Herron: “Yes, we sure are!”

Silva: “Go Lobos!”

Herron: “I got my BBA in marketing management and my MBA in travel and tourism management, and international management in Latin America.”

18

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

Silva: “My BA is in political science.”

Did any of your classes prepare you for, well, trolleys?

If so, how?

Silva: “I entered UNM as a music major and I feel the performance aspect of being a

musician prepared me to stand confidently in front of a trolley full of riders and do the tour. To perform, really.”

Herron: “We often joke that there was no ‘Trolley 101’ offered at UNM. But I had an amazing experience with Anderson’s Tourism Management program that definitely prepared me and gave me confidence in starting a business. Dr. Eddie Dry was my mentor. Someday, I would love to teach at UNM and help bring back the Tourism Management program.

Maybe I could teach ‘Trolley 101.’”

What was the inspiration for ABQ Trolley?

Herron: “Albuquerque. We consider ourselves ‘Burqueños.’ We both have a passion for this city and

ofile

a LBU m ‘80s Clark Jones, ’80 BSCIS, Gilbert, Ariz., has been elected Regional Vice Chairman of American Mensa, Ltd. and will represent Region 9 (Arizona, Hawaii, Utah, and southern portions of California and Nevada) on the organization’s board of directors.

Armondo DeCarlo, ’80 BSME, has transferred to the Air Force Materiel Command at Hill Air Force Base in Utah where is a mechanical engineer supporting the Joint Direct Attack Munition program. He is Department of Defense acquisition level III certified in systems engineering and a Defense Acquisition Corps member.

Vince Murphy, ’80 MPA, Albuquerque, has been promoted to director of government relations at The Garrity Group.

we were tired of people saying that there is ‘nothing to do here.’ Also, Albuquerque had not had a city tour company in nearly a decade before we opened our doors. This was a vital component that was missing in the Albuquerque experience and we are proud to fill that gap.”

Silva: “Jesse and I met while working at a previous job. We became friendly and after both leaving that job we maintained a friendship. A couple of years later while working at other jobs, we met up to brainstorm a way for us to work together and after several baskets of chips and salsa and mass quantities of Diet Coke, ABQ Trolley Co. was born!”

How does it work?

Herron: “We do a 76-minute, 18mile tour of ABQ that is offered April through October. You can buy tickets online at abqtrolley.com or on board the Trolley in Old Town. We pride ourselves in being a two-man team (two guys and a Trolley). Most tour companies across the country have a driver that also narrates the tour. We couldn’t stand the thought of making people stare at the back of our heads for the entire tour. So one of us drives and the other Trolley Guy (our self-appointed monikers) ‘works the room.’”

Silva: “This allows the ‘Burqueño’ to interact with the riders, connect

with them, tell the stories, give out prizes, sit next to them, and share a laugh. For example, you would be surprised how many people can’t spell Albuquerque. The best one we have heard had three Ks in it! For those who get it right, we reward them with a prize. The tour is interactive, it’s fun, and there is rarely a dull moment.”

Tell us about the trolley itself —how was it made?

Silva: “Our Trolley was built from the ground up in Medford, Oregon.

The company is called Classic Trolley.

Back in 2007, when we were planning for the company we took a trip to Medford, toured their facility, met the owner of the company, looked at some of their trolleys, and talked with him about our idea. Once we decided that we were going to go for it, we placed the order. Six months later we received our Trolley, delivered to us on the back of a flatbed truck.

Herron: “The Trolley (which we always capitalize to reflect its importance) is completely unique. Most people think that we are operating one of the City of Albuquerque’s old trolleys. We knew from the start that we wanted our Trolley to stand out. So we proudly boast the only trolley in the world covered in stucco! It also has black, wrought-iron rails as opposed to traditional brass, and bright blue

Winthrop Quigley, ’81 BUS, Albuquerque, has been named this year’s UNM Economics Department Distinguished Alumnus. He has covered economics and business news for the Albuquerque Journal since 2000, and was a general assignments reporter and editorial writer there from 1974 to1979.

Michael A. Rivera, ’81 BBA, ’90 MPA, Corrales, is state director of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center working out of its lead center at Santa Fe Community College. He is outgoing chief of staff of the NM Public Regulation Commission.

Charles Poling, ’82 BUS, ’85 MA, Corrales, has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as director of communications.

Tim Turner, ’82 BSEE, ’92 MEMBA, Albuquerque, has been inducted into the 2011 UNM Anderson School of Management Foundation Hall of Fame.

He is with WaveFront Sciences,Inc. Jeffrey Candelaria, ’83 BUS, Albuquerque, has joined Bank of the West as assistant vice president and business development officer at the bank’s West Central branch.

Michael Carter, ’83 BSME, Bloomfield, Colo., is Director of Federal Strategy and Marketing at MWH, a global environmental engineering firm.

Christine Zuni Cruz, ’83 JD, Albuquerque, received the 2010 Pincus Award, the most prestigious honor for a clinical law professor, at the annual meeting of the Association of American Law Schools in January. Zuni Cruz is founder and former director of the UNM School of Law’s Southwest Indian Law Clinic and serves as editor-in-chief of the Tribal Law Journal.

Terri Giron-Gordon, ‘83 BBA, ‘86 MA, has been inducted into the 2012 Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame. She is the president and owner of GenQuest.

spring 2012

|

19

trim around the wheel wells and cupola to ward off evil spirits. It is also open-air to take advantage of the 310 days of sunshine we have here in Albuquerque.”

We see a trolley go past the Alumni Relations Center at Hodgin Hall every once in a while. Do you have a tour of UNM that you do?

Silva: “Our ‘Best of ABQ’ city tour goes through the University of New Mexico campus; we drive past the dorms, Johnson Field, and Popejoy Hall, and we exit the campus at Yale Boulevard to the sports stadiums, where we talk about Lobo sports.

And, yes, sometimes we go right past Hodgin Hall.”

Herron: “We love showing off the campus! There is a certain energy about seeing the hustle and bustle of student life. The students are always very friendly and seeing coeds throw up their Lobo ears and snouts (with their hands) is an everyday occurrence. You should also know that we have taught the Lobo cheer (“Everyone’s a Lobo. Woof, woof, woof!”) to approximately 20,000 riders from all over the world over 20

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

the past three years! Lobo howling competitions are also frequent.”

That’s great! What are your most popular tours?

Herron: “Our Balloon Fiesta tour is easily the most popular. We were approached by the folks at Balloon Fiesta to transport downtown travelers to the park for the 2009 Fiesta. We don’t ever want to be just ‘transportation.’ So we decided to make a special tour out of it called ABQ Trolley Glow. It is offered on the evenings of the always-popular ‘Balloon Glow’ events. Tickets go on sale from abqtrolley.com on midnight on August 1 and they sell out a few weeks after that. We get a kick out of knowing that people all across the country are staying up to the wee hours to get their Trolley tickets, sometimes at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.! It makes us feel like rock stars.”

Silva: “We also began a tour series last season called ‘2011 Foodies.’

The two most popular tours from the series will be offered again in the 2012 Season: The Ale Trail (a microbrewery tour of ABQ) and The Wine Trail (a winery tour of ABQ). Not only do

these two tours sell out (for obvious reasons), but they are also a lot of fun for us.”

Most alumni are aware that Albuquerque has become a Little Hollywood of sorts—award-winning shows such as “Breaking Bad” have even filmed on UNM’s campus.

Have you hosted any of the stars on a tour?

Silva: “We have not. But, if you know any of them, send them our way! We both loving ‘Breaking Bad’ and would love to have any of the cast members from the show on the Trolley. One of our dreams is to have the Trolley in an episode of ‘Breaking Bad.’” Herron: “That goes for ‘In Plain Sight,’ too. We have, however, had a few other kinds of celebrities on the Trolley: McGruff (the Crime Dog) was on board in 2009. So was HGTV host, Sabrina Soto. And, in 2010, we were fortunate enough to appear on the NBC TODAY Show! Weekend anchor Amy Robach was on board with us for that one. It would be great to get some of the Albuquerque-born celebrities on board, too. I would love to have Neil

Patrick Harris take a tour.”

Where do you gather all your information, facts, and figures?

Herron: “We are just a couple of guys who love Albuquerque and took the time to learn everything about it that we could. We don’t purport to be experts. We learn new stuff all the time, sometimes from our local riders who have been here for 70-plus years.”

Silva: “We took what we already knew and combined it with a lot of research. Most of the initial research came from books published on Albuquerque. A great deal of research was also done at Zimmerman Library on the campus of UNM. We also stay on top of current events. We both take great pride in our city and we take every opportunity to brag to our riders, who come from all over the world, about Albuquerque.”

Is that part of your mission, to market the city?

Silva: “Jesse and I felt that Albuquerque had been modest for far too long. Someone needed to show it

off and we’re happy to be the guys to do it. We’re two local guys who grew up here, went to high school here, we went to college here, and now we run a business here. We give people from all over the world a front row seat to one of the best cities in the world.”

Herron: “ABQ Trolley Co. is independently owned and operated by two guys and a Trolley. People assume that we’re funded by the state or the city. In reality, we took a giant leap in starting our own business in one of this country’s worst times to start a business. We feel very fortunate to have made it.”

What do you see happening in ABQ Trolley’s future? In your own?

Silva: “We often talk about having a fleet of Trolleys someday.”

Herron: “Another Trolley is definitely in the future! As for our own future, we have some ideas for more Albuquerque-centric businesses.”

Silva: “ABQ Trolley Co. is going to be a springboard for creating more business ventures. We are just getting started.”

Spreading Satire Nico Condon, ’09 BA, brings the award-winning national comedy publication, The Onion, to UNM Nico Condon had a dream. The communications and journalism grad was a longtime admirer of The Onion, the satirical newspaper founded in Minnesota in 1998. Issues of the newspaper had been published in New York, Colorado, Illinois—why, Condon wondered, didn’t it have a Southwest outpost?

“Albuquerque is a quirky, fun place where people like to entertain themselves,” Condon says. “The Onion seemed like it would be a good match here.”

It was more than just enjoying the content of the comical publication— Condon’s entrepreneurial spirit was itching to get into action. He’d logged plenty of experience through UNM working in public relations and communication— he credits Laura Valdez, senior program manager, for helping him establish professional skills, and professor Dirk Gibson in helping him publish his first piece in a professional trade magazine—and that pointed to establishing his own path.

He went to Chicago to persuade The Onion to let him set up an outpost for the newspaper in Albuquerque. Soon, a deal was inked.

“We put out about 20,000 papers, many of them in the UNM area,” Condon says. Much of the editorial content is produced by The Onion’s corporate headquarters, though plans are in the works for that to be done locally. Condon is responsible for distribution, branding, selling ads—a one-man shop in many regards.

“I’m pretty busy,” he says. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

a LBU m Martha Uecker Nelson, ’83 BA, was elected to the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ board of trustees for a one-year term. She traveled to Ethiopia to meet with church leaders.

Gloria (Montoya) Salazar, 83 BSME, co-owns Reflections Funerals & Life Celebrations with her husband. She co-authored a book with him, Grave Reflections.

Leslie Davis Hodder, ’84 BA, ’88 MACCT, has been promoted to associate professor with tenure at Indiana University where she teaches financial accounting.

Demesia Padilla, ’84 BBA, Albuquerque, was named Secretary of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department by Governor Martinez.

Karen J. Delle Site, ’84 BBA, Rio Rancho, is the director in charge of New Mexico Business Weekly’s Rio Rancho office.

Marietta Leis, ’85 MA, ’88 MFA, Albuquerque, was an artist-in-residence at Kemijarvi Residency in Finland last summer.

Karen Ballard Molzen, ’85 JD, Albuquerque, was named Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge for the district of New Mexico. She had been a federal magistrate judge in Las Cruces for 12 years.

Doris Quintana, ’85 BSN, has joined the Roswell practice of Dr. Paul Whitwam and Dr. Donald Wenner as a surgeon.

Eddie Tafoya, ’85 BA, ’92 MA, Las Vegas, is author of Icons of African-American Comedy: A Joke of a Different Color (Praeger/Greenwood Press, 2011). Tafoya, a full professor at New Mexico Highlands University, is also a professional stand-up comedian.

Catherine Torres, ’85 BS, ’90 DM, Las Cruces, serves as New Mexico Secretary of Health.

Fermin Rubio, ’86 JD, Las Cruces, has been appointed to the Board of Regents at the New Mexico Military Institute. Rubio is the vice president of James Polk Stone Community Bank in Roswell and a past president of the NMMI Alumni Association.

Charles J. Vigil, ’86 BBA, Albuquerque, is now on the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association. He is the president and managing director of the Rodey Law Firm, where he practices in the areas of labor and employment law, commercial litigation, products liability, and professional liability.

Art De La Cruz, ’87 BUS, Albuquerque, is chairman of the Water Authority Board where he has served since 2009 as District 2 County commissioner.

spring 2012

|

21

alumni pr Through Life’s Twists and Turns

Every night, Jason Nious, ’01 BA, takes to the stage to perform acrobatic feats with Cirque du Soleil.

When Jason Nious gets ready for work, he doesn’t put on a suit—not a business suit, anyway. Instead, he dons a cutting-edge costume and makeup that’s made for clowning around.

That’s because it’s his job: Nious plays a clown. Every night, in fact, you can find Nious performing the part of a stepping, acrobatic clown named “Mardi” in Cirque du Soleil’s “Zarkana.” The show has received 22

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

immense praise for its “many feats of gravity-defying gymnastics” (by the New York Times) and “remarkable precision, concentration, and discipline” (by The Hollywood Reporter). The show debuted at Radio City Music Hall in New York City last year (with Nious performing), and has traveled to Madrid and Moscow.

In fact, “Zarkana” was the first nonRussian company to debut at the

Kremlin just last month.

Geographically, it’s a long way from where he began. Nious was born in San Antonio, Tex., to military parents, so he spent his childhood moving: California, Germany, Arizona, Nebraska. New Mexico was his last stop; he went to high school in Albuquerque and enrolled at the University of New Mexico. For this highly skilled gymnast, the decision to

PHOTO COURTESY Cirque du Soleil

ofile attend UNM was an easy one.

“I received a full-ride academic scholarship to go to UNM,” Nious says. “Other schools only offered me partial scholarships and didn’t have men’s NCAA gymnastics. UNM did.”

UNM also had a theater department that Nious was eager to join.

“Some of the classes still stand out to me: theater history, directing, Acting 101 and up, playwriting—and probably one of the most important was script analysis,” Nious says. “It put the entire job of the actor into perspective for me. An actor is the medium through which the story flows. No matter how smart, funny, quick, or talented we may be, script analysis is the tool that links us to the writer’s intention and allows us to intelligently work with the director.”

Nious says his African dance class with Rujeko Dumbutshena has particularly served him well his African dance class with Rujeko Dumbutshena. “I could already flip and move since I was a gymnast and had been stepping since high school,

but Rujeko’s class opened me up to different styles of movement an unlocked a huge amount of creativity in me,” he says.

One of Nious’s professors, Susan Pearson, remembers that he was especially talented in bringing his characters to life.

“Jason was extremely disciplined as well as talented, and always had such a great sense of humor and respect for his peers that he really added a positive energy to the class dynamic,” she says. “He got the entire department excited about ‘stepping,’ and even taught a class in it. His success is making us proud to say he graduate from the department of theatre and dance.”

That energy has transformed to major theatrical triumph—a physically challenging theatrical triumph, at that.

“In the beginning of [“Zarkana”], I do body percussion alongside a juggler and the drummer in a rhythm based juggling act,” Nious says. “Later, I’m spinning in a Cyr wheel: a large metal ring that I stand inside and

a LBU m John Halblieb, ’87 BSME, ’89 MS, Houston, has joined the Houston office of Polasek, Quisenberry & Errington, LLP. He is an intellectual property litigator with an emphasis on patent and trademark infringement, patent licensing, and settlement agreements.

Richard D. Rolston, ’87 DM, Omaha, Neb., has joined Alegent Health Clinic as president and chief executive officer. He previously held CEO positions with Hospital Sisters Health system Medical group in Springfield, Ill., Prevea Health Services of Green Bay, and Lovelace Medical Center and Physician Group in Albuquerque.

Fred Aragona, ’88 BUS, Albuquerque, is now the director of research and development at Holistic Management International.

Lloyd Barker, ’88 BS, Scottsdale, Ariz., has worked at Mayo Clinic Arizona since 2000 as a physician assistant and supervisor in the department of orthopaedic surgery. He received an academic appointment of assistant professor of orthopaedics in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Orthopaedics last August.

Randall D. Roybal, ’88 BA, Placitas, has been elected president of the Association of Judicial Disciplinary Counsel. He is executive director and general counsel for the New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission.

Sharon Schultz, ’88 BUS, is again helming the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce. She is also the CEO of the Tourism Association of New Mexico.

Michael Kaemper, ’89 BA, ’99 JD, has joined the Rodey Law Firm, practicing in the litigation department with an emphasis on products and general liability defense.

Veronica Gonzales, ’89 BA, has been appointed New Mexico Secretary of Cultural Affairs.

‘90s

Bryan Lopez Bryan Lopez, ’90 BA, San Diego, was honored at the annual Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Conference last fall with the Military Luminary Award in recognition of his contributions to the Hispanic technical community as a leader and a role model. The Navy Captain is an executive officer of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific.

spring 2012

|

23

are still things Nious misses from his time at UNM: singing in the choir at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church; relaxing at African-American Student Services between classes; a breakfast burrito with sausage, a raspberry lemonade, and a cinnamon roll from the Frontier. And one of the projects that he began as a student at UNM is something that he plans on turning into a large-scale dream.

“My major long-term goal is to continue to grow my company MOLODI,” he says. “It’s a body percussion based performance group that we are slowly transforming into a production company. We’ve performed and taught around the U.S. and this year we’re working on our first international collaboration with a Spanish percussive dance company.

We plan to debut the project in the U.S. in 2013.”

For Nious, the future holds many more roles—in acting, in art, in life.

“I have notebooks full of projects that I want to produce, characters I want to create and people who I want to work with. I understand that I may be right or wrong for a role at any given time so I don’t worry about getting consistent work as an actor,” he says. “The end game? To continue to be a vessel for good work to come through.”

make spin like a gyroscope. It took me about three months to get my first spins down. I hated it at first, but now I have the hang of it. From the audience it looks like I know what I’m doing, but to this day I’m so scared of that thing. We’ve had many fights, to say the least.”

Nious has other film and theater credits, too: “Stomp Out Loud,” “Step Afrika,” “Finding My Precious Basquiat,” “Bubblegum & Broken Fingers,” along with a slew of regional and off-Broadway plays up and down the East Coast. And while the acting opportunities have proved to be amazing experiences on their own, 24

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

they’ve also opened the door to other amazing experiences.

“I’ve traveled so many places that I’ve never imagined I’d see in my life,” he says, counting Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil among them. “Like now, being in Moscow during a Russian winter, performing at the Kremlin! Everything is a stark reminder of the ’80s Soviet Union... hammer and sickle everywhere! No men smile in public and every woman has a huge fur coat.

And to be one of only two AfricanAmericans in the company is a pretty unique experience.”

But throughout his travels, there

A Letter froM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT A Time for New Beginnings It’s certainly a time to be energized at UNM. We’ve just learned who will be the 21st President of the University. And it is our special pleasure at the Alumni Association to welcome one of our own, Robert Frank, to lead the University. Dr. Frank assumes the reins with a wealth of experience from around the country on top of his not one, but three degrees from UNM. New again is Hodgin Hall, the home of the Alumni Center, which was reopened during Homecoming 2011. Hodgin brings life to the dual roles of the Alumni Association: honoring our history and engaging our alumni in the present and future of the University. Thank you to Karen Abraham and her staff, Alumni Boards from years past, and many friends of UNM for the dedication that resulted in a beautiful, functional building. The Alumni Center will be a place that “works” as a wonderful venue for conferences and events that connect the past to the present and the future.

I’d also like to thank Dr. Schmidly for everything he’s done for the University. He has forged important educational and community relationships for which we will forever be grateful. We’re so pleased that he will continue to be a part of the UNM community, staying on to teach and watch as the programs he set forth continue to grow.

For me, a part of the new energy springs from a belief in the potential of our University to build on its unique strengths as a diverse institution.

Diversity at UNM comes in its multicultural community, which is one of a kind, but it also comes in the unusual intersection of strengths in the sciences, engineering and the arts. The future is bright, and I hope you’ll join me in being a part of that future.

—Waneta Tuttle '67 BS, '70 MS, '73 PhD, '85 MBA

UNM Alumni Association President

a LBU m Diane Aldrich, ’91 BBA, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, is the proprietor of Sonrisa Blooms, which specializes in fresh and silk floral arrangements.

Kelly Morris, ’91 BFA, Dallas, was a participating artist in the Santa Fe Community College Art Exhibition, “Hell and Heaven,” last August and September.

Kimberly Pena, ’91 BBA, Albuquerque, has been promoted by REDW LLC to the position of principal of the firm.

Emeterio L. Rudolfo, ’91 BA, ’95 JD, Albuquerque, is now a member of the New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission.

He has been in private practice with the Rudolfo Law Office in Farmington since 1998.

Hans Voss, ’91 ASPE, ’92 BA, ’98 JD, Albuquerque, is 2011 president-elect of the Board of Bar Commissioners, the governing board of the State Bar. James A. Carabajal, ’92 BBA, Bosque Farms, has been elected to Presbyterian Health Plan’s board.

He is executive director and director of finance for New Mexico Orthopaedics.

Kathleen Davis, ’92 MBA, Albuquerque, was inducted into the 2011 Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame event. She is with Presbyterian Healthcare Systems.

Soussan Djamasbi, ’92 MS, Honolulu, has been promoted to associate professor of business and granted tenure at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Michael Stockham, ’92 BA, Albuquerque, has been elected partner at Thompson & Knight LLP. Marilyn K. Strube, ’92 BAA, Albuquerque, has been promoted to partner at the Greer Stafford/ SJCF Inc. architecture firm. She has worked at the firm for 23 years and heads the firm’s facilities planning department.

Cameron M. Weber, ’92 MBA, Brooklyn, has recently published a new edition of his book, Economics for Everyone (Cameron Weber Publishing).

Andres Armijo, ’93 BA, ’97 MA, Albuquerque, is author of Becoming a Part of My History Through Images & Stories of My Ancestors (Rio Grande Books), about the importance of family through genealogy and photographic collections.

Karen Erickson, ’93 BUS, Albuquerque, has accepted a position in Santa Fe with Project Time & Cost, In. as a technical writer, assisting the Northern New Mexico Citizens’ Advisory Board.

The Board provides citizen input to the U.S. Dept. of Energy on issues of environmental monitoring, remediation, waste management, and long-term environmental stewardship at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

spring 2012

|

25

alumni pr

Blazing Trails

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, ’85 BA, is Florida’s 18th lieutenant governor—and the state’s first woman to ever hold the post.

Jet airplanes first brought Jennifer Carroll to the University of New Mexico—just not in the way you might expect.

“While serving on active duty in the Navy as an enlisted jet mechanic, I applied and was accepted 26

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

to participate in the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP),” she says. “One of the ten host universities with an ROTC program on the approved Navy list was the University of New Mexico.”

These days, Jennifer Carroll,

UNM alumna of the class of 1985, goes by a slightly different name: Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll.

She won a seat in Florida’s House of Representatives in 2003—making history as the first Republican African-American woman elected in the history of the state’s legislature.

Since then, she’s won a slew of support as the governor’s secondin-command. Earlier this year, Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, a former Florida Republican Party chairman, told the Miami Herald: “She’s passionate, has a world of experience, and is very, very confident.” Gov. Rick Scott has credited Carroll’s work with the state’s military base commanders as helping give Florida the reputation as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation.

And it was at UNM that some of Carroll’s defining moments in politics took root.

“One class really made an impact on my career,” she says, explaining that the political science course facilitated great classroom discussion and debate. “I learned for the first time about social and political philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, Rousseau, Locke, and Hobbs. It gave me a better insight as to how policies were formed and how they impacted the social order in this country. Knowing and understanding the debate and input to the political environment in earlier years enabled me to be a methodical elected official.”

When she moved to Florida from New Mexico, Carroll obviously found success in her career: before she officially entered politics, she

ofile

a LBU m

Mark Howley/Florida House of Representatives

Michelle Hernandez, ’93 BA, Albuquerque, a shareholder with the Modrall Sperling Law Firm, has been appointed to the Rules of Civil Procedure Committee of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Matthew Bruff, ’93 BBA, ’94 MBA, Colorado, was inducted into the 2011 Anderson School of Management Young Alumni Hall of Fame.

Matthew is the CDO and grand legal counsel of ALTELA, Inc. Tracy Lee Rabern, ’93 BA, Santa Fe, was honored with the Charles Driscoll Award from the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association this summer. An attorney in private practice, she participated in reforming the children’s code and was active in working to repeal New Mexico’s death penalty.

was the founder and owner of 3N. & J.C. Corp., a public relations firm.

Florida is also where she started her family: her husband, Nolan, is from Miami, and they have three children.

But the sway of politics and the blue ocean haven’t erased her longings for certain aspects of her life at UNM. “I miss being able to get goodtasting, authentic Mexican food,” she says. “While attending the university, I loved to eat at the Little Anita’s across the street from the campus.

But since the campus expansion, the last time I visited UNM and wanted to eat my favorite restaurant, I had to travel to the one on Menaul Boulevard.”

Her fond memories of UNM also include taking on trash duties at the Pit. “I was assigned to the ROTC unit, and part of our duties after the basketball games was to pick up the trash in the Pit,” she says. “We also attended the games and it was always a strong feeling of pride for the team—let alone the chant that students made up: ‘Hey, Gary, where did you get those shoes,” when

Coach Gary Colson wore his cream and black shoes.” It’s a memory that extends to every basketball game she’s attended since.

“Even to this day, that phrase and my memories of cleaning the Pit come back to mind,” she says.

“And even though, during this time, the football team didn’t enjoy much success, the students really turned out to support the team. Attending the games was so much fun.”

Carroll recognizes that her political path has put her in the position of “trailblazer.” And she has advice to future alumni who hope to make their own paths.

“Stay true to your core values and beliefs,” she says. “Gain as much knowledge and improve your technical skills so that you can compete with the best of them.

Don’t sell yourself short. Know yourself worth and command your value in the work force. Many times, obstacles will get in the way. Don’t let them become barriers to stop you from achieving your goals. Instead, use them as learning and refocusing tools to make you stronger and better prepared for life’s successes.”

Brenda M. Saiz Brenda M. Saiz, ’93 BA, ’03 JD, Albuquerque, has been elected to the Board of the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association. Brenda is a partner in Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb P.A., where she practices in the litigation department.

Joaquin Amador, ’94 BA, ’97 MBA, Santa Fe, has joined Santa Fe Greenhouses as vice president of marketing.

Haven Solimon Chaffins, ’94 BAFA, has created the seventh consecutive original piece, “Pathway of Life,” for the 2011 New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards. Her art work is in the National Collection of Contemporary Indian Art in the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe. Elizabeth Estrada, ’94 BSN, Albuquerque, has joined the west side office of Keller Williams Realty as an associate. She specializes in new home construction and the residential resale market.

Sally L. Harris, ’94 DM, Albuquerque, is 2011 vice president of the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association Board of Trustees.

spring 2012

|

27

alumni pr More Than a Pet Project

For Karen Menczer, ’79 BS, life means caring for the world’s animals (and helping the world to care for them, too).

28

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

ofile Karen Menczer’s travels have taken her to Uganda, Botswana, Jamaica, Ghana, the Cayman Islands, and the Galapagos. And each leg of her journey has something in common—furry, four-footed somethings in common, to be precise.

That’s because Menczer is the director of Animal-Kind International (AKI), a grassroots organization that raises funds, locates supplies, and actively provides help for international animal organizations that it partners with—traveling around the world to ensure care for domestic animals who need it. You might be surprised by how many of them do.

Menczer’s Facebook page is filled with photographs of animals from around the world who have needed help (and received it). Like the story about Hope, for example, a dog in Uganda who was run over by a taxi and suffered paralyzed legs. Somehow, Hope survived

the accident, and even learned to walk using just her front feet, scrounging for food. AKI worked to find donors that would help the Uganda Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA) take care of Hope—and they found them.

One donor in particular, actually: Doggonwheels, which donated a wheelchair to the USPCA for Hope to use.

Menczer can trace the beginnings of her passion for helping animals at an international level back to Albuquerque: to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico (AHANM) and her classes at UNM. “My mother volunteered at AHANM, and I was finally able to join her in 1973,” she says. “I cleaned puppy and cat cages, walked dogs, played with animals, and I learned a lot about animal shelter operations.

Since then, I’ve only had short breaks from shelter and rescue volunteer work.”

One of those “short breaks”

a LBU m David H. Johnson, ’94 JD, Albuquerque, has been selected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and is recognized as a specialist in Health Law by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization. He is with the Bannerman & Johnson, P.A. firm.

Levi Romero, ’94 BAA, ’00 MARCH, has been named to the honorary literary post of Centennial Poet by the New Mexico State Library. Romero is a research scholar at the UNM School of Architecture and Planning on cultural landscape studies.

Robert Cabin, ’95 PhD, Penrose, N.C., is a professor of ecology and environmental science at Brevard College. He is the author of Intelligent Tinkering: Bridging the Science/Practice Gap (Island Press, 2011) based on his experiences as a research ecologist for the U.S. Forest Service in Hawaii.

Will Reichard, ’95 BA, ’08 MBA, is the communications director of Turning Minds, a Texas-based consulting and marketing firm. He specializes in strategic planning through digital marketing.

Giovanna Rossi, ’95 BA, Albuquerque, is president and owner of Collective Action Strategies LLC. She is an adjunct faculty member at UNM’s Family and Community Medicine department and the Women’s Studies Program.

Chien-chih Yeh, ’95 BA, Albuquerque, is now the audit and consulting senior manager at The Rogoff Firm.

Susan McCamey, ’96 MA, Albuquerque, has joined the Samaritan Counseling Center as an employee assistance program specialist and trainer.

Patricia Real, ’96 MA, ’04 EDD, Rio Rancho, has retired this year as superintendent of the Belen Schools.

Caroline Starr Rose, ’96 BSED, Albuquerque, is author of an historical verse novel, May B. Patrick C. Conlon, ’98 MS, was invited to present his first research, Outcomes in Primary Care, at the 26th Annual Conference of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners last June in Las Vegas. His work documents the role of the diabetes nurse practitioner and compares outcomes to physician colleagues.

Carol Collins Frost, ’98 BS, Embudo, has returned from the Dallas area to become human resources director for Taos County.

J. Brent Moore, ’98 JD, Santa Fe, is a shareholder at Montgomery and Andrews P.A. Valerie Reighard, ’98 BAFA, ’03 JD, Tijeras, has been elected a director of the Rodey Law Firm.

Martin Salazar, ’98 BA, Las Vegas, left Albuquerque to become managing editor of the Las Vegas Optic in his hometown.

Dora from USPCA Haven in Uganda handfeeds a newborn stray kitten. spring 2012

|

29

Workers from an AKI partner organization, Jamaica's Kingston Community Animal Welfare, help feed and care for the area's many "street dogs."

came with traveling a long way: the Galapagos.

“I was a biology major who focused on ecology. I took the majority of my classes from Dr. [James] Findley, and—like most of his students—I learned to love bats,” she says. “But I also became interested in evolution, Charles Darwin, and the Galapagos. I dreamed of working there. Finally, after I graduated from UNM and got my master’s degree from Indiana University, I got the chance.”

30

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

Menczer traveled to the Galapagos to study an introduced bird: Crotophaga ani, the smoothbilled ani. “That was the start of my international conservation work, which is how I started helping animals in other countries,” Menczer says. “And that is how I eventually started Animal-Kind International.”

She never finished her Ph.D. work studying birds in the Galapagos, but you could say her career took flight in other ways.

From 1991 to 2007, Menczer

When kittens like this one were found on the grounds of a prison in Jamaica, AKI's partner organizations spayed and neutered them, then found them loving homes.

lived and worked all around the world with her husband Ron, a Foreign Service Officer. She made contacts with animal welfare advocates everywhere, from Africa to the Caribbean. She saw that the basic concept of kindness to animals was simply missing in several of the countries in which she’d taken up residence. In Uganda, people were training dogs to be guards by locking them in tiny crates all day. In places

a LBU m Ryan M. Stark, ’98 BA, Albuquerque, was named as one of the honorees for the New Mexico Business Weekly’s “40 Under Forty.” He is the marketing manager for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico.

Robert G. Trujillo, ’98 BS, Albuquerque, is the new Lincoln National Forest Supervisor. He was last employed with the Modoc National Forest in California.

John Bonney, Jr., ’99 BAA, has joined the Albuquerque office of Flintco LLC as a senior project manager.

Dion E. Gallant, ’99 DM, Albuquerque, is 2011 president of the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association Board of Trustees. He is with the Presbyterian Medical Group Kaseman Family Healthcare.

Menczer's organization helped outfit Hope—a stray dog in Uganda whose back legs had been paralyzed after being run over by a taxi—with a wheelchair.

such as Armenia and Bosnia, she says starving dogs would walk about in the cold but no one considered feeding them. And the local animal welfare organizations had so few resources, they were struggling to keep up.

When Menczer returned to the United States in 2007, inspiration struck. “That’s when I realized that my experience with animal welfare groups in developing countries had put me in the position to help international animal organizations,” she says. “They do so much with so little, and I wanted to get the word out. And I also knew that I could drum up some support for them.”

Menczer and her team raise funds for their international partner organizations to use for vet fees, food, rent, and salaries. “We’re the only organization that fills these gaps—we cover the overhead that’s needed for some of these places to survive,” she says. “We believe our partner organizations know best what they need money for, so we

let them decide what to spend on as long as it goes towards animal welfare.”

Those funds have covered a wide range of necessities, such as an entire salary for an animal caretaker at USPCA; six months’ worth of food for street dogs in Kingston, Jamaica (plus six spays/neuters); new roofs and food for dogs at Save the Animals in Armenia; a community spay/neuter program in Kampala, Uganda, and many others.

When she’s not traveling the globe, Menczer lives in Jemez with her husband and a coterie of animals that come from near and far: Bruni, a large white dog who was a stray in Jemez; Eubie, a tan pup from Uganda; Lizzie, a wavy-furred dog from Albuquerque; Allie, a cat from Jamaica; LPOS, a calico from Uganda; and two donkeys, Sarah and Pancho. They might not understand the difference Menczer is making in the world as a whole, but they’re most certainly aware that she’s made a difference in theirs.

Leslie Hoffman, ’99 BA, ’09 MBA, Albuquerque, was inducted into the 2011 Anderson School of Management Young Alumni Hall of Fame. She is the vice president of lending and client servies for ACCION. Erin Langenwalter, ’99 JD, Albuquerque, has joined Lewis and Roca, LLP, as an associate, focusing on commercial litigation and employment law in the commercial litigation practice group.

Willow Misty Parks, ’99 BUS, ’03 JD, is Probate Judge of Bernalillo County. She also has an active solo law practice, Parks Law Office, LLC, where she prepares wills and estate planning documents.

Morgan Royce, ’99 BSME, Albuquerque, has joined Beaudin Ganze Consulting Engineers Inc. as a project manager in the New Mexico office.

Stephen E. Williams, ’99 ARCH, ’02 MARCH, Albuquerque, a project manager with Greer Stafford/SJCF Architecture, has been promoted to the level of associate.

2000s Sergio A. Meza, ’00 BAA, Albuquerque, has been promoted to associate at Greer Stafford/ CJCF Architecture.

Denise M. Chanez, ’01 BA, ’06 JD, Albuquerque, has joined the Rodey Law Firm as an associate.

She practices in the Litigation Department with an emphasis on health law and medical malpractice defense.

Adam Harrington, ’03 MBA, Albuquerque, was inducted into the 2012 Anderson School of Management Young Alumni Hall of Fame.

He is owner/principal of HB Construction.

Justine Meehan, ‘03 BBA, ‘07 MBA, has been inducted into the 2012 Anderson School of Management Young Alumni Hall of Fame. She is the assistant vice president at Wells Fargo Bank.

spring 2012

|

31

Confessions of a Nursing Sch

I

I knew next to nothing about nursing, save for the image of a do-gooder in a white uniform, until I was already a University of New Mexico pre-med freshman. While visiting Connecticut to attend my cousin John’s wedding, my aunt introduced to me to a rosy-cheeked brunette named Karen.

“Karen delivered John!” my aunt exclaimed, eyes twinkling.

I asked Karen if she was an obstetrician. “Heavens, no!” she laughed. She explained that she was a nurse midwife, and that she didn’t deliver babies. She caught them.

Back at UNM, I told my Regent’s Scholar advisor that I was curious about midwifery. Soon, Julie Gorwoda, director of the nurse midwifery program at UNM, invited me to her office for tea.

Julie described how UNM midwifery students travel across the country, from the rugged deserts of Arizona to the Carolina coastline, to learn the art and 32

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

science of catching babies. If I wanted in, I’d have to earn a bachelor of science in nursing and become a registered nurse. Only then would I be eligible to apply to UNM’s midwifery program, one of the best in the country.

That cup of tea in Julie’s office changed my destiny. I had never even considered a career in nursing before. In high school, academic achievers hear very little about careers other than the obvious choices, like law and

By Whitny Doyle, ’06 BSN, ‘11 MSN

hool GRAD engineering. I chose medicine because it approximated the blend of science and humanity that I was looking for. But sitting there in Julie’s office, sipping tea and chatting about women’s health, I felt an unmistakable kindred connection with the world of nursing. Why hadn’t anyone told me about this before? I felt like I’d stumbled upon hidden treasure.

Since that time, it seems that public interest in the nursing profession has blossomed. The advantages of the nursing, such as job security, have become common knowledge. But other facets of nursing remain relatively unknown. People still picture the do-gooder in a white uniform and may wonder, what exactly is it that nurses do? Well, here’s one of the best-kept secrets out there: nurses do everything.

From the bedside to Capitol Hill, nurses lead our nation toward greater access to higher quality, cost-effective health care.

For me, the adventure began in the University of New Mexico’s College of Nursing (CON), which offered a microcosm of the vast and varied world of nursing.

I was excited to be a part of a world with so much opportunity: undergrads learn about health care on a worldwide scale through clinical intensive opportunities in Bolivia and Kenya. Nurse researchers from UNM have won grants to study everything from lung disease to children’s health. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nursing and Health Policy Collaborative at UNMhas helped nursing scholars tackle important issues through doctoral internships, Just as that cup of tea with Julie almost 10 years ago changed my destiny, the experiences I’ve accumulated since then once again altered my path. I ended up with a UNM master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner. While midwifery may still be on my horizon, I might choose to pursue my DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, instead. This is UNM’s newest degree program, expected to be unveiled next year.

The profession has evolved in a way that honors the human experience and the complexity of life. UNM offers multiple entry points into nursing, with degree programs and courses for nurses in almost any state of becoming.

I can never be sure of what the future holds, but I know I owe an ocean of gratitude to the nurses and mentors who have guided me to this point. Because of them, life as a UNM nursing alum just couldn’t get any sunnier.

a LBU m Adam Trubow, ‘03 BBA, has been inducted into the 2012 Anderson School of Management Young Alumni Hall of Fame. He is the owner of TAL Realty.

Ryan Henel, ’04 BAFA, participated in the Land Arts of the American West Exhibition 2011 at SCA Contemporary Art Gallery in Albuquerque.

The group exhibition was the culmination of collaborative projects and individual works.

Craig Springer, ’05 MA, Edgewood, is co-author of Around Hillsboro, a part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. He is a member of the Hillsboro Historical Society.

Josh Peterson, ’06 BSED, Belen, is a member of the Albuquerque-based hip-hop duo, The Alumni, whose fourth album, Perfect Man, (ProLegend Records) has been released.

Melissa N. Sedillo, ’06 BBA, Albuquerque, has been promoted to Marketing Manager at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in Santa Fe. Molly Wagoner, ’06 BFA, Santa Fe, was a participating artist in the “Hell and Heaven” Santa Fe Community College Art Exhibition last fall.

Amy L. Scott, ’07 PhD, Peoria, Illinois, is a contributor to City Dreams, Country Schemes: Community and Identity in the American West (University of Nevada Press). She is assistant professor of history at Bradley University.

Christopher Walker, ’07 MS, San Antonio, Tex., is now head athletic trainer of the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League.

Stephen R. Marshall, ’08 BS, ’11 JD, Albuquerque, has joined the Rodey Law Firm as an associate in its Albuquerque office, where he focuses on medical malpractice defense, insurance defense and personal injury.

Jodi Ewart, ’10 BA, was one of two athletes to receive the inaugural Mountain West Conference Male and Female Athletes of the Year Awards.

She is the first student-athlete in any Mountain West sport to receive four consecutive player of the year honors.

Yekaterina Yushmanova, ’10 MLA, Boulder, Colo., is the first place winner of the Wayne Grace Memorial Student Design Competition presented by the Landscape Architecture Registration Boards Foundation, a not-for-profit organization supporting landscape architecture education and research.

spring 2012

|

33

13 Things

U

Didn’t Kn UNM Alu

The Alumni Association and the Alumni Relations Office are here to keep UNM and its alumni communicating and connected. Here are just a few of the ways we’re working to do just that.

1

5

We support young alumni.

We give newly graduated alumni the tools and resources to help them transition into the “real world”: events, professional development workshops, networking, career services, civic engagement, and rewarding service projects that give back to the community.

2

6

3

7

4

8

There are no dues.

As soon as you graduate from any UNM campus, you’re automatically a member of the UNM Alumni Association. We are 174,000 strong.

We have chapters—and chile—all over

the countr y.

From Atlanta to Austin, Los Angeles to New York City—there are UNM alumni chapters all around the country. No matter where you are, you’re close to another Lobo. And the chapters host green chile roasts for fundraising, so you’re never far from the taste of home.

We’ll help find you a job.

Whether you’re an alum who’s looking for a job or an alum who needs to post one, we can help with our UNM Alumni job listings. We’ll even critique your resume and connect you with a mentor in the field of your choice.

34

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

We’ll take you to dinner.

Our “Dinner for 12 Strangers” program brings together students, alumni, faculty, and staff, giving them a chance to talk and connect over a fabulous meal.

We’ll give you a golden robe.

Each year, UMM Golden Graduates— members of the class celebrating its 50th anniversary — are honored at UNM’s Commencement. You’ll get a special mention in the program, celebrate at The Heritage Club Dinner, and get your own golden robe.

We actively advocate for UNM.

Through our Lobos for Legislation and Lobo Link programs, we provide opportunities for alumni to interact personally with legislators. We also host an annual Congressional Reception for Washington, D.C. alumni and key UNM administrators to meet and speak with New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation.

We give scholarships.

We offer a wide variety of scholarship opportunities for top UNM undergraduate and graduate students to help with finances as they complete their studies.

now About the umni Association

a LBU m M a r r iages Deena Michaels and John B. Hahn, ‘85 BSPH Diana M. Sandoval, ‘92 BA and Gregory Tapia Andrea Baca, ‘97 BA and James Wash Kamryn Owens and John Gonzales, ‘97 BA Brenda Weeks, ‘98 BSN and Roque Gonzales

9

We give awards.

We never stop honoring the accomplishments of UNM alumni. From outstanding community service and leadership to citizenship and successful business ideas, we celebrate alumni every year with a list of respected awards.

10

We depend on current students.

Our UNM Trailblazers and Student Alumni Association are key members of the alumni community—they serve as vital links between past, present, and future UNM students. These future leaders participate in volunteer projects and fundraising activities, helping keep the traditions of UNM alive.

11

We give students cake.

During exam week, when a paper is due, as a birthday surprise—whenever a parent tells us their UNM student needs a sweet surprise, we’ll sing “Happy Birthday” and serve a complimentary cake at Hodgin Hall.

12

We’ll keep you healthy.

We partner with national companies to get UNM alumni affordable health, medical, life, auto, home, and even pet insurance rates. Plus, alumni can use the athletic facilities at Johnson Center and UNM’s championship golf course for reduced rates.

13

We’ll make sure you keep learning.

Alumni can borrow books from the school’s libraries for a reduced annual rate and also get discounts on Kaplan test prep classes and Osher classes. Because we know Lobos are lifelong learners.

Find out the details—and even more things you didn’t know

Dezbah A. Tso, ‘00 MS and Manuel Jesus Jessica Rosazza, ‘03 BAFA and Eric Scott Williams Nadine Chavez, ‘04 BS and Dustin Cunningham Lígia Cristine de Morais Bezarra, ‘08 MA and Michael Stephen Gradoville ‘04 BBA, ‘07 MBA Jodi Hunley, ‘04 BA and Shawn Garrett Rachel Johnston, ‘04 BA and Matthew Christmas Claire La Bauve, ‘04 BS, ‘09 MPT and Fransico Roybal Shannon VanDusen, ‘08 MArch and Ryan Parks, ‘04 BAA Patricia Pacheco and Matias Andrew y Cordova, ‘05 BBA Jerretta Joy Jameson, ‘05 BA and John Antonio Maes, ‘05 BA Emilie Steinhoff, ‘05 BS and James Breyfogle Jessica Salazar, ‘11 BA and Michael P. Sedillo, ‘06 BA Sarah Spofford, ‘06 BA and Jason Wilson, ‘06 BA Jacqueline Trout, ‘06 BA and Warren Reed Davies, III Amber S. Freeman, ‘07 BBA and James R. Gillispie Emily Henkel, ‘07 PharmD and Sean Connor Tricia Giron and David Lopez, ‘07 BBA Lisa R. Romero, ‘07 BA and Garrett Kerwin, ‘10 BS Liza Shaw, ‘07 BSN and Brian Gibson Monica M. Apodaca, ‘08 BBA, ‘10 MBA and Eloy Candelaria Jeanette Orozco and Leon Archuleta, ‘08 BBA Victoria Celusniak, ‘08 BSED and Jose Cornejo, ‘09 BS Anna M. Levin, ‘08 BA, ‘10 MBA and Benjamin Garcia Angela Notah, ‘08 BA and Paul Chavez Samantha Grande, ‘09 BFA and Charlie Dearing Lydia E. Gutierrez, ‘09 BUS and Leo Sanchez Crystal Barreras, ‘10 BS and Harold Sennett Bernadette Gallegos, ‘11 BBA and Jeffrey McCrea, ‘10 BS Kelsie Carpio, ‘11 BA and Joseph Giron, ‘10 BA Lisa R. Romero, ’07 BA, and Garrett Kerwin, ’10 BSN Angela Notah, ’08 BA, and Paul Chavez Maria Pasillas, ’10 BSN, and David Ramirez Jessica Rosazza, ’03 BAFA, and Eric Scott Williams Roxann T. Liccione, ’82 BUS, ’87 JD, and Sean A. Stewart, ’95 BUS Maria Pasillas, ‘10 BSN and David Ramirez Vanessa Tahe and Patrick Platero, ‘10 BUS

about the Alumni Association—online (unmalumni.com),

Lauren Lefferts and Jasper J. Wiggins, ‘10 BA

send us an email (alumni@unm.edu) or give us a call

Serena Eckert, ‘11 BSED and Aaron Wright

(505-277-5808; 1-800-ALUM-UNM).

Chelsea Stueber, ‘11 BS and Randal Sanchez Alexis Kerschner, '99 BA and Alex Tappan

spring 2012

|

35

“U”

Had a Blast at Homecoming 2011

It was all about “U”—alumni returning to their alma mater and current students— during Homecoming 2011. The week of September 19–24, the UNM campus featured more than 50 separate events, including spirit games, award ceremonies, class reunions, and capped off with—of course—a football game. No wonder we’re still exhausted.

Homecoming’s theme—“It’s All Begins With U”—was inspired by some of the university’s first athletic team uniforms. With the bold collegiate “U” featured on the uniforms’ shirts, they reflected the new school’s growing pride. This year, we wanted “U” back!

During Homecoming week, the Alumni Association also hosted a grand re-opening of the Alumni Center at Hodgin Hall, unveiled a time capsule that had been buried in 1908, and prepared a new capsule that will be revealed in 2111.

The UNM Alumni Association would like to thank the following sponsors, staff, and volunteers for their time and efforts. Thanks to “U,” Homecoming 2011 was a smash.

UNM Homecoming 2011 Thank yous and acknowledgments Cash sponsors: Liberty Mutual UNM Division of Student Affairs Gift in Kind: ABQRide Bright Ideas Citadel Southwest Radio

93.3 KOB FM

103.3 ED-FM

610 The Sports Animal

770 KKOB Hobby Lobby Store #70 Homecoming Committee Jill Borrego Steve Carr Jennifer Gomez-Chavez Michael Green Nancy Herring Brad Hutchins Jessica Jaramillo Ashley Leach Lisa Lindquist Ryan Lindquist Laura Montoya Debbie Morris Melissa O’Neill Frieda Archuleta Stewart Leslie Venzuela Danny Vigil Madison Warren Kirsten Williams Reunion Coordinators Marcia Glenn, University Honors Enrique LaMadrid, Spanish and Portuguese 36

|

Homecoming 100 Club Dr. Karen Abraham All Sports Trophies, Inc. John E. Barraclough, Jr. Stephen & Judy Chreist Jubilation Wine, Spirits, and Beer Bill & Susan Littlefield Bob & Betsy Murphy Tommy & Cindy Roberts Duffy & Jean Ann Swan Robert & Elizabeth H. Wertheim Other Acknowledgments Sarah Blumenschein, Poster Artist Wanetta Tuttle, President, Alumni Association Sodexo Sports and Leisure

Special thanks to Patryka Chavez Fairfield Inn by Marriott The Clarion Hotel, North ABQ Classic Party Rentals Crowne Plaza Hotel Doubletree by Hilton Eldon Feldman Gil Garcia, The System Kelly Ketner, Echo Design Lobo Louie Lobo Lucy The March Company Media Technology Services Michael Mellas, Photographer Justin Nafzgar, Architects of Rhythm Norman Johnson Photography Sign and Image Factory UNM Air Force ROTC UNM Athletic Facilities Department

Special thanks to Matt McKernan UNM Lobo Club UNM Bookstore UNM Copy Center UNM Dean of Students Office/Orientation UNM Fire Marshal UNM Marching Band UNM Student Quartet, Bradley Ellingboe, Director

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

Save the Date: Homecoming 2012 The Lobos will go head-to-head with Texas State University on October 6! Be sure to check out unmalumni.com for more details about events, reunions, and more in the upcoming months.

UNM Parking and Transportation UNM Physical Plant UNM Office of the President UNM Public Affairs/Campus News UNM Student Activities UNM Student Union Catering and Chartwell’s UNM Student Homecoming Committee UNM Ticket Office UNM Trailblazers UNM Spirit Group UNM Student Housing UNM Volleyball Voight Thornton, Tier One Productions Zia Graphics Industries Auction Donors 5 Star Burgers Ace in the Hole Pest Control Albuquerque Little Theatre Albuquerque Marriott Hotel Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid Hotel Albuquerque Museum of Art and History All Sports Trophies, Inc. Amor Ceremonies & Ricci Photography Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Andrews Pueblo Pottery Athletes Edge Avila Retail Barbara Ortega Barley Room Bar and Grill Best Western Inn & Suites Blades Bistro Blue Sky Images Bueno Brand Food Products Buffalo Exchange Reclothing Butterfield Jewelers Canine Country Club & Feline Inn Casa Rondeña Winery Casa Verde Salon-Spa Charlene Chavez Tunney Chez D’Or Chris Arias at Lesa Newberry Salon Clampitt Paper

Cliff’s Amusement Park Coleman Travelstead Cookies by Design The Cooperage/Scarpas Cora Chavez Cupcakeology Dr. Daniel DeFazio Defined Fitness Diva D’Luxe Duran’s Central Pharmacy Durango Mountain Resort El Rancho De Last Golondrinas ETCETERA Explora Science Center and

Children’s Museum of Albuquerque Four Hills Country Club Frank Frost Photography French Funerals and Cremations Frieda Stewart Gardenswartz Team Sales George Chew Gyros Mediterranean High Finance Restaurant &

Sandiago’s Mexican Grill Hinkle Family Fun Center Hispaniae Historic Plaza Hotel Hot Flash Glass Hotel La Fonda de Taos Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Hyatt Tamaya Hotel I.C. Ded Peeples, Inc. Il Vicino Inn of he Mountain Gods Casino & Resort Isleta Eagle Golf Course Isotopes Baseball Club Jewish Community Center Jiffy Lube Jinja Bar & Bistro June Romero Karen and Gary Bednorz Kellys Brew Pub KNME-TV 5 Leisure Bowl Liberty Gym Inc. Los Cuates New Mexican Food

Lynn Garlick Retablos Manning Florist Marriott Dallas Plano at Legacy Town Center Melba Floral Studio Mercedes Benz, Porsche & Audi of Albuquerque Monroe’s New Mexican Food Music Maker Nantucket Shoals Seafood Market National Institute of Flamenco Arts National Museum of Nuclear Science & History National Restaurant Supply New Mexico BioPark Society New Mexico Look New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation New Mexico Sports & Wellness Octopus Car Wash Organizit, Inc. Pendaries Village Peoples Flower Shop Route 66 Diner Route 66 Dry Cleaners Sabrina at Scissor Store Sadie’s of New Mexico Sandia Peak Ski Area/Sandia Peak Tramway/ Santa Fe Ski Area Silk Road Connections Soccer Connection Stone Age Climbing Gym SunCare Tanning Tanoan Country Club Tanoan Tennis Taos Ski Valley, Inc. The Cleanery Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy UNM Women’s Basketball UNM Bookstore UNM Center for the Arts/Popejoy Hall UNM Football Athletic Complex UNM Men’s Golf UNM Men’s Tennis UNM President’s Office UNM Press UNM Ski Team UNM Men’s Soccer UNM Spirit Program UNM Theatre and Dance

UNM Women’s Tennis Upward Motion Personal Training Wells Fargo Bank Zia Graphics Zinc Wine Bar and Bistro Homecoming Decorating Contest Participants Career Services College of Pharmacy Dean of Students El Centro de la Raza Office of Government & Community Relations Office of VP Student Affairs Office of the President Psychology Residence Life Student Activities Center School of Engineering Title V/Mentoring Institute University Communication & Marketing UNM Mailing Services UNM Recreation Services Zimmerman Library, Inter-Lib Loan Volunteers Wayne Chew Hiram Crook Tara Edwards Isaiah Ellison Ja’lyn Ellison Jamel Ellison Tonya Ellison Zachary Ellison Tessa A. Krause Melissa O’Neill Marcus Packer

Matthew Packer Paris Packer Rick Packer Robin Packer Keith Ricci Phyllis Benia Salazar Chris Schueler Matthew Segura Francine Stewart Duffy Swan

UNM Alumni Relations Staff Sue MacEachen Karen Abraham Florencio Olguin, Jr. Donna Balduini Camille Pansewicz Ashley Benakis Lexi Petronis Elaine Chew Roberta Ricci Mary Conrad Charlene Chavez Tunney Kara Evans Maria Wolfe Kim Feldman Trevor Ketner spring 2012

|

37

Amazing Zias

Larry Abraham

Steve Ciepiela

Each year, the Alumni Association presents Zia Awards to six outstanding UNM alumni living in New Mexico, and one Lobo Award to an alum who has demonstrated personal service to UNM. This year, all seven were honored at the All University Breakfast that took place during Homecoming week.

UNM president David Schmidly, Alumni Association president Waneta Tuttle, members of the Alumni Association and Alumni Relations Office, UNM supporters, and the family and friends of the award winners were all in attendance to fete the 2011 award winners.

Here are the outstanding recipients of the 2011 Zia Awards: Larry Abraham, ’76 BBA, mayor of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque; Steve Ciepiela, ’77 BA, ’80 MPA, president/ co-founder of Charles Stephen & Company, Inc.; Michael Currier, ’65 BA, president/ CEO of Guaranty Title Company; Nedra Matteucci, ’72 BA, owner of Nedra Matteucci Galleries; Dennis Peña, ’57 BSPH, University of New Mexico Hospital (retired); and Elba Saavedra, ’95 MS, ’04 PhD, assistant professor for research at the UNM College of Education.

Lillian Montoya-Rael, ’89 BA, ’98 MBA, principal of Flywheel Ventures, was the recipient of the 2011 Lobo Award.

Michael Currier

Elba Saavedra

2011 LOBO AWARD WINNER

Dennis Peña

38

|

Nedra Matteucci

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

Lillian Montoya-Rael

lifelong Winners The beginning of any new year is a busy time for the Alumni Association: that’s when we’re hard at work deciding the winners of four very prestigious awards.

FROM Left: President David Schmidly, Kathleen Washburn, Marty Wilson, Waneta Tuttle, Michael J. Glennon, David Allen Hovda

The James F. Zimmerman, Bernard S. Rodey, Erna S. Fergusson, and Faculty Awards are given to outstanding alumni and key members of the UNM community.

This year, the 2012 award winners were honored at a special “Celebrate Our Own” awards dinner on February 16, with President Schmidly, Waneta Tuttle, Alumni Association board members, and the winners’ own family, friends, and constituents there to pay tribute.

This year, David Allen Hovda, ’79 BA, ’83 MA, ’85 PhD, director of the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, won the James F. Zimmerman Award; Michael J. Glennon, ’71 BBA, ’74 MBA, past president of Central New Mexico Community College, was awarded the Bernard S. Rodey Award; Marty Wilson, ’71 BAED, ’78 MA, ’93 EDSP, past executive director of the Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico, won the Erna S. Fergusson Award; and Kathleen Washburn, assistant professor of English at UNM, was awarded the Faculty Teaching Award.

Congratulations to all!

For more information about our Alumni Association award winners (past and present), the awards themselves, and special photos of the events, please visit unmalumni.com/awards.html spring 2012

|

39

We Dream Big

…and know that our alumni do, too.

T

The Alumni Association renovated and re-opened Hodgin Hall in September 2011, establishing the Alumni Center, where UNM’s alumni are always welcome.

But we still have a big to-do list. Now, we need the help of our illustrious—and very generous—alumni with more exciting projects that help provide scholarships to students, recognition to outstanding alumni, and spirit and pride to the entire UNM community.

What sorts of exciting projects?

Here are a few that rank high on our dream list: • Beaming UNM’s spirit to the skies. The Alumni Association is raising funds to build a large letter “U,” echoing the “U” that used to stand on Hodgin Hall’s roof in the 1920s. Our “U” will stand in front of Hodgin Hall, and will be specially engineered to shoot bright beams of light into the sky whenever a UNM sports team is victorious. We’re proud of our university, and know that you are, too—these bright beams will demonstrate that pride to the entire city.

• Tidying up Tight Grove. The green space on the corner of University and Central was created in 1905, when UNM’s third president, William Tight, encouraged students to transplant trees from the Sandias. We plan to enhance its pine wood character while also adding lighting, walking paths, benches, and viewing opportunities.

• Ensuring the preservation of Hodgin Hall and the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel. Special endowments have been set up to ensure the sustainability of these important UNM buildings.

• Increasing scholarships. Through various fundraising efforts—such as the walkway to Hodgin Hall, for which alumni can purchase personalized bricks—we’re working to increase the number of scholarships we grant to UNM students.

Find out how you can participate at unmalumni.com or call us at 505-277-5808 (1-800-ALUM-UNM).

40

|

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

Mailbox

a LBU m

I n M emo r iam My niece in Albuquerque, Sandra Pavioni, 1966 graduate of UNM, sent me a copy of the attractive fall 2011 publication of Mirage, which has a great deal of information about Hodgin Hall. She also sent two handouts that market the completion of the renovation.

The colors of the magazine and flyers, plus the quality of the photos, make all of them pleasant to view; however, in reading the text I missed something of importance. There is no mention of the original architect/builder, my grandfather, Gaetano Palladino. The history of any famous building is incomplete without such a reference.

Gaetano Palladino was an excellent architect/ stone mason from Isernia, Italy. He moved to America and settled in Baltimore.

When Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy of Santa Fe was in Baltimore for a meeting of the American bishops, he invited my grandfather to come west and build the unfinished cathedral of St. Francis in Santa Fe. The Cathedral, of course, is still in constant use and is one of the architectural treasures of New Mexico.

After completion of the cathedral, Gaetano further built more buildings in Santa Fe. He and his growing family moved to Albuquerque, where he built an elegant house on the corner of 4th and Marquette (in the “Palladio” stlye). He built several buildings in Albuquerque, including Hodgin Hall.

At least 12 of Gaetano’s descendants are graduates of UNM and three are currently enrolled.

His descendants are proud of the fact that the first building on the campus of their university was built by their ancestor, Gaetano Palladino.

If some appreciation of his work could be put in Hodgin Hall, perhaps a memorial plaque or inscription, the entire family would be most pleased.

I am the only remaining grandson and even though I left New Mexico in 1955, when my monastery moved to Oregon, my heart is still in the “Land of Enchantment.”

Sincerely, Fr. Robert J. Palladino

Marjorie Ferguson Lambert, ‘31 Bertha Ward, ‘31 Exerlona D. Bramlett, ‘35 Edna V. Conway, ‘35 Wilma E. Wilson, ‘36 Dalton C. Bergan, ‘37 Mary MacGregor Murray, ‘37 Lois C. Perrine, ‘38 Harvena Richter, ‘38 Mariette Cunico, ‘39 Robert J. Darrow, ‘39 Virginia Scoopmire, ‘39 Estate of Frances Zenor, ‘39 Robert C. Clarke, ‘40 S. Cooper Malone, ‘41 Isaac E. Shahan, ‘41 Betty F. Berchtold, ‘42 Fred H. English, ‘42 Eloy B. Gutierrez, ‘42 George J. Reeves, ‘42 Porter Andrew Stratton, ‘42 Colonel Carl L. Cook, ‘43 Beth Stone Loken, ‘43 Nelle-Louise Demas, ‘43 Ezequiel Duran, ‘43 Arnold B. Loken, ‘43 Eloise Petty, ‘43 Eleanor Reed, ‘43 J. A. Robles, ‘43 James M. Hubbard, ‘44 Elise Koogler, ‘44 Fred H. Tufts, ‘44 George S. Emmons, ‘45 Eugene A. Lauck, ‘45 Elmer C. Sproul, ‘45 Luis Torres, ‘45 Phyllis C. Ellis, ‘46 Arthur B. Montagne, ‘46 Glenna Schulze, ‘46 Harold T. Thompson, ‘46 Robert N. Burlingame, ‘47 Jean B. Cates, ‘47 William C. Johns, ‘47 Albert L. Hester, ‘47 Janie Angell Moseley, ‘47 Robert C. Taylor, ‘47 John P. Wells, ‘47 William A. Whitesell, ‘47 Martha L. Hardison, ‘48, ‘80 David M. Lyon, ‘48 Hope Kinzer Newhouse, ‘48, ‘56 Ralph N. Orgill, ‘48 Gilbert Gutierrez, ‘49 Hilliard H. Lewis, Jr., ‘49 Grace Tafoya, ‘49 Thomas G. Trainor, Jr., ‘49 Paul T. Woodnorth, Jr., ‘49 Charles E. Vertrees, ‘49 Martha Barber, ‘50 Manuel Chavez, ‘50 Walter Dzugan, ‘50 Henry F. Frazier, ‘50 John W. Hall, Jr., ‘50 Milton G. Holmen, ‘50 Roy F. Menning, ‘50 William W. Moseley, ‘50, ‘54 Dana Patricia Naimi, ‘50 Samuel J. Nuccio, ‘50 Dixie Lou Anderson O’Donnell, ‘50 Lorenzo B. Sanchez, ‘50, ‘51 Frank B. Serrano, ‘50 Telesforo Sierra, Jr., ‘50 Alvin E. Sloan, ‘50 Eugene B. Springer, ‘50 Arthur R. Steele, ‘50 Patricia Thompson, ‘50 Billy E. Willingham, ‘50

James Loyd Wilkins, ‘50 Raymond G. Buergin, ‘51 Henry C. Daniel, ‘51 Doris Julia Gruber, ‘51 Mary E. Jordan, ‘51 Donald Keith Kelley, ‘51 Leo-Arthur Kelmenson, ‘51 Leroy A. Olson, ‘51 Martina D. Padilla, ‘51 James H. Piper, ‘51 Barbara Saunders, ‘51 Charles George Smith, Jr., ‘51 William L. Barnes, ‘52 Philip Frankenfeld, ‘52 Ralph C. Gangale, ‘53 Wesley G. Miller, ‘52 Beatrice P. Minnis, ‘52 John E. Price, ‘52 Roger C. Shaw, ‘52 Lillian C. Webster, ‘52 William C. Yarbrough, ‘52 Richard Edward Greenleaf, ‘53, ‘54, ‘57 Elizabeth A. Gut, ‘53 William K. Klatt, ‘53 Ruby Dora Ortiz, ‘53 Marion F. Pearce, Jr., ‘53 Don B. Scott, ‘53 Clara M. Arretche, ‘54 Robert D. Feltham, PhD, ‘54 Vonna Jean McCloskey, ‘54 Barbara A. McMinn, ‘54 Robert Lytle Stokes, ‘54 Charles R. Ellison, II, ‘55 Edward S. Johnson, ‘55 John R. Kennedy, ‘55 Paul A. Lattin, ‘55 John H. Schuelke, ‘55 Frank J. Tuffs, ‘55 Mary Anella, ‘56 George Albert Barr, ‘56 Donald Lee Davis, ‘56, ‘63 William R. Hendley, ‘56 Michael C. Robel, ‘56 Joyce Mcmillan Schurr, ‘56 Leland W. Negaard, ‘57 Ralph W. Newcomb, ‘57 George R. Smouse, ‘57 Carol E. Alalouf, ‘58, ‘66 Eileen De Dea, ‘58 Holly Merki Ferguson, ‘58 John R. Gentz, ‘58 Daniel C. Harrington, ‘58 Norman F. Root, ‘58 James M. Woodman, III, ‘58 Terry C. Drake, ‘59 Bennie R. Gonzales, ‘59 Harold E. Brashears, ‘60 Kyle Rex Duffie, ‘60 Jacquelyn Kay Otero, ‘60, ‘62 David J. Robinson, ‘60 David W. Roeder, ‘60 Neal G. Baumgardner, ‘61 Rodney G. Orr, ‘61 Anita Ouverson, ‘61 Fred A. Scaggari, ‘61 Edward C. Walterscheid, ‘61 Ann Lynn Hatch, ‘62 Mary Elizabeth McDonald, ‘62, ‘66 Carol J. Wood, ‘62 Marian Arnold, ‘63 John F. Barnes, ‘63, ‘82 Larry E. Bobisud, ‘63, ‘66 Ernest Bancroft Core, ‘63 Douglas Paul Johnson, ‘63, ‘71 Anna Lee Kiefer, ‘63 Jerald J. Monroe, ‘63 Karen K. Shannon, ‘63

spring 2012

|

41

OUTLOOK C h a p te r M aste r C alen d a r March March 31

Chicago Chapter – Lobo Day Celebration

A p r il April 9

Dallas Area College Fair Participation – Volunteers Welcome

April 12

Houston Chapter College Fair – Volunteers Welcome

April 14

Austin Chapter Wine and Wild Flower Tour

April 21

Phoenix Area – Alumni Reception

April 24 – 25

Los Angeles Chapter College Fair @ Ontario – Volunteers Welcome

April 26

San Diego Chapter National College Fair – Volunteers Welcome

April 30

Los Angeles Chapter College Fair @ Pasadena – Volunteers Welcome

M ay May 1

Los Angeles Chapter College Fair @ Ventura – Volunteers Welcome

J uly July 29

Austin Chapter Annual Ice Cream Social

Date tba

Los Angeles Chapter Hollywood Bowl and Pot Luck Pre-concert

A ugust August 25

Austin Chapter Annual Green Chile Roast and Picnic

August 26

Los Angeles Chapter 20th Annual Green Chile Fest @ Ventura

U N M A lumni A ssociation 2 0 1 2 – 1 3 T r a v el P r og r am Go on an Adventure!

The Alumni Association’s travel program is filled with educational trips to locations all over the world. See something interesting? Get all the details at unmalumni.com/travel.html —then call us!

2012 Paris April 25 – May 2, 2012 GoNext Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and Canary Islands June 4 – 17, 2012 GoNext

S e p tembe r September 8

Atlanta Chapter Annual Chile Roast and Picnic

September 9

Washington, DC Green Chile Roast and Taco Picnic

Y O U N G A L U M N I C alen d a r March March 24 Albuquerque Daffodil Days Sales March 23 Phoenix (every Friday through October)

Game Watch Parties March 30 Albuquerque Sock Hop

Flying Star Café, Nob Hill Mountain West Conference Cellar at Hokona Hall

April April 4 April 21

Albuquerque YA Board Meeting Albuquerque Spring Storm

Hodgin Hall Johnson Field

Baltic Treasures August 10 – 21, 2012 GoNext Discover Ecuador – Cuenca September 6 – October 6, 2012 AHI Travel 2013 Asian Wonders February 2 – 21, 2013 GoNext

May May 4­­–5 Albuquerque Duke City Sleepout Balloon Fiesta Park May 10 Albuquerque New Grad Wine & Cheese Social Hodgin Hall June June 7 June 23

42

|

Albuquerque Golf Clinic Albuquerque Beer Tasting/Isotopes Game

M I R A G E m a g a z i n e

UNM Championship Course Isotopes Park

Trips, dates and pricing are subject to change.

For additional information, contact Charlene Chavez Tunney at the Alumni Relations Office (505-277-5808 or 800-258-6866).

Mailbox

a LBU m

I n M emo r iam This letter is from the wife (at that time) of the very first alumni director of the UNM Alumni Office. His name was Bill Hall, appointed by Tom Popejoy. In his many duties and accomplishments, he established the concept of the UNM Alumni War Memorial Chapel. I really enjoyed this latest issue of Mirage [Winter 2011], but was very disappointed that his name was omitted from being named in that capacity.

He eventually became Dr. William E. Hall, Jr., with an M.A. from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the State University of Iowa, and also served as the first director of development for UNM. Later, he served as head of the departments of journalism at Texas Tech, the University of Nebraska, and Ohio State.

He has two lovely daughters who are still very proud of him. And although we parted, I am proud of him, too.

I was serving as head cheerleader (for the second year) when we met in the Student Union in 1946. And serving Coach Burl Huffman on the Athletic Council, I became what I think was the first female letterman. Since Bill worked for the Albuquerque Tribune as sports editor before he went to war and later became alumni director, we had a lot in common.

I hope you will consider giving him an mention in the next magazine. He was a very worthy and distinguished alum.

Yours sincerely, Lou Ann (Jones) Hall Graham

We want to hear from you!

Share your thoughts, memories, and stories with us via email at alumni@unm.edu or send them to The University of New Mexico Alumni Association, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 01-1160, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Richard L. Reed, ‘64, ‘70 Segrid Seal, ‘64 Sue McClusky, ‘65 Horace Monroe Poteet, ‘65, ‘71 Gordon J. Dodrill, ‘66 Henry O. Sanchez, ‘66 Charlotte Yesselman, ‘66 Lenore H. Wolfe, ‘66, ‘70 Eulalia Jiron, ‘67 Francine O. Lawrence, ‘67, ‘72, ‘91 Sybil M. Stevens, ‘67 Delbert A. Fraissinet, ‘68, ‘75 Greg A. Porterfield, ‘68 Geraldine F. Stephens, ‘68 William Walter Tarbell, ‘68, ‘70 Elaine D. VanOrden, ‘68 Garet E. Van De Steeg, ‘68 Carl E. Cappel, ‘69 Margaret E. Olson, ‘69, ‘86 Robert W. Beck, ‘70 Edward L. Chacon, ‘70 Catherine S. Colberg, ‘70 Beverly Schlick, ‘70, ‘77 Paul H. Van Baak, ‘70 Elizabeth N. Anderson, ‘71 Charles Elton Dimke, Jr., ‘71 Orlando Garcia, ‘71, ‘76 Richard Kilmer, ‘71, ‘74 James McClure, ‘71 Robert Ray Mhoon, ‘71 John Martin Romero, ‘71 Patrick S. Stephenson, ‘71 Michael Henry Stuart, ‘71, ‘74 John Andrew White, ‘71, ‘73 Robert Wade Zarn, ‘71, ‘72 Paul R. Arellano, ‘72 Sharon Lee Ayers, ‘72 Edward Leroy Baca, ‘72 Jack Lewis Berger, ‘72 Earl Joe Landry, ‘72 Bobby M. Mayfield, ‘72 Rick Wright, ‘72 Jean L. R. Ciriacks, ‘73 Helen Edmonds, ‘73 Gerald Allan Gardner, ‘73 John Delbert Tye, ‘73 Robert Lee Webb, ‘73 Charles E. Ferguson, ‘74 David Robert Trujillo, ‘74 Milton Hawkins Ward, ‘74 Olga Hendrick Wright, ‘74 Bob Carmignani, ‘75 Patrick Richard Earl, ‘75 Alfred J. Paynter, ‘75 Caren Ingrid Swain, ‘75 Norma R. Burch, ‘76 Annamae G. Dogin, ‘76 James W. Hershberger, ‘76 William B. Wilkirson, ‘76 Don Alan Myers, ‘77 Marie J Cata Abeyta, ‘78, ‘82 P. Glenn Armstrong, ‘78 Mary E. Barbone, ‘78 James Fernandez, ‘78 Christine A. Oesterbo, ‘78 David Alan Thompson, ‘78 Richard Kenneth Trask, ‘78 Robert Eugene West, ‘78 Betty Rose Dudley, ‘79 John David Muelker, ‘79 Patrick Edward Pence, ‘79 Rose Mary Boicourt, ‘80 Rudolph Chavez, ‘80 Colonel Roger Leon Conarty, ‘80 Lenke Elizabeth Vietorisz, ‘81 Vincent Brunacini, Jr., ‘82 Karl Fredric Rinehardt, ‘82

Johanna C. Johnson, ‘83, ‘85 Frank Lujan Jr., ‘83 Shirley A. McGuire, ‘83 Prudence M. Stewart, ‘83 Richard Q. Carleno, ‘84 Joanna Dolores Contreras, ‘84 Katherine Ann Hildebrandt, ‘84 Gary Joseph Lonz, ‘84, ‘88 Judith Crocker Murphy, ‘84, ‘86 Mark R. Buslee, ‘85 Lilli B. Marjon, ‘85 Georgette Martin McGuire, ‘85, ‘87 Elaine Ballon, ’86 John G. Johnston, ‘86 Patricia Ann Eilar, ‘87 Ramona J. Marin, ‘87 Marilyn M. Strones, ‘87 Leroy Leo Gonzales, ‘88 Steven N. Hayden, ‘88 Dixie M. Harvey, ‘89 Diane L. Dressel, ‘90 Paul Neha, ‘90 Danielle Renee Argenta, ‘91 Jennifer A. Canfield, ‘91, ‘94 Vicki L. Cook, ‘91 Denise Gayle Cordova, ‘91 Emma L. Melillo, ‘91 Sally A. Strickland, ‘91 John Norman Bennett, III, ‘92, ‘96 John Louis Chenoweth, ‘92 Sokombe L. Ekofo, ‘92 Betty Lou Kelly-Miller, ‘92 Jo Lynn Petersen, ‘92, ‘96 Stephanie Anne Eberhard, ‘93, ‘06 Charles Lewis Rasmussen, ‘93 Jose D. Romero, ‘94 Colleen Theresa Alivado, ‘95 Thomas Michael Barrett, ‘95, ‘97 Steven Haskett Kemp, ‘96 Freddie Manuelito, ‘96 Annie Shank, ‘96, 01 Frank Williams, ‘96 Sat Guru Singh Khalsa, ‘97 Karen Jane Mains, ‘97 Lawrence Chee, ‘98, ‘99 Cynthia Clemons, ‘98 Sheryl L. Hill, ‘98 Tom Woody, ‘98 Juliana Madrid, ‘00 Renee Lynn Hoyden, ‘01, ‘02 James Murray Ersfeld, ‘04, ‘09 Sunnie Freeman, ‘04 Angelita Aaron Muskett, ‘04, ‘09 Marc Anthony Rivera, ‘05 Rachel A. Alberson, ‘06 Tatjana K. Rosev, ‘06, ‘08 Vera M. Notah, ‘08 Tova K. Cardillo, ‘09 Benjamin O. Schaff, ‘09 Christina Joe, ‘11 Carol Rymer Davis, former medical resident Cleveland Turner, former medical resident Shelly L. U’ren, former medical resident Paul B. Allen Marion Crissey James L. Culbertson, III Bernice B. Fletcher Beverly A. Gordon W. Jack Howard Billy E. McGhee Alice Ayers Otten Harry R. Parsons, Jr. Mary L. Rankin Douglas S. Reid Tom L. Sutton Grace W. Williams

spring 2012

|

43

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid The University of New Mexico Alumni Association MSC 01-1160 1 University of New Mexico

Permit No. 1260 Liberty, MO 64068

Albuquerque NM 87131-0001 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

University Archives

100 Years and Counting

New Mexico celebrates its 100th birthday this year—it was officially recognized as the 47th state on January 6, 1912. This is what UNM looked like in 1912, just as the state was joining the union. The photo was taken atop the UNM windmill, looking west. In the foreground, you can see Hodgin Hall and Rodey Theater; downtown Albuquerque is in the background.