A Year of Achievements:
UNM Foundation's Fiscal Year 2022-23

As we reflect on the 2022-23 fiscal year, it's evident that it was filled with remarkable achievements and significant milestones for the UNM Foundation. In a year marked by change, progress, and unwavering commitment, we proudly announce that through the generosity of our dedicated donors, we raised more than $101 million, exceeding our fundraising goal. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who contributed to the Foundation's success. Together, we are making a profound impact for students, faculty, patients, research, and the citizens of New Mexico.

Major Gifts

  • In spring 2023, we received a remarkable gift of over $5 million to establish the Virgil and Lennis Stout Endowed Scholarship Fund. This blended gift included the creation of the fund, accompanied by a generous bequest pledge. The fund will provide scholarships to full-time juniors and seniors with financial need and a GPA of at least 3.0, with the first students receiving awards as early as January 2024.

  • The College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences and the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections received a generous $2.5 million gift from Rosalyn Roembke Hurley. This contribution established the Wilson Hurley Collection Endowment and created a dedicated space to preserve the artistic legacy of renowned painter Wilson Hurley (1924-2008). Additionally, it will facilitate the digitization of Hurley's collection and establish a program for visiting scholars.

  • In honor of the School of Law's 75th anniversary in 2022, Senator Joseph Cervantes and his law firm partners Jim Scherr, Joseph Isaac, Sam Legate, and Danny Anchondo donated $2 million. This generous gift has established two endowed scholarship funds at the School of Law, benefiting future legal scholars.

  • The Harwood Museum of Art (UNM Taos) achieved a significant milestone with a $2 million estate commitment towards its endowment campaign. This extraordinary gift exceeded the museum's original $6 million endowment goal and was highlighted during Harwood's centennial year celebration.

  • MathWorks, a leading developer of mathematical computing software, donated $2 million to establish the Cleve Moler and MathWorks Chair of Mathematical and Engineering Software Endowed Fund. This prestigious chair will contribute to hiring a distinguished computer science faculty member within the School of Engineering.

  • An exceptional gift of $2 million is helping to establish the William D. Grasse Endowed Chair in Behavioral Finance at the Anderson School of Management. This endowed chair will advance research and education in behavioral finance, attract top-notch faculty, and benefit students.

  • The School of Engineering received a generous bequest of $500,000, which will be instrumental in advancing engineering programs, supporting innovative initiatives, and fostering groundbreaking research.

UNM Big Give

The UNM Big Give, a campus-wide day of giving, occurred from February 28 to March 1, 2023, spanning precisely 1,889 minutes to commemorate UNM's founding year of 1889. This collaborative effort among all UNM campuses, the Foundation, UNM Health, and UNM Athletics resulted in an impressive $802,187 in gifts from 2,517 donors, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends, representing every state in the country. These funds will support various academic, healthcare, athletic, cultural, and student programs at UNM.

UNM Children's Hospital (UNMCH) Radiothon

The annual Radiothon, hosted by 100.3 The Peak and sponsored by Dion's, occurred on March 3, 2023. In just 12 hours, it raised an impressive $156,357 to benefit pediatric patients at UNMCH. This hospital provides essential healthcare services to over 85,000 children annually from all 33 counties in New Mexico and parts of Colorado, Arizona, and Texas, regardless of their families' ability to pay.

Lobo Cancer Challenge

On September 24, 2022, the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted the annual Lobo Cancer Challenge to support cancer research. With more than 800 participants, this year marked the highest attendance in the event's history. Through sponsorship and participant fundraising, over $365,000 was raised for cancer research, underscoring the commitment to finding innovative solutions in the fight against cancer.

Cherry and Silver Scholarship Gala

In August 2022, the Cherry and Silver Scholarship Gala exceeded expectations by raising over $585,000 for student-athlete scholarships. This sold-out event, attended by more than 550 supporters, occurred at The Clyde Hotel in downtown Albuquerque and highlighted the significance of empowering student-athletes to excel academically and athletically.

Broadway for Teens

UNM and Popejoy Presents introduced a new outreach program, Broadway for Teens, to bring Title I high school students to Popejoy Hall to experience top-tier performances. The program's debut in May 2023, featuring the acclaimed musical "Hamilton," provided tickets for 80 students and ten faculty members from Albuquerque High and Cuba High. Students also had the unique opportunity to engage with "Hamilton" actors. The Popejoy Hall Excellence Fund made this program's funding possible, supporting future programming, operations, and education.

The 2022-2023 fiscal year was a memorable year for the UNM Foundation. Our achievements, driven by the support of our generous donors and the dedication of our team, have made a lasting impact on the lives of New Mexicans. We remain committed to enhancing education, research, and healthcare at the University of New Mexico as we move forward. Together, we will continue building a brighter future for our community and the generations.