Tom L. Popejoy Society

The Tom L. Popejoy Society has recognized UNM’s most outstanding philanthropic leaders for over 40 years. Membership is achieved when cumulative lifetime giving reaches or exceeds $50,000, and honors the remarkable, far-reaching legacy of Thomas Lafayette Popejoy, UNM’s ninth President and the first native New Mexican to hold the position. Over his 20-year tenure (1948 to 1968), President Popejoy oversaw the unprecedented postwar expansion of UNM’s student body and campus. In addition, he passionately defended the academic freedom of UNM professors during the McCarthy era, worked to establish the UNM School of Medicine, and tirelessly fought for New Mexico’s first major performing arts center, that would ultimately be named Popejoy Hall in his honor. Tom Popejoy’s legacy endures in many other UNM entities, including Johnson Gym, Jonson Gallery, KNME-TV, and The Pit. Today, the vision and commitment of Tom L. Popejoy Society members help UNM to continue advancing students’ success and opportunities, supporting groundbreaking research, and fostering a healthy and economically vigorous New Mexico.

For more information on this important and prestigious society, please contact Tom Hudgens at tom.hudgens@unmfund.org or 505-313-7636.