Slideshows

PHOTO STORY: Flamenco performance tells story

On March 25-28, the CNM Theater and Dance Department performed “Heart Song,” a comedy-drama play that follows Rochelle, a middle-aged Jewish woman in New York City struggling to find herself after the passing of her mother. The two-act performance, written by Stephen Sachs and directed and choreographed by Bridgit Lujan, tells Rochelle’s story as she is convinced by a friend to take a flamenco class, and although hesitant at first, begins to discover her own inner voice as she develops friendship and sisterhood within a circle of women who share struggles of their own. The play featured a mix of acting, dancing and flamenco music performed by musician Marco de Waart.

PHOTO STORY: Canada geese make a stop at the Duck Pond

A few Canada geese made a pit stop at the Duck Pond to greet its occupants and take a splash in the pond.   Students quietly studying on the lawn the Duck Pond were briefly interrupted by ruffling feathers and a wholesome gaze from dark and shiny, beady eyes.  The geese, showing no fear of the students, walked casually to the shore of the pond where they were startled by a small child who tried to pet them.  Canada geese started their migration journeys in February, heading northbound for the summer where they breed according to NPR, and will continue migration into May.   Canada goose populations have been increasing in urban areas for over 50 years, partly due to habitat loss. The Duck Pond welcomes geese to relax and bond with the ducks … and students.  Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06

PHOTO STORY: Spring brings UNM flora to life across campus

The first couple weeks of Spring have brought the University of New Mexico’s bright flora and fauna to life across campus. Flowers, both natural and planted, have begun to bloom around the Duck Pond, along walkways, and throughout UNM’s most beautiful outdoor study or relaxing spots. Students will find that the large rose bushes outside of the Science and Math Learning Center have developed red, pink and yellow flowers, with many more still preparing to bloom. Tulips have popped up in rows outside of Ortega Hall, and pink and purple flowers have begun to grow in the trees outside of Scholes Hall and the Alumni Chapel. The brightest colors and blooming flowers are yet to come as temperatures continue to rise leading into the peak of the spring season.

PHOTO STORY: Spring Break vibes on campus

PHOTO STORY: Albuquerque No Kings march draws several thousand

Major intersections were shut down for Albuquerque’s third No Kings protest, which drew approximately 50,000 participants to Montgomery Park and hosted multiple speakers, including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Chants criticizing President Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran echoed throughout the crowd. Some participants highlighted Blackstone’s proposed acquisition of energy supplier Public Service Company New Mexico, chanting “Our home is not a sacrifice zone,” and carrying banners that read “Back off Blackstone."  Radiance LaJeunesse, who marched with the crowd, said she attended because of “all injustices,”  including (the Trump Administration) “pulling children away from their families and killing American citizens.” “It's got way out of hand, this little science experiment that Trump wants,” LaJeunesse said. “I won't lie. I do believe that Democrats are a little spineless. I am a Democrat. But because that's the only way I can vote in every single election, so I make sure to do that.”  Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88 

PHOTO STORY: Treasures of the Earth Expo

The Treasures of the Earth Expo, presented by the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club, welcomed visitors of all ages with vibrant displays of minerals and engaging activities. From Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, at the Expo NM State Fairgrounds, guests were warmly greeted by volunteers. After buying their tickets, they could cast their vote in the gemstone display competition and entered a raffle for a chance to win prizes. Among the organizations competing for the standout displays were the San Juan College Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology and the New Mexico Mineral Museum. Their booths showcased gems and minerals accompanied by informative pamphlets containing historical and scientific facts. This year’s expo drew a lively crowd eager to explore the wide variety of gemstones, jewelry, fossils and unique mineral-themed products. In addition to the marketplace and display competition, the event featured a daily silent auction where attendees bid on coveted stones and gems to take home. Beyond raw gems and decorative jewelry, vendors offered mineral lamps, wine caps adorned with polished stones, gua shas, dinosaur teeth and an array of intricately carved figures including dragons, skulls, pirate ships, mushrooms and moon shapes. For those needing a break, The Taco Guy provided food options, and tables and chairs were available for guests to relax and recharge. Paulina Acosta-Marta is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Students celebrate Black History Month with fashion show

PHOTO STORY: Welcome Back Days shines spotlight on student organizations, allows students to jumpstart their path

The University of New Mexico held its second part of Welcome Back Days in the Student Union  Building on Wednesday, Jan. 28.  This day was centered around student organizations on campus, thus allowing students to get more information on how to become more involved and best suit their interests as they start a new semester. For those who love being active in sports, there were organizations represented such as UNM club tennis and Fusion ultimate frisbee. Those who love games could join clubs such as tabletop tavern or UNM’s chess club.  Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: Welcome Back Days usher students back to campus

The University Of New Mexico happily welcomed back new and returning students to start the semester on Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the UNM Student Union Building Atrium. Welcome Back Days are a tradition and opportunity for Lobos to meet with vendors, organizations and people representing fraternities and sororities. The event gives students a chance to meet organizers such as LoboTHON, the Associated Students at UNM and other opportunities to get your name around campus and volunteer. Plus, for those interested in free stuff or chances to win prizes, there are options such as the LoboTHON table by spinning the wheel. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo

PHOTO STORY: First week back on campus vibes, after winter break

PHOTO STORY: Lobo hockey wins three straight in Los Alamos

The UNM Lobos Men’s Ice Hockey Team enjoyed a successful fall semester with 13 wins, four losses and one overtime loss. They looked to carry that momentum into the new year at the annual Nuclear Shootout College Hockey Tournament in Los Alamos, New Mexico, from Jan. 16-18. They finished the weekend with a 8-1 win over the University of California, Los Angeles, a 9-1 win over California State University, Northridge and a 3-2 win over Southern Methodist University. They will try and keep the four game win streak alive this weekend in Flagstaff as they face Northern Arizona University, and they will play their last home games of the season on Jan. 30 and 31 against the University of Wyoming before heading to the playoffs.

PHOTOSTORY: Winter break vibes on UNM Campus

PHOTO STORY: Protesters gather at UNM bookstore after Minneapolis woman killed by ICE agent

Under a shower of hail and thunderstorms, over 100 people gathered at the University of New Mexico Bookstore Thursday evening for a vigil and protest after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good through her car window in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Protesters carried handmade signs, chanted against ICE and commemorated Good’s life during the vigil.  Good was a wife, mother, poet and legal observer of federal actions in the city, living with her six-year old son and wife in Minneapolis, according to CBS News.  Bystander video shows an ICE agent grab Good’s car door handle before another agent — identified as Jonathan Ross — fired shots from close range through her car window as she began to turn right, according to The New York Times.  President Donald Trump told the New York Times that Good “ran over” Ross and that she was "unbelievably bad behaved.”   New Mexico State Senator Harold Pope (D-23), who attended the UNM Bookstore protest, told The Daily Lobo that the Trump administration’s response to the shooting was “gaslighting.”  “Even if I didn't see it on the video, even if someone is breaking the law or doing anything, it doesn't mean you murder them, and so it's just disgusting that we've gone to this point,” Pope said. Adam Vaagen was one of several community members who stood in the rain puddles in support of the protest.   “I'm really proud of everyone here. I'm really grateful for the amount of people that are here and it's inspiring,” Vaagen said. Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

PHOTO STORY: Best Winter Study Spots on Campus

As the leaves keep falling off the trees, and each morning gets ever so slightly colder, winter slowly hits the University of New Mexico campus. Students begin to wear heavier clothes and begin to stay indoors more. Regardless of the temperature outside, this doesn’t stop the studying students have to do, begging the question: What are the best winter study spots on campus? Everyone has their own taste, but there are some spots that just cannot be beat. Zimmerman Library’s west-wing is great for anyone who wants to lock-in in silence while study spots near the Adobe Creative Commons for anyone wanting to study in groups. But there isn’t just Zimmerman, the Student Resource Center Apartments second level and Dane Smith has spots for a break during classes and George Pearl Hall has small classrooms available when not in use. Preston Rogers is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Architectural Studio Life

With one week left in the semester, each day is more and more stressful. Piles of scrap cardboard and chipboard lay everywhere as University of New Mexico architecture students prepare for their final review. Although this is a time of stress and urgency, it’s a bonding experience for many.  From late nights working through problems with fellow classmates preparing for a final review, these relationships can be only obtained in architecture school at the School of Architecture and Planning. A strong studio culture has been built with students regardless of year, collaborating together whether in studio or down in the Fab Lab. The studio culture built in the architecture program at UNM is one of a kind. Preston Rogers is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Built for learning: How architecture enhances the architecture school experience

Most buildings on campus are designed in a manner that best suits what is being taught there, and George Pearl Hall is an excellent example of this. Two of five floors are filled with studio spaces where students in their second year and up each have their own space, providing an environment that can be adapted to their needs.  Throughout the building its infrastructure is exposed, allowing students to measure steel beams and use the infrastructure as a guise for their work. The building’s “Crit Bridge” is a cradled bridge over the underground courtyard that serves as multifunctional space for holding events, student reviews and as exhibition space for student work. It’s not just these spaces, the entire structure is used as a reference for students as they continue to learn and develop their own projects. Preston Rogers is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Fragile bosque ecosystem provides essential habitat for migratory birds

Starting in mid-November, the Rio Grande river has become the temporary home for thousands of migratory birds, including Sandhill cranes, and Canadian geese, according to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Migratory birds are attracted to flooded fields and wetlands with reliable food supply. The local Bosque ecosystem provides this habitat, with Albuquerque being within one of the four major bird migration corridors in the United States, according to the  National Fish and Wildlife Service.  These ideal conditions are increasingly less reliable as the Rio Grande river water becomes scarce from less snowpack, according to Source NM. Dry conditions were visible this year as ponds once filled to their banks and teeming with geese and herons last year were now cracking soil with mud puddles, and hikers could walk on soil that was once the river.  Dry bosque conditions limit habitat for birds, insects and other species that provide essential nutrition, causing some scientists to predict that if this trend continues migratory birds will avoid New Mexico entirely in decades to come, according to Source NM.  Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88

PHOTO STORY: UNM Crowns a Glizzy Champion

 It’s halftime at University Stadium, the University of New Mexico Lobos are down by four against the San Diego State University Aztecs, the score is 14-10. The crowd is going wild; it’s time for hot dogs. Six UNM students took to the field and were placed before several mountains of hot dogs. The clock started and they had to eat as many as possible in two minutes. Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy cheered on the contestants, the crowd roared, the contestants consumed hot dogs at undeniable speeds. The buzzer sounded and the winner emerged. The Glizzy Champion was crowned and received a special Glizzy Champ football jersey. The stadium went wild, giving the Lobos the energy to push ahead in the second half and beat SDSU 23-17. It was the hotdogs; they won UNM the game. Liliana Esparza is the photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: The Structures That Shape UNM

The University of New Mexico’s Main Campus is well-known in the Albuquerque community for its stunning nature, but the architectural patterns of UNM’s buildings do not go unnoticed. Multiple buildings are designed in typical New Mexico Southwest style, with vigas, or wooden poles, that extend out from the structure and adobe walls, including Zimmerman Library and Scholes Hall.  Campus also features modern designs including square patterns and metal designs meant to cast shadows when hit at a certain angle by the sun. Buildings in development on campus also make for an interesting view, including The Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology on the south side of Johnson Field. The Alumni Memorial Chapel is one of the few to include hand-painted designs on its wooden door frames and fancier designs of vigas. Maria Fernandez is the copy editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

PHOTO STORY: Campus Wildlife Prepares For Winter

Even as winter slowly creeps onto campus, there is no lack of wildlife and beauty for students to catch as they walk to class or take a rest. Ducks have returned to the Duck Pond, now leisurely swimming on sunny days. The trees that have yet to lose their leaves that still glow bright yellow and red, while the rest have shed, covering the ground all over campus with leaves for crunching. A small helping of flowers continue to bloom near the Duck Pond, though most of the campus rose bushes have gone dormant ahead of the season’s first frost. Maria Fernandez is the copy editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copy@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo