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Redefining excellence: UNM Athletics boasts record-high GPA of 0.02

The University of New Mexico’s student-athletes have redefined what it means to excel by earning a historically high average GPA of 0.02 for the fall 2024 semester. In what some are calling “academic innovation” and others are calling “a cry for help,” the UNM Athletics Department now holds the distinction of having the highest team GPA in school history — and possibly the country. When asked about the stunning figure, UNM Athletics Director Joe Sport declined to comment. A spokesperson later clarified he was “still processing the math.”

UNMPD to expand ‘Small Arms Division’ following T. rex stampede

The University of New Mexico Police Department announced during a press conference last week that its Small Arms Division, which was implemented last year, will expand to include a wider variety of animals that have itty bitty appendages and excellent hunting capabilities. The new phase of expansion will bring in kangaroos, foxes and platypi to replace the Tyrannosaurus rex portion of the Small Arms Division, known as SAD. The replacement follows last year’s T. rex stampede on campus when Kappa Alpha Omegatron’s offer of free belly rubs to the dinosaurs. The T. rexes began an all-out sprint to the fraternity, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

UNM establishes Department of Gaslighting Studies

The University of New Mexico recently unveiled a Department of Gaslighting as an extension of the film department. “Gaslighting is a soft skill that allows learners to reshape the realities of those around them,” you literally said two weeks ago. “We offer courses that allow students to malignly influence behavior and decision-making, and adjust the strength of an actor’s convictions.” It will also allow more students to double-major, given that students may already have high levels of proficiency in gaslighting studies, according to department director Aimarid Yorre-Maum.

Southwest Film Center to show YOUR nightmares, with director commentary

During the month of April, the University of New Mexico Southwest Film Center will publicly screen the nightmarish scenes you see in your mind every time you close your eyes. The screenings will be accompanied by a Q&A session with the director — an unnamed white man with a salt-and-pepper beard, an ill-fitting blazer and bright orange suede shoes. Starting with a classic, the SWFC is currently airing that nightmare you had as a child where all of your teeth fell out. It started with just one tooth in the morning, standing in front of the mirror getting ready for school. You were almost proud; you could see a quarter in your future. But then they kept dropping. One fell to the floor when you twisted the door handle. Another in the car. More, on the playground. One on the timed multiplication test you knew you were failing.

Daily Lobo accepts eggs in exchange for positive news coverage

At the Daily Lobo, we encourage the community at the University of New Mexico to donate valuable assets — including eggs and more eggs! In exchange for positive coverage, students and faculty members can bring us eggs. One egg equals one marvelous quote in a Daily Lobo article, subject to change depending on the price of eggs at transaction. Eck Carton, a freshman at the University of New Mexico, said the arrangement has worked out in his favor. “I’ve exchanged about 10 dozen eggs so far. I think the quotes are helping me reach stardom,” Carton said. “They should rename the Daily Lobo to the Daily Eck.”

‘RUN, HIDE, FIGHT’: UNM investigates mysterious surge in pie theft

A recent spike in reported pie theft on the University of New Mexico campus has led the UNM Police Department to launch an investigation. UNMPD stated that it has received 71 total reports of grand theft à la mode. Pies of all varieties are mysteriously vanishing after being left unattended. One student reported a pie disappearing directly out of their own hands. Lemmy Meringue, a student who has had multiple pies stolen out of her dorm room kitchen, told the Daily Lobo about her experience.

Lobos win first-ever chain-smoking championship

Last week, the University of New Mexico Lobos took home first place overall at the first-ever collegiate chain-smoking competition. The competition included events such as the fastest smoker to finish one, five or 10 cigarettes. Endurance-focused events included the most cigarettes finished in five, 10 and 15 minutes. The school that performed the best in all the events was awarded first place. Marl Boro, the star smoker for the Lobos, managed to win first place in both 10- and 15-minute events. She managed to smoke 217 and 302 cigarettes in 10 and 15 minutes, respectively.

Hitting a baseball isn't that hard, study shows

A recent study co-published by the Base Mcball Institute and the University of New Mexico has found that anyone can hit a baseball, and it really isn’t that hard. The mechanics of the sport require hand-eye coordination, aim and correct form to send a baseball flying, according to the study. But if that’s true, why can’t everyone do it? If a person can’t hit a baseball, it’s probably because they aren’t trying hard enough, according to experts. The study quickly went viral on social media and has garnered various responses, ranging from players defending the sport and their own abilities to those who believe the study is completely accurate.

Lobo men’s basketball loses Richard Pitino and key players

After their season ended with a loss to Michigan State, the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team is already being reshaped for next season. Head Coach Richard Pitino will not be back next season, and as of Wednesday, March 26, four players have declared that they entered the transfer portal. Pitino, who has been head coach of the men's basketball team for the last four seasons, accepted a job as head coach of the Xavier University men's basketball team, according to The Associated Press.

Men’s basketball: Lobos’ season ends at the hands of Michigan State

The University of New Mexico men's basketball season came to an end on Sunday, March 23 after a loss against Michigan State. The Lobos squared off against the Spartans in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Things looked good at first for the Lobos, but as the game went on, things slowly declined. When all was said and done, the Lobos were sent home after falling to the Spartans 71-63.

Comic, March 24, 2025

Building community: SUB hosts Lego ‘Block Party’

On March 14, the University of New Mexico hosted a “Block Party” event in the Student Union Building, giving attendees the opportunity to assemble anything they desired out of miscellaneous Lego pieces. Those who attended were also offered free pizza from Dion’s and were entered into a raffle to win prizes including event tickets, a TV and, of course, Lego sets.

ASUNM Senate passes spring budget with changes to executive pay, legislative stipend

The Associated Students at the University of New Mexico Senate passed the spring 2025 budget bill on March 12 during a full senate meeting that ran late into the night, after much of the allotted time was used for debate over discrepancies in pay raises for ASUNM executive staff and senators. By the end of the meeting, student service agency employees and other hourly paid executive staff were awarded an extra 60 cents per hour on top of their $12 per hour — a number that has remained since New Mexico’s last change to the state minimum wage — and senators an additional $150 to their stipend. The stipend is paid on a per-semester basis, meaning that each senator will now be paid $650 total for the one-year term they are elected for.

UNM students, faculty protest following Palestinian student activist’s arrest at Columbia University

On March 10, the U.S. Education Department announced that sixty universities are under investigation for allegations related to antisemitic discrimination. The University of New Mexico is not on the list. Two days earlier, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Columbia University alum and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was involved in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University, according to the Columbia Daily Spectator. Khalil is a legal United States resident with no criminal record, according to The Associated Press.

ASUNM presidential candidates debate campus issues

On March 11, Associated Students at the University of New Mexico presidential candidates Andrew Norton and Mutazz (Tazz) Jaber participated in a debate hosted by the UNM College Democrats. Vice presidential candidate and Finance Chair Hope Montoya, who is running unopposed, gave a speech supporting Norton’s vision for ASUNM. The candidates discussed food, housing, safety and the role of athletics on campus.

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Sonia Nazario speaks at Albuquerque Museum

On March 14, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario gave an author talk and signing for her book “Enrique’s Journey” at the Albuquerque Museum. Her talk was framed by recent cuts on museum funding, and celebrations of cultural diversity. “Not a lot of museums take on these topics, so congratulations to the Albuquerque Museum,” Nazario said. Nazario’s writing focuses on several of America’s “most intractable problems,” including hunger, drug addiction and immigration, according to her website.

ASUNM presidential candidate: Tazz Jaber

Elections for the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico begin 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 26 and close 5 p.m. Thursday, March 27. Undergraduate main campus students can cast their ballots at vote.unm.edu. Beyond the candidates listed here, Finance Chair Hope Montoya is running unopposed for vice president, and 16 candidates are vying for 10 senate seats. Information about them can be found at election.unm.edu/candidates. Mutazz (Tazz) Jaber (ballot #1) is running for president of the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico. Jaber is the current ASUNM vice president. His campaign focuses on issues such as parking, digital IDs, student housing, safety and the completion of projects that began during his time as vice president.

ASUNM presidential candidate: Andrew Norton

Elections for the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico begin 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 26 and close 5 p.m. Thursday, March 27. Undergraduate main campus students can cast their ballots at vote.unm.edu. Beyond the candidates listed here, Finance Chair Hope Montoya is running unopposed for vice president, and 16 candidates are vying for 10 senate seats. Information about them can be found at election.unm.edu/candidates. Andrew Norton (ballot #2) is running for president of the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico. Currently serving as the executive director of Student Special Events, Norton’s platform focuses on strategic decision-making, student services and amplifying student voices, he said.

REVIEW: ‘Invincible’ Season Three finishes strong

This review contains spoilers. The third season of “Invincible” finished up on March 13. Season Three as a whole is very strong and perfectly builds on the seeds that were planted in Season Two. The main conflict of the season comes between Mark Grayson, aka Invincible, and Cecil Stedman as their moral philosophies clash. This conflict can be seen throughout the entire season, making for great storytelling. A lot of characters get really good development. Mark’s story arc is compelling and helps viewers feel for him. Viewers also get some background on Cecil through a new  understanding of why he operates things the way he does.

Travis Broadhurst elected president of GPSA

The University of New Mexico Graduate and Professional Student Association election results are in: Civil engineering doctoral candidate Travis Broadhurst will serve as its next president. Broadhurst has been active in GPSA for the past three years, serving as the director of Boards, Committees and Elections and as the sustainability director. He has also been a civil engineering department representative to the GPSA council for the past two years.