News

UNM looks to donors for revenue

In a time of tight state budgets, a poor economy and the ever-increasing costs of education, institutions are turning toward development as a major way of attracting private donations to compliment state and tuition funding. Leslie Elgood, director of University Development and president of the UNM Foundation, said once accounting totals are completed later this month, she expects the foundation and its development offices to have raised more than $37 million, a new record for the foundation.

Mariachi man

Cooling plant will receive $55 million renovation

The UNM Physical Plant, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of facilities, will renovate a 50-year-old cooling plant to improve the reliability of utilities on campus. The construction will be the beginning of a five-year project and is budgeted at $55 million.

Professor key in Supreme Court case

UNM faculty and students played a key role in the Supreme Court’s recent decision to bar the execution of mentally retarded inmates. UNM law professor James Ellis was a major component in the legal victory. He assisted in preparing the legal brief and delivered the oral argument before the Supreme Court Justices.

it's a droid!

Doctors Without Borders tries to spread knowledge

The Access to Essential Medicines Expo, sponsored by Doctors Without Borders, visited UNM last week trying to raise awareness of the crisis people living in developing countries without adequate medical care face. The walkway outside the UNM Bookstore was scattered with flytraps; attached were information cards about the parasites associated with the tsetse fly and other statistics.

Board considers revising funding model in N.M.

During the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education’s two-day retreat last weekend, the group addressed several issues, including revising the state funding model used to establish budgets for higher education institutions. The commission, which serves as the coordinating board that provides policy recommendations to the state legislature, also addressed distance learning initiatives and improved communication between member constituents.

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Hibben Center nearly finished

Deceased former UNM professor Frank Hibben left evidence of his passion for archaeology through his contribution to the development of the Hibben Archaeological Center, which is slated to be completed by the fall semester.

New Pepsi deal cuts into UNM vending staff

Due to the new exclusive contract between UNM and Pepsi, five full-time Vending Services employees will be laid off next month. After their last day on July 12, the employees will be placed on layoff status and officially lose their jobs. Layoff status can last up to six months.

Nursing college seeks more funds

The American Nurses Association's prediction that up to 40 percent of the nursing workforce will retire after 2010 is forcing the UNM College of Nursing to seek additional legislative funding to increase enrollment.

News In Brief

An interactive, multimedia exhibit explaining effective and affordable medicines for people in developing countries is rolling through UNM.

UNM strives to cut back on water use

At a time when state drought conditions are beginning to reach emergency levels, the UNM campus may consume as many as 38 million gallons of water a month this summer, private contractor Joe Griffenberg said.

Second bombing in as many days kills seven

The second suicide bombing in two days in Jerusalem left at least seven people dead and 35 wounded on Wednesday, as Israel prepared to implement a new policy of seizing and holding Palestinian territory in response to terrorist attacks.

Work-study students get ax instead of city employees

Albuquerque officials have decided to discontinue the city's UNM work-study program due to recent budget cuts.

'Dean of deans' dies of cancer

Often mentioned as one of the most important people in the UNM and New Mexico arts communities, Clinton Adams, former dean of the College of Fine Arts, died last month of cancer.

UNM professor to take on presidency

The Board of Regents chose political science professor and administrative alumnus F. Chris Garcia in a unanimous vote to be UNM's president for a year while they search for Bill Gordon's replacement.

Students tour incomplete SUB

Students will have to wait a little longer for a Student Union Building as construction is not due to finish for a few more months.

Chemistry professor awarded grant for medical research

A UNM chemistry professor earned a $425,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study techniques to improve technology used with CAT scans, MRIs and X-rays.

Community honors First Amendment

The Albuquerque community celebrated Channel 27's second Annual Freedom of Speech Day Saturday after Gov. Gary Johnson proclaimed June 1 as Freedom of Speech Day in New Mexico.