News - The Daily Lobo

Mayor Tim Keller smiles with his wife, Elizabeth Keller, and their children, Maya and Jack.

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Keller celebrates interfaith, preps for year ahead

Sherri Barth | December 26

Timothy “Tim” Keller’s first term as the mayor of Albuquerque began nearly a month ago, and he has already gotten to work. He has signed his first bill, which awarded 284 pre-kindergarten children with $900,000, and he has begun restructuring the Albuquerque Police Department, according to a City of Albuquerque web post. Keller is currently concentrating on evaluating the city, department by department, and APD is on the top of his list, he said.

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Q & A: Fall 2017 Commencement speaker encourages students to feel confident, pursue dreams

Madison Spratto | December 13

Dreamstyle Arena will likely be packed Friday, but not with basketball fans. The long-awaited Fall 2017 commencement is finally here. To help honor graduates, Faith Roessel will be this semester's commencement speaker. Roessel graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1981 and is currently practicing law. The Daily Lobo had the chance to chat with her about her connection to UNM. Q: How did your time at UNM influence your life? A: Well, it got me on my career path of becoming a lawyer. It helped me forge relationships with my peers that have lasted to this day.

Data showing the monetary savings from the Winter Setback program since 2008

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UNM Winter Setback Program turns 10

Tom Hanlon | December 13

From Dec. 22 until Jan. 3, the University of New Mexico’s Main Campus will resemble a ghost town. The annual Winter Setback Program will take effect, as the majority of campus buildings, including many of the residence halls, will be locked. The UNM Physical Plant Department will set back temperatures in certain buildings in an effort to save the campus money and conserve energy. This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the program which, according to the University, has saved the campus hundreds of thousands of dollars since it was started by the PPD, according to UNM’s district energy system.

MRI manager of the Pete and Nancy Domenici Center, Diana Smith, Shows reporters brain activities and MRI scans on Dec. 06, 2017.

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Nicotine may help treat Alzheimer's patients, according to UNM Memory & Aging Center

Madison Spratto | December 11

Nestled far back on the University of New Mexico’s North Campus is a building dedicated to trying to cure what is arguably one of the most formidable conditions — its most common form: dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. UNM’s effort to better understand, diagnose and treat dementia is embodied by the UNM Memory & Aging Center. Operations at the center began in 2015, but an open house was held on Dec. 6 to showcase its progress and research. Dementia is a condition that results in the deterioration of cognitive function, including a decline in memory, reason and the ability to learn. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that has no cure, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control.

New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce, sits in the student union building for an interview with the Daily Lobo before speaking to the college republicans Saturday, Dec. 09, 2017. Pearce currently represents New Mexico as a United States representative for New Mexico?s 2nd congressional district -- a seat he won in 2010.

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Q&A: Steve Pearce talks Lottery Scholarship, GOP tax bill and more

Kyle Land | December 11

Republican Rep. Steve Pearce sat down with the Daily Lobo Saturday to discuss his run for governor in 2018, as well as the many issues facing New Mexico and the country right now. Topics of discussions included the Lottery Scholarship, the GOP tax bill and the status of public lands in New Mexico. He visited the University of New Mexico Saturday to speak to UNM College Republicans. Q: What brings you to Albuquerque today? A: “Just always the campaign. We’ve got a little bit of congressional work to do. Every weekend I come home, or pretty close.”

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Photojournalism created "a place to feel alive" for graduate Kevin Maestas

Christian Marquez | December 11

Editor's Note: As part of our graduation issue, we would also like to acknowledge the staff at the Daily Lobo who are graduating this semester. Kevin Maestas is a current staff photographer at the Daily Lobo. He has been working with our publication since the Spring 2017 semester and will be graduating this fall. We will miss his beautiful photography and excellent storytelling skills as he embarks on the next chapter in his life.

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Grad Issue: Exchange student Gerardo Archundia returns to Mexico, looks back at time at UNM

Jose Couvillion | December 11

Editor's Note: As part of our graduation issue, we would also like to acknowledge the staff at the Daily Lobo who are graduating this semester. Gerardo Archundia S. is a current multimedia reporter at the Daily Lobo. He is a foreign exchange student who has been working with our publication since the beginning of this semester. His journalistic skills will be missed, as he finishes his time as an undergrad at the University of New Mexico this semester.

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Grad Issue: Logan Jones attributes leadership and teamwork skills to ROTC

Ludella Awad | December 11

As Logan Jones nears the end of his time in college, he will begin a new journey as an officer in the United States Air Force. Logan Jones will be graduating on Dec. 16, 2017 from The University of New Mexico, receiving his bachelor's in exercise science. He joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Air Force program his second semester at UNM, a program he participated in throughout his time at the University. After Jones graduates, he will join his wife as an officer in the Air Force next month.

Cassidy Gardner will graduate with a bachelor?s in business administration with a concentration in international management. She is currently pursuing work experience within the fields of communications, public relations and technology, with the hopes to transition one day into assisting humanitarian organizations, such as the Peace Corps.

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Grad Issue: Cassidy Gardner has big plans after business school

Nichole Harwood | December 11

Cassidy Gardner’s experience at the University of New Mexico has been pretty phenomenal, giving her the necessary knowledge to pursue her dreams past college, she said. Gardner was a study abroad student, in addition to her time at UNM Main Campus, and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in business and international management. “UNM is a really great University, especially for business,” Gardner said. “(The Anderson School of Management is) very difficult but worth it, if you will to be able to get a degree from such a well known institution.” Gardner studied abroad in Brazil for six months in 2016, one of the most impactful experiences she had as a student, she said.

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Grad Issue: Vanessa Espinoza hopes to take photojournalism to the next level

Austin Tyra | December 11

First-generation college students face unique challenges — challenges that soon-to-be graduate Vanessa Espinoza can relate to. Espinoza is originally from El Paso, Texas, and the challenges she faced are likely experiences many students enrolled at the University of New Mexico may relate to. Being the first in her family to attend a four-year institution, the lack of experience and knowledge about attending college proved to be challenging. Nonetheless, Espinoza persevered and began her undergraduate career as a dental hygiene major. But she said that she eventually discovered the discipline left her uninspired, and she decided to change majors.

Alison De La Concepcion is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in family studies while minoring in psychology. She plans to pursue her master?s in counseling, with possible focuses in mental health, rehabilitation or couple and family therapy.

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Grad Issue: Alison De la Concepcion finds triumph in tragedy

Brendon Gray | December 11

A few years ago, Alison De la Concepcion was not even planning on going to college. Now, she is graduating with a degree in family studies and looking toward a master’s program. Her journey was not easy. Raised in a military family, De la Concepcion travelled across the country throughout her young life. She heard of the University of New Mexico for the first time when her father received a deployment in Albuquerque, but she was hesitant to enroll. “At first, I didn’t want to go to college. I was against it,” she said.

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Grad Issue: Kelly Urvanejo is grateful for her experience, while embracing the future

Gerardo Archundia S. | December 11

Editor's Note: As part of our graduation issue, we would also like to acknowledge the staff at the Daily Lobo who are graduating this semester. Kelly Urvanejo is currently the crime beat reporter at the Daily Lobo. She has been working with us since Spring 2017. Her hard work and talent will be missed as she graduates this semester.

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Grad Issue: Sabrina Romero overcomes homesickness, financial troubles and other challenges

Shubham Chadha | December 10

In many ways, Sabrina Romero represents the struggle of every rural student at a large university. However, it is the way she overcame these challenges that makes her impact significant and her experiences unique. Romero grew up in Clovis, New Mexico, where she developed a close relationship with her mother and her little brother. After graduating from Clovis High School, Romero was eager seek the city lifestyle and broaden her experiences by attending UNM to pursue a degree in business administration.

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Grad Issue: UNM helped Drew Morrow mature as an artist

Kyle Land | December 10

For any aspiring artist, being in an environment that nurtures one’s creativity is an absolute necessity. For graduating senior Drew Morrow , the atmosphere of the University of New Mexico has helped him mature as an artist in a variety of ways. Morrow is a studio art major, who primarily prefers paint as his medium. “I kind of do more abstract work, because I have a hard time with figures,” Morrow said. “I do like to do live drawing and figure drawing as well, but I like to focus on more organic and free-form (pieces).”

Double major Michael Marquez is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and another in history. Marquez currently leads the UNM Sierra Club Student Coalition, a group that advocates for long-lasting approaches to protecting public and wild lands. He says he is driven to continue his work after graduation to help create meaningful relationships with communities in New Mexico to ensure a better future.

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Grad Issue: From high-school dropout to college graduate

Kelly Urvanejo | December 10

At 17-years-old, Michael Marquez dropped out of high school after a guidance counselor suggested that he would be better off if he just went to work instead of continuing his education. But he has advice for anyone who has been in a similar situation: “Dropping out of high school is not the end of the world. You didn’t ruin your life,” Marquez said. Being from San Juan County, Marquez said that everyone around him probably expected him to work in the oil mines, but he had a different goal in mind.

Lobo senior goalkeeper Jason Beaulieu, autographs a cap following a game against the University of Denver Pioneers on Oct. 25, 2017. The game ended in a 0-0 draw and included two overtime periods.

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Grad Issue: Beaulieu reflects on his time at UNM

Cameron Goeldner | December 10

Jason Beaulieu just wanted to win. That, according to the Lobos’ senior goalkeeper and soon-to-be Fall 2017 graduate, is the main reason he decided to come to New Mexico. “Really it’s because they made it to the final four the year I was recruited, and I wanted the best soccer school I could find,” Beaulieu said. "It was hard to find better than that. I didn’t know much about the NCAA and the powerhouses and the good programs. I didn’t know much. Just the fact that they made it far, and they have such good players that made it pro every year, so I decided to come to the best program.”

Julieann Lopez stands near Hodgin Hall. She will be receiving her Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a minor in psychology.

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Grad Issue: Julieann Lopez looks forward to next chapter in life

Nichole Harwood | December 10

Julieann Lopez looks back on her positive experiences at the University of New Mexico as she approaches graduation day. This week, she will be earning her Bachelor of Science in exercise science and minor in psychology. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and my interests for the future. I’ve made many lifelong friends while at UNM, and I’m very thankful for my opportunity to come to school here,” Lopez said. Of her experiences, Lopez’ internship seems to stand out the most for her.

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Grad Issue: UNM helps shy student break out of shell

Robert Maler | December 10

Many students are often apprehensive — sometimes even shy or introverted — when they begin their college career, but those are often the ones that have the greatest potential to grow as well. Elizabeth “Eli” Laydon is graduating with a degree in psychology and has big plans for her future. She said she has always been interested in how the mind and body work, and she hopes to end up working as a homicide detective or forensic psychologist.

Johnny Ngo is graduating with his bachelor’s in communications and law with a minor in technical and professional writing. He aspires to work in the Department of Justice within the Drug Enforcement Administration, working closely with the board of pharmacy.

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Grad Issue: Johnny Ngo proud to be first in family to graduate

Nichole Harwood | December 10

As Johnny Ngo prepares to leave the University of New Mexico behind, his experiences will remain with him. “I've met a lot of prodigious advisors, professors and students, which made my time at the University memorable. Some courses and experiences that really opened up my mind were taking a class on curanderismo with Dr. Cheo Torres, a gender and communication (course) with Dr. Shinsuke Eguchi and various rhetoric courses with Dr. Michelle Kells,” Ngo said. He will earn a bachelor's degree in communications and law with a minor in technical and professional writing for the Fall 2017 semester.

Joseph DiVincenzo will receive his Bachelor?s of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting this semester. His love of numbers has been a driving force to pursue a career locally, as a certified public accountant, he says.

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Grad Issue: Joseph DiVincenzo proves it's never too late to finish school

Tom Hanlon | December 10

Joseph DiVincenzo is the self-described poster child for why it is never too late to go back to school. DiVincenzo, 48, is about to receive his bachelor’s degree in accounting. After a long journey of working at restaurants, call centers and taking a few college-level classes before deciding to earn a degree in accounting, he reflected on his choice to go to college at a non-traditional time in his life. “I’m relieved, thrilled. I never thought that I would actually get my bachelor’s in accounting, never thought I’d be a college graduate,” DiVincenzo said.