Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Once again, we celebrate the close of a successful semester for our university, students, and community. Last week we celebrated at The Pit alongside family and friends as our newest Lobo alumni crossed the stage. This year, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of serving as a name reader at the undergraduate ceremony. Though degree certifications, administrative processes, and the Board of Regents ultimately confer the degrees, taking the opportunity to speak into existence this culminating and transformative moment for some of our students really solidified what our work is all about. When we work together, with thoughtful creativity, collaboration, and resolve, we create the conditions for such success to be possible.

Here in Student Affairs at UNM, what makes us distinct is that we do so with a high degree of poise and professionalism while never losing touch with the values and heart that drive so many of us to serve students. We endure in our commitment to a sense of place and to honoring each student’s identity and path even as we strive to support their futures.

This holiday season, I hope you will rest well knowing that your work makes a difference and that when we align and advance our work together, we advance New Mexico. While I will never wish away a well-deserved break, I am also looking forward to the New Year and resuming progress on the incredible trajectory we’ve set forth together.

With appreciation,

Eric