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CONNECT  |  Wednesday, Nov. 5  |  Message from the VP

Message from the Vice President

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

This week we recognize the members of our UNM community who are the first in their families to attend college. As a proud first-generation graduate myself, I recognize the challenges that navigating post-secondary education can pose for those encountering it for the first time. I also recognize the ways in which our backgrounds can offer assets such as caring support systems, strong work ethic, connections to family, cultural and linguistic values, and diverse worldviews.

My own father taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and commitment to getting the job done right. Over the course of his career as a plumber and life as an outdoorsman, he shared lessons that have shaped me to this day. While he never attended college, he was a lifelong learner and engaged citizen, and his hard work helped create the opportunity for me to attend college.

Each of our students on their pathway to and through their education has encountered both challenges and supporters that have helped prepare them for this moment and the future. We are lucky to be placed throughout the student experience in positions poised to be these supporters and to cheer on each of our students on as they seek to advance their lives. I am grateful to be part of a community where we celebrate success and assets that come in various forms and remain steadfast in my belief that when we do our work well, we can alter the trajectory not only of people, but families, communities, and our society.

With appreciation,

Eric