Renteria to Retire after 56 Years of Service to UNM
December 11, 2024 - Dorene DiNaro
Picture The University of New Mexico landscape today—new modernized buildings sprinkled into the historic pueblo-style scenery surrounding the Duck Pond, computers on every desktop, digital signs, robot food deliveries, and everyone wearing headphones staring at their cell phone screens as they make their way through the greenery and trees lining Smith Plaza.
Now envision UNM over a half-century ago. One employee, Ray Renteria, doesn’t have to picture it, because as we say today, he was there “IRL” (in real life). “Smith Plaza was the football field,” Renteria said. “There was no Duck Pond—that area was filled with houses that were turned into offices.” Fifty-six years ago, Renteria began his UNM career—and quite possibly holds the record for longest professional stint at UNM.
Imagine writing paper notes instead of emailing. Using a typewriter instead of a computer. Calling and talking to someone on a desk phone, rather than texting them on a cell phone. Methods that may seem obsolete to some but have always been effective for Renteria throughout his career. Even today as he finishes out his UNM career, an email to Renteria may be met with the written response, “I’ll call you,” and an office supply run may include a request for pens, paper, and desk calendars.
Renteria’s time at UNM was born out of necessity. He had already graduated from Lordsburg High School in 1963 with New Mexico National Guard experience under his belt, was immediately activated for six months of training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he performed administrative duties, and went on to graduate with an accounting degree from Western New Mexico University in Silver City. “In September 1968, I eloped with my girlfriend, Patricia, to Palomas, Mexico,” he said. “So, after that, I needed to get a job to be able to support my wife.”
Ray headed to Albuquerque and stayed with a cousin in search of employment, and consequently ended up getting a job at UNM in the Contracts and Grants department. “My wife and I relocated to Albuquerque, and I began working at UNM,” he said. Renteria would transfer from the New Mexico National Guard to the United States Army Reserve and would rack up 33 years of military service between the two branches, while also working at the university.
His UNM career would span 14 UNM presidents, cover three departments in addition to Contacts and Grants including UNM Medical, UNM Mental Health, and the College Enrichment and Outreach Programs (CEOP), where he is retiring from at the end of the year.
His proudest accomplishment is being a first-generation graduate, husband to a wife who would obtain three degrees from UNM College of Education, his daughter Rachelle, earning her master’s in special education, and daughter Alissa, earning her master’s in communication and marketing.
Possibly Renteria’s most memorable role was as an original member of a lunchtime basketball group that would get together every day to blow off steam and engage in a little friendly competition. The group, known as the Noontime Legends, was featured in a recent documentary. Dr. Tim Gutierrez, retired interim vice president for Student Affairs—who worked in Recreational Services at the time the Legends were formed, was instrumental in getting anyone and everyone who wanted to play together at noon.
José Villar, Noontime Legends initiate, director for UNM CEOP, and current supervisor to Renteria, looked back fondly on the basketball pastime. “It was fascinating because there were people from all age groups, all departments and skill levels—people that were University leaders, coming together to play ball,” he remembered.
Renteria never missed a game and enjoyed the comradery over the years. “Whoever showed up and wanted to play was welcome,” Renteria said. “It was a great way to build friendships and get to know people on a more personal level, regardless of their formal job titles.”
Off the court, Gutierrez and Renteria would work together. “I have known Ray for over 40 years,” Gutierrez said. “I have had the honor of working with him for over 24 years and know him as an individual with the highest moral values and work ethic.”
Gutierrez said that Renteria’s 56 years at UNM were always focused on helping students, staff, supervisors, and the institution. “He was key in helping Student Affairs grow their work with receiving and managing grants to work with students at UNM,” he said. “Ray's knowledge with fiscal matters and accountability has always been a strength which has benefitted a number of departments.”
Villar and Renteria (pictured right) would also build a working relationship and friendship within CEOP, and Villar credits his knowledge of contracts and grants and all things budget-related to his work with Renteria. “Ray knows about UNM rules and regulations when it comes to the budget,” Villar said. “Everything that we use computers for today, Ray could do off the top of his head.”
Through it all, Renteria said he’s been fortunate to work with many supervisors, including Gutierrez and Villar, who have all had an impact on his work. “I looked forward to coming to work every day and being a part of the UNM staff and community that worked hard,” he said. “I’m proud of being a part of a team that made a difference, and the hard work and integrity I put into my career.”
He has seen new buildings being built, several leadership changes, and the growth in recognition of specific student populations. During his time, he saw the creation of the ethnic centers, and most recently the implementation of the Veteran and Military Resource Center. “All of these initiatives were created for the betterment of our students and more acceptance of different cultures,” Renteria said.
Lessons he’s learned along the way? The importance of taking care of your health early in life, cultivating gratitude, being patient, and understanding that nothing comes easy. “There’s power in asking for help, asking questions, embracing challenges, and learning from mistakes,” he remarked.
“Having a sense of accomplishment in all my work experience, making a positive impact, experiencing meaningful collaborations with my colleagues, and mentoring new team members who thrived under my guidance,” he said. “That’s what was important to me.”
Gutierrez and Villar can both attest to Renteria’s willingness to help, mentorship, and dedication to the students. “UNM has been fortunate to have an individual like Ray for as long as they have,” he said. “My best wishes to Ray on the next part of his journey.” Most likely that journey will include frequent coffee dates for the three of them.
In retirement, he’s looking forward to being able to spend more quality time with his family, traveling, and doing some volunteer work in his community. In the meantime, he can be proud of completing all his years at UNM with a perfect evaluation record and knowing that what he did throughout his career made a difference.
Where Renteria’s path leads him, he will take every step with kindness. “I believe treating others the way you want to be treated, being friendly, respectful, polite, and loyal are the cornerstones to happiness. “Being nice to people is a peaceful way to live and a beautiful legacy to leave behind.”
