Alumni History, 1930-1950
World War II
During World War II, the Association concentrated on keeping records of students missing or killed in the war as well as reporting the actions of those still participating. Homecoming attendance dropped, but the main traditions including house decorations, the parade, dinner, and crowning of a queen (begun in 1935) continued.
The association also concentrated on a new cause during the war – raising money for a memorial to the University's war dead. Campaigns continued until 1959, when enough money was raised to build the Alumni Memorial Chapel. It stands today as a memorial to students killed in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Important Events
- 1930 Freshmen Week inaugurated
- 1931 First boxing match vs NM Military Institute. UNM 1, NMMI 4
- 1931 First Swim meet vs Alb High. UNM 47, Alb High 17
- 1933 First Fencing meet vs NM Military Institute. UNM 43, NMMI 29
- 1937 Zimmerman Library built
- 1940s ASUNM government formed
- 1941 NROTC established on campus
- 1941 First Ski meet vs ASU (Flagstaff). UNM 195, ASU 187
- 1944 Institute of Meteoritics opens
- 1946 School of Law opens.
- 1948 AFROTC established on campus
