Alumni History, 1970-2000

Hodgin Hall and the 1970s

The Association's first project in the 70s was to restore the University's oldest building, Hodgin Hall, which had been all but condemned. UNM Architect Joe McKinney succeeded in getting the building listed on the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties in 1974 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The newly formed Alumni Restoration and Preservation Committee, in conjunction with the University, raised enough money to renovate Hodgin Hall. In 1983, the Association moved in, sharing the space with staff from the Development and Public Affairs offices

In 1980, a new dues program was introduced. Other benefits for alumni, such as insurance, credit cards, and campus services, were started in the 1980s. New alumni chapters formed throughout New Mexico and the U.S. Chapter members sponsored scholarships, recruited students, and enjoyed the camaraderie of other UNM alumni.

Homecoming introduced the crowning of a king in 1980 in response to a male student's running for queen in 1979.