Golden Graduates . . .
Has It Really Been 50 Years?!
Each year, UNM Golden Graduates — the class celebrating its 50th anniversary – are honored at the University of New Mexico Commencement.
This special recognition began as a salute to alumni unable to participate in their own commencement ceremonies because of military service in WWII and the Korean Conflict. Special gold-colored robes are provided and the names of those returning for the ceremony are printed in the official program. In addition to participating in the Commencement ceremony, “Golden Graduates” are invited to a reunion reception, followed by the Heritage Club Dinner highlighted with UNM's Honorary Degree recipients. This is a perfect opportunity to reminisce with former classmates and friends!
** Registration required. Please RSVP by May 10, 2013.
All events sponsored by the UNM Alumni Association unless otherwise noted.
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Special Hotel Rates for Golden Graduates
- Fairfield Inn: 1760 Menaul Blvd. NE, @$69/night plus tax, free breakfast, (505) 889-4000, website
- Crowne Plaza Hotel: 1901 University Blvd. NE, $79/night, (505) 884-2500, website
To receive the special room rates, reservations must be made by April 19, 2013. Mention that you are with UNM Golden Grads. These rooms and rates are available May 10 through May 12, 2013.
Parking Information:
- Parking permits for Hodgin Hall will be sent to registered graduates
- Parking is available in the Cornell Parking Structure for the Heritage Dinner
- Park in the WEST lot at University Arena. The Davalos Center is just south of the PIT
More information about parking at UNM is available on the UNM Parking and Transportation webpage
Who were your favorite professors, places on campus or words of wisdom?
Members from the 50th anniversary class are invited to fill out forms to be included in memory books. Graduates are asked about their favorite professors, places on campus and words of wisdom. These memories are compiled into annual memory books and dispersed to golden graduates attending the Heritage Club Dinner and to those grads who submitted their memory, but were unable to attend.
We want to know what you have been doing for the past 50 years! This information may be used for the Mirage Class Notes and/or the 1963 Memory Book, which will be distributed at the dinner in May 10, 2013. Please return your submission by April 19, 2013.
Submit your Memory Book Questionnaire with our online form
Or, you may also download the Memory Book Questionnaire and submit via email to memories@unmalumni.org or US mail to:
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Fifty Years Ago: 1963
In the early 1960s, a population boom in Albuquerque resulted in many new homes being built “up the hill,” or other parts east of downtown. That growth also was reflected on campus as UNM added new buildings to meet the needs of an ever-growing student body in 1963. Many classes were still held in Hodgin Hall, the University’s oldest building, now the UNM Alumni Center, but in 1963, several additional structures opened: the Education Classrooms, Manzanita Center, Masley Hall, Simpson Hall, Travelstead Hall, the newly renovated Technology and Education Center, and the Center for the Arts.
Throughout their college years, the class of 1963 studied under the best instructors. The many favorites they recall included Martin Fleck, Sr., biology; Bainbridge Bunting, art; Willis Jacobs, English; Josiah Russell, history; John Batcheller, music; Morris Freedman and Katherine Simons, English; William Fiedler, pharmacy; Miles Zintz, education; and Frank Hibben, anthropology. President Tom L. Popejoy, Dean of Women Helen Whiteside, and Dean of Men Howard Mathany stayed busy overseeing an active student life.
Thank You!
Thank you all so much for making my 50th Class of 1961 Reunion so special! Words alone cannot express the feelings of remembrance and pride I felt walking into the UNM Arena in that gold gown. The dinner and Heritage Club dinner on Friday evening were special.
Thank you again, Evelyn Neal
Last Updated: February 19, 2013
