Howl Back - Speculations
Your Answers to Our Speculation Stories Questions
We asked you…
"If you could travel back in time to any moment in UNM history, what would it be?"
"If you had a million dollars to spend at UNM, what would you choose?"
And you said…
My years at UNM, from 1975-1980 (on campus) were so wonderful, I would pick that time. Probably 1979, as I'd like another chance to do that year over again, and knowing what I know now, make a few different choices!
Without doubt, I would spend it on the History Department. A chaired seat in that department would be wonderful, as well as faculty and student grants, and of course, to support the programs already in existence there.
-- Debra R. Boender, DPM, PhD (1988)
The year Hodgin Hall was built.
I would initiate a scholarship fund in honor of my parents.
-- Linda Nelson McCormick, '74 BUS, Albuquerque
I would have been present at the meeting of the New Mexico legislature listening to the deliberations on where to locate the University of New Mexico.
I would spend my million dollars on an expanded primary medical care clinic system for the uninsured and underinsured citizens of New Mexico staffed by the medical students from the University of New Mexico Medical School.
-- Brian J. Zamora, '74 BS, Fremont, California
I would go back to my internship teaching at Mitchell Elementary. Everything and everyone was truly amazing to me.
I definitely would like to see money pumped into the College of Education. New Mexicans will always benefit from education on how to better their lives and their children's too.
-- Suzann Mohacsi, '93 BSED, '95 MA, Titusville, New Jersey
If I could go back in history, it would be to a party at the Kappa Kappa Gamma House where my parents met. I have a picture of them at this party and they are dressed formally. They look happy standing alongside another couple. The party looks much different than the parties when I was going to UNM!
If I had a million dollars, I would want to help my children, but primarily I would like to buy a large piece of land where kids who are abused, broken, or just unwanted could have a place to call their own.
-- Jamie Brannon-Hall, '02 BUS, '04 MA, Eek, Alaska
The day before I, as chapter president, was invited into the dean's office to explain the presence of beer in our fraternity house refrigerator (Phi Sigma Kappa, no longer at UNM). This was as I recall in 1963…
Incentive awards to disadvantaged students who perform above expectation (but good luck in figuring that out).
-- Richard Cloward, '64 BA, San Diego, California
Bob King brought a new excitement to UNM basketball in the early sixties which would be fun to re-visit. Ira "Large" Harge et al, and Coach King laughing while the crowd "booed" the "Kings X" still come to my mind whenever watching college basketball.
The campus parking problem could use more funding.
-- Hartley Alexander, '64 BA, Las Vegas, Nevada
Time period from the groundbreaking of The Pit in 1965 through the first Pit game on 1 December, 1966.
Help UNM to procure world-class scoreboard/replay systems for The Pit, University Stadium, Lobo Tennis Club, UNM Soccer/Track Complex, and Lobo Softball field. Of course, the million dollars would have run out halfway through The Pit scoreboard. The next million(s) would go to finish the Lobo Tennis Club, for golf, cross-country, swimming, indoor track, and any other UNM sports venues that need such systems.
-- Bill Szaroletta, Director, UNM Advancement Technology
I'd like to go back to fall '49 when I first enrolled as a freshman at UNM
-- Zane M. Goodwin, '53 BSCE, '76 MSCE, Albuquerque
My four years at UNM were at a time when the university was small enough you could walk in and talk to the dean of men and even the president. Classes were all taught by PhD qualified professors. It was a fun time to be a student at UNM. Don Perkins began his career during those years.
I have not visited the campus for several years but understand that the library had a significant fire. When I last visited, the older portion of the library was closed off. That old hall always had an atmosphere that stimulated good personal study for me. It would be great to replicate some of it for future students. The medical field has been my life for the past forty years so I would also like to see funds go to further the medical center and promote education of physicians and nurses to serve New Mexico citizens.
-- Charles A. Caton, '60 BS, Morgan, Utah
Spanish American War...!
Wouldn't get a dime as you are already supported by the State and Federal tax dollar!
-- Harry Hart, '75 BA, Albuquerque
I would like to go back to the 1960s and compete with the great Lobo track teams coached by the legendary Hugh Hacket, some 20 years before I competed at UNM in the late 1980s under another legendary coach, Del Hessel. As a UNM track athlete, you were always made aware of the tradition of the Lobos that came before and now after me.
I would spend it all at and on the College of Fine Arts annual appeal fund and to make sure the retention of great professors is met and great presidents/chairman Christopher Meed are kept, along with the UNM Art Museum, Popejoy Hall and Tamarind Institute. Keep their national and international reputations.
-- Enrico Gonzalez, '90 BAFA, New York, New York
It would be the moment I walked onto the UNM campus as a freshman. Who knew my life would change so?
Fixing the handicap accessibility. Never knew how bad it needed fixing 'til I broke my leg!
-- Reba Serafin, '06 BA, Albuquerque
I would travel back to the mid to late 60s. I think the Vietnam Era was turbulent, but the ideas being circulated, the political involvement would have been something to experience.
I think a million dollars could fortify a decent daycare for student parents.
- Matthew Quintana, '92 BA, Santa Fe
I would love to relive my years at UNM during 68-72. What fun! An age of innocence that was suddenly and abruptly changed by the Vietnam War, riots, and unrest. UNM was not immune to this either. But we continued to go to class, attend meetings, Greeks had competitions against each other, and traditions were kept. Now many years later, the campus has changed, we have a new war to deal with, and UNM continues to evolve and grow. I had a blast at school back then and wouldn't trade it for anything.
If I had a million dollars to spend I would use it to create a women's breast cancer center. Having survived the disease twice, I know there are many women who cannot afford treatment, diagnostic tests, or surgery. One in eight women is diagnosed and that's too many. It's my soapbox stand and passion.
-- Christi Rich
My years at UNM, from 1975-1980 (on campus) were so wonderful that I would pick that time. Probably 1979, as I'd like another chance to do that year over again, and knowing what I know now, make a few different choices!
Without doubt, I would spend it on the history department. A chaired seat in that department would be wonderful, as well as faculty and student grants, and of course to support the programs already in existence there.
-- Debra R. Boender, '78 MA, '88 PhD Ellicott City, Maryland