Celebrate Our Own!

The UNM Alumni Association bestowed its four major awards at a dinner on Thursday, February 11 at the Hotel Albuquerque. Recipients of the awards are:

John EchoHawk, '67 BS, '70 JD, executive director and co-founder of the Native American Rights Fund, will receive the James F. Zimmerman Award. The Zimmerman Award is given to a UNM alum who has made a significant contribution, bringing fame and honor to the university or the state. A member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Echohawk serves on numerous national boards related to Native American affairs He was a member of the Clinton-Gore and the Obama-Biden transition team for the Department of the Interior.

Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Alan Morgan will receive the Bernard S. Rodey Award in recognition of his leadership efforts in education. Morgan served 12 years as the chief state school officer, and was the interim New Mexico Secretary of Education while helping create and oversee the state's Public Education Department. Currently he is vice president for US Government Relations for Pearson Inc., the largest education products and services company in the world.

The Erna S. Fergusson Award for exceptional accomplishments, commitment or distinguished service to UNM will be given to Joe Diaz, '59 BBA, '65 JD. Diaz is an attorney of counsel to the Modrall Sperling law firm. He served as Bernalillo County Attorney from 1973 to 1990.

The UNM Alumni Association Faculty Teaching Award recognizes outstanding teaching and service to students. Associate Professor of English Anita Obermeier will receive the 2010 award. Obermeier teaches courses in medieval literature and in medieval studies. She is the faculty advisor for the Medieval Studies Student Association.

For more information, contact Roberta Ricci at 505-277-9085.