Award Categories

We recognize your outstanding accomplishments!

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For more information on alumni awards, the awards ceremony, or the nomination form, or by email.

Discover how we honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our diverse community.

Alumni Awards

Award Nomination Deadline: Monday, December 2023
Presented at our Awards Dinner

  • James F. Zimmerman Award: Given to an alumnus of The University of New Mexico who has made a significant contribution which has brought fame and honor to The University of New Mexico or to the State of New Mexico.
  • Bernard S. Rodey Award: Recognizes those whose leadership efforts have contributed significantly to the field of education. The recipient may or may not be an alum of the University.
  • Erna S. Fergusson Award: Recognizes exceptional accomplishments and/or commitment or distinguished service to The University of New Mexico. The recipient may or may not be an alum of the University. Formerly named the Award of Distinction.
  • Zia Award: Honors New Mexico residents with a UNM degree who have distinguished themselves in any one or more of the following categories: philanthropic endeavors, public office, service to the University, community and volunteer activities, and/or business professional fields, or educational fields. 
  • Lobo Award: Presented to a UNM alumnus/a who has given outstanding personal service to the University or whose career achievement reflects on the University.
  • Inspirational Young Alumni Award: Recognizes significant contributions by an individual, whether through professional achievement or community service. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to excellence in post-academic life and an ongoing commitment to professional work, research, multicultural relations and/or volunteerism, while being recognized as an emerging leader.

Faculty Awards

Faculty Recognition Nomination Deadline: December 2023
Presented at our Awards Dinner

  • Faculty Teaching Award: Recognizes outstanding teaching and service to students. The recipient is a faculty member currently employed full-time in any school or college of the University.

Research Award

Research Award Nomination Deadline: December 2023

Recognizes outstanding research being conducted at the University of New Mexico. The recipient is currently conducting research full-time in any school or college of the University.

Student Awards

Student Recognition
Presented at the spring Student Recognition Reception.

  • Citizenship Award: Given to a select number of seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and have provided continued service to the University and the community, this award recognizes endeavor, helpfulness, good spirit, and cooperation.
  • Trailblazer Award: The Outstanding Trailblazer of the Year recognition is determined solely by the recipient's peers.

Chapter Awards

  • Black Alumni Chapter Awards: For information on Black Alumni Chapter Awards, contact Britney Choy by email at bchoy@unm.edu.

On-going nominations taken throughout the year
Recipients honored during Homecoming week each year.

Legislative Awards

  • The Higher Education Distinguished Legislator Award: Recognizes a New Mexico state legislator who has made an extraordinary and exemplary contribution to higher education at The University of New Mexico during the immediate past legislative session. 
  • The Legislative Service Award: Recognizes state legislators who have made a difference to the lives of all New Mexicans, through 20 years of dedicated public service. The recipient receives one "UNM brick" for personal display and another to be placed in the Hodgin Hall walkway on the UNM campus.

Connect through UNM Alumni Connect

Access to UNM Alumni Connect is easy! Membership is exclusive to alumni only — it’s completely free to you! All you need to do is establish a User ID and password and login. If you are registering for the first time, you will need to know your Alumni ID number to complete the registration process. Visit the online community webpage for complete details.