By MIKE HOLTZCLAW
Chancellor
UNM-Los Alamos
At UNM-Los Alamos, we are proud of our legacy of providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students and strengthens our community. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment — one that calls for bold action and collective investment in our future.
Thanks to a transformative opportunity through a federal Title V Grant, we have the chance to establish something UNM-LA has never had before: an endowed fund dedicated to supporting student success, faculty excellence and emerging campus needs. This fund will provide the chancellor with the flexibility to respond to challenges and opportunities without relying solely on limited annual budgets or emergency appeals.
Here’s how it works: if we raise $250,000, the Title V Grant will match it dollar-for-dollar, creating a $500,000 endowed fund. This is not just a financial milestone — it’s a foundation for long-term stability and innovation.
We’ve already made significant progress. Since May 2023, during the quiet phase of our campaign, we’ve received over $192,000 in generous gifts from local donors, alumni and friends who believe in our mission. These contributions reflect the deep commitment of our community — but we still have work to do.
Fundraising is not about asking a few people for large sums. It’s about many people giving what they can, knowing that every gift — large or small — makes a difference. We believe there may be one or two donors who can help close the gap, but this campaign will succeed only with broad support.
Why the urgency? Federal funding landscapes are shifting. The window to secure this match is limited, and we must act now to ensure we don’t leave this opportunity on the table.
We’re launching a public campaign that includes media outreach, community events and grassroots efforts. We invite you to be part of this historic moment.
If you’re ready to invest in the future of UNM–LA:
- Contact Karen Williams, director of development, at karen.williams@unmfund.org or 505.313.7602.
- Make a gift today through the UNM Foundation portal (Fund #610777).
- Give through our valued partner, the Los Alamos Community Foundation at losalamoscf.org.
Together, we can build a legacy of excellence and opportunity for generations to come.