University of New Mexico: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The University of New Mexico (UNM) stands as a beacon of learning and innovation, having cultivated a diverse array of alumni who have left indelible marks on their respective fields. From groundbreaking scientists and influential politicians to celebrated artists and acclaimed writers, UNM graduates have consistently demonstrated the power of education to shape society and inspire future generations. This article explores the remarkable achievements of some of UNM's most notable alumni, highlighting their contributions to various sectors and their lasting impact on the world.
Shaping Cultural Landscapes: Alumni in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
UNM's College of Arts & Sciences has been a fertile ground for nurturing creative minds and critical thinkers. Many alumni who started their undergraduate journeys in this college went on to shape cultural landscapes and influence intellectual discourse.
Advocates for Indigenous Communities
Jennifer Denetdale, the first Diné/Navajo to earn a Ph.D. in history, exemplifies this commitment. As a professor of American Studies, she passionately advocates for Native peoples and fosters academic excellence in the next generation of students interested in Indigenous Studies. Her courses cover a wide range of topics, including Critical Indigenous Studies, Indigenous gender and sexuality, Indigenous feminisms and gender, and Navajo Studies.
Alfonso Ortiz, a member of the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh and a 1961 B.A. graduate, revolutionized cultural anthropology. His groundbreaking work examined the worldview of Pueblo people from an insider's perspective, prompting a self-reflexive shift in the field. Ortiz believed that scholarship about American Indian people should be undertaken by members of Indian communities themselves, not just academics. His contributions earned him a MacArthur Fellowship (Genius Grant) and a Guggenheim Fellowship, among other accolades.
Deb Haaland, a 1994 English graduate, has made history as the first Native American Secretary of the Interior. Prior to this, she was one of the first two Native American women elected to the House of Representatives in 2019. Haaland, a 35th-generation New Mexican and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna with Jemez Pueblo heritage, began her college journey as an older student. She furthered her education at UNM School of Law, graduating in 2006.
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Joy Harjo (Mvskoke), a 1976 B.A. graduate, is the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. She studied Creative Writing and started her first poetry chapbooks with the Kiva Club as an undergraduate. Harjo later taught Creative Writing at UNM, where one of her students was Deb Haaland.
Leslie Marmon Silko, a 1969 B.A. graduate, is a world-renowned writer, best known for her novel Ceremony, which weaves together prose and poetry. Of Laguna Pueblo, Mexican, and White heritage, Silko received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship for her innovative work, particularly for using storytelling to promote the cultural survival of Native American people.
N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa), a 1958 Political Science graduate, was the first Native American person to win a Pulitzer Prize for his book House Made of Dawn. He has also won a Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Medal for Arts.
Pioneers in Anthropology and Archaeology
Edgar Lee Hewett is a pivotal figure in the cultural preservation of the Southwest. He drafted the 1906 Antiquities Act, which laid the groundwork for the formation of National Parks and other public lands, to prevent the looting and destruction of ancient sites. Hewett conducted the first formal excavations of Chaco Canyon and started the Anthropology & Archaeology programs at UNM, as well as the first museum in New Mexico.
Florence Hawley Ellis was an innovator in archaeology, focusing on tree ring dating and an interdisciplinary STEM approach to understanding cultural artifacts. She broke new ground through the use of dendrochronology, statistical analysis, chemical analysis, ethnohistory, and ethnoarcheology. Ellis first came to New Mexico to attend one of Edgar Lee Hewett's field schools.
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Louise Lamphere is a pioneering figure in feminist anthropology. She co-created and edited Woman, Culture, and Society, the first collection of anthropological writings with a feminist viewpoint, challenging male viewpoints and emphasizing the importance of recognizing subjectivity in research.
Literary Luminaries
Rudolfo Anaya, a 1963 B.A. graduate, is a foundational author in Chicano literature. He is best known for his novel Bless Me, Ultima, which is steeped in New Mexican culture and which he started writing while at UNM. He also received his Master's degree in English from UNM and taught creative writing in the department. Anaya was awarded a National Humanities Medal in 2015 for his pioneering stories of the American Southwest.
Tony Hillerman was a journalist and writer of the Southwest, known for his novel series about Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, detectives on the Navajo Nation.
Michael Blake was an American author, best known for the film adaptation of his novel Dances with Wolves, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Lois Duncan was an American writer, novelist, poet, and journalist known for her young-adult novels. She has been credited by historians as a pioneering figure in the development of young-adult fiction, particularly in the genres of horror, thriller, and suspense.
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Daniel Abraham, pen names M. L. N. Hanover and James S. A. Corey, is an American novelist, comic book writer, screenwriter, and television producer. He is best known as the author of The Long Price Quartet and The Dagger and the Coin fantasy series, and with Ty Franck, as the co-author of The Expanse science fiction series, written under the joint pseudonym James S. A. Corey.
Edward Abbey, a 1951 B.A. graduate, is known for his environmental work Desert Solitaire, which "articulates the spirit of the American West" (UNM Press). He is also celebrated for The Monkey Wrench Gang, also about environmental activism.
Voices of Philosophy and Art
Agnes Martin was an American abstract painter known for her minimalist style and abstract expressionism. Her work has been defined as an "essay in discretion, inwardness and silence."
Kim Stanley was an American actress who was primarily active in television and theatre but also had occasional film performances.
Victoria Price is an American public speaker and the author of the memoir, The Way of Being Lost: A Road Trip to My Truest Self and Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography. She currently spends much of her time traveling and speaking about the life of her father, Vincent Price, as well as discussing self-development topics.
Leaders in Politics and Public Service
UNM has produced numerous alumni who have excelled in politics and public service, shaping policies and advocating for their communities.
Gary Johnson served as the 29th governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003 as a member of the Republican Party. He has been a member of the Libertarian Party since 2011 and was the party's nominee for President of the United States in the 2012 and 2016 elections.
Michelle Lujan Grisham is the 32nd governor of New Mexico since 2019. She previously served as a U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district from 2013 to 2019.
Martin Heinrich is the senior United States senator from New Mexico, a seat he has held since 2013. He previously served as a U.S. Representative from New Mexico's 1st congressional district from 2009 to 2013.
Ben Ray Luján is the junior United States senator from New Mexico since 2021. He previously served as a U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district from 2009 to 2021.
Innovators in Science and Technology
UNM's commitment to scientific inquiry and technological advancement is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni in these fields.
Lincoln LaPaz essentially invented the field of Meteoritics, taking meteorites seriously as a scientific field of study.
Robert Mercer is an American hedge fund manager, computer scientist, and political donor. Mercer was an early artificial intelligence researcher and developer and is the former co-CEO of the hedge fund company Renaissance Technologies.
Notable Figures in Athletics and Entertainment
UNM alumni have also achieved prominence in the world of sports and entertainment, captivating audiences and inspiring fans worldwide.
Eddie Guerrero was an American professional wrestler, known for his tenures in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Holly Holm is an American mixed martial artist and former Women's Bantamweight Champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Steve-O is an American stunt performer, comedian, television personality, YouTuber, and podcast host. He is known for his stunts in the reality comedy television series Jackass and its related films.
Penny Marshall was an American actress, film director, and producer. She is best known for her role as Laverne DeFazio on the television sitcom Laverne & Shirley.
Adrienne Maloof is an American businesswoman, television personality, shoe designer, and co-owner of the Maloof Companies.
Rockmond Dunbar is an American actor, best known for his roles in various television series, including Earth 2, Soul Food, and Prison Break.
Chris Henchy is an American film director, film producer, and screenwriter.
Brian Urlacher is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Hank Baskett is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL).
Luc Longley is an Australian professional basketball coach and former player. He was the first Australian to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he played for four teams over 10 seasons.
Danny Granger is an American former professional basketball player who played ten seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Donald Gibb is an American actor, best known for his roles in the Revenge of the Nerds film series, Bloodsport, and the HBO sitcom 1st & Ten.
Tony Snell is an American professional basketball player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA G League.
Michael Cooper is an American basketball coach and former player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was an eight-time selection to the NBA All-Defensive Team and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1987. In 2024, it was announced that Cooper would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Following his Hall of Fame induction, the Lakers retired his No. 21 jersey on January 13, 2025.
Lang Ping is a Chinese former volleyball player and coach. As a player, Lang won the most valuable player award in women's volleyball at the 1984 Olympics.
Josh Kerr is a British middle-distance runner who competes primarily in the 1500 metres. He won a gold medal in the event at the 2023 World Championships, a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and a gold medal at the 2015 European Junior Championships.
Joel-Peter Witkin is an American photographer who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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