The University of New Mexico Student Union Building: A Hub of History and Services
The University of New Mexico (UNM), founded on February 28, 1889, has grown into a leading public research university. A central component of campus life is the Student Union Building (SUB), a place where UNM students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests can congregate and socialize in an environment that promotes an appreciation for diversity.
Early Days of UNM
In 1907, UNM's campus was sparse, with Hodgin Hall standing as the first building, accommodating all university functions. President William G. Tight, with the help of students, planted the first grove of trees alongside Hodgin Hall and transformed UNM into the beautiful arboretum that it is today, shading students on their way to campus, cooling and freshening the environment, and inspiring comradery amongst the student body. Arbor Day has promoted a healthy and beautiful campus environment since 1905. In 1908, President Tight renovated it in what would become the distinctive Spanish-Pueblo Revival style.
The official kickstart to the Daily Lobo came in 1898 when The Mirage began printing. Since then, the UNM independent newspaper has educated students about the campus news happening around them. Today, the paper boasts a circulation of 10,000, making it the third largest paper in the state of New Mexico.
Traditions and Symbols
Over the years, the University established traditions that contribute to its unique identity.
The Lobo Mascot
In 1920, the Lobo was chosen as the University's mascot, embodying cunning, leadership, and prowess. Bruno Dieckmann, an alumnus from the class of 1902, allegedly caught a wild wolf himself to donate to the University for their football practices. In the 1960's, a human mascot with the name of "Lobo Louie" replaced the live wolf. Later on in the 80's, a female human mascot by the name of "Lobo Lucy" stood alongside Louie as a co-mascot.
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Hanging of the Greens
Since 1930, Hanging of the Greens has marked the arrival of Christmas in New Mexico. On the first Friday of December, student organizations adorn campus with thousands of luminarias, paper bags illuminated with a votive candle. The caroling route ends at Hodgin Hall, where the UNM Alumni Association serve free posole and hot cider.
The Fight Song
Also in 1930, Dean Clauve and Dr. George Clair created the University of New Mexico Fight Song. The original purpose was to raise money to cancel a debt for the school newspaper but it soon turned into the school Fight Song that would unite the UNM community.
The Evolution of Campus Buildings
The architectural landscape of UNM has evolved significantly over the decades. John Gaw Meem was an architect based in Santa Fe, NM, from where he designed some of the most iconic buildings on the UNM Main Campus. He did this by combining the old method of adobe homes and the new methods of building with steel and concrete, creating his own method.
The Estufa
THE ESTUFA (1906-Present) has a very complex history, although only Tri Alphas and Pi Kappa Alpha are allowed inside. The building is surrounded by secrecy due to the fraternal order. No one who is not a member of the fraternity has stepped foot within it; thus, no one knows the secrets that are held within, besides the members of the fraternity…
Zimmerman's Impact
James Fulton Zimmerman, the 7th president of UNM from 1927-1944, is remembered as one of the most influential, beloved and impactful leaders that the university has ever seen. During his long tenure UNM underwent exceptional growth. With an increased focus on scholastic programs, including the addition of more graduate studies and research, as well as an "intensive building program" that focused on the campus architecture, Zimmerman helped to shape the university into a modern, unique, relevant power in the southwest, leaving a lasting and extremely impactful mark on the university that resonates to this day.
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Alumni Memorial Chapel
ALUMNI MEMORIAL CHAPEL (built in 1960 and dedicated on February 28, 1962) built as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of WWI, WWII and the Korean War. The idea of the Chapel first materialized in 1948, after WWII, as a monument to the soldiers who died in the aforementioned wars. Despite facing over a decade of financial woes, the Chapel was dedicated on February 28, 1962. Shortly thereafter, the Chapel became a sought-after venue for weddings, adding an air of grace to the somber origins of the building. Today the Chapel still holds true to its original intent as well as a beautiful setting for matrimony.
Popejoy Hall
POPEJOY HALL opened in 1966 after years of conflict regarding its creation. It is named after Tom Popejoy, who spent almost all of his twenty years as President of the University of New Mexico trying to get a performance art hall built on campus. Popejoy Hall's founding was a turning point for the University of New Mexico because of its impact on the State by bringing Broadway and other first-rate theatrical productions to its residents. Popejoy Hall seats almost two thousand people and is the largest venue of its kind in New Mexico.
A Look at the Modern SUB
The Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of New Mexico acts as a community center to students, staff, and faculty. The Student Union creates a sense of community for the student life population through the many programs and services that take place within the building. The SUB is a leader on campus and provides many high-tech conveniences, essential services, and cultural enrichment to the UNM community.
The University of New Mexico Student Union's mission is to maintain the highest standard in support, services, and programming in order to promote a strong sense of community and student life. It is a place where UNM students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests can congregate and socialize in an environment that promotes an appreciation for diversity. The goals of the Student Union support the University's mission.
Location and Key Features
The SUB is located in the center of the UNM Main Campus, North of Central Ave.
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Points of interest near the SUB:
- Cornell Parking Structure: Conveniently located for visitors.
- UNM Bookstore: Owned and operated by the University, providing quality products and services to the UNM community.
- Popejoy Hall: The premier performing arts center in New Mexico.
- UNM Johnson Center: Providing a wide variety of opportunities to enhance the educational, recreational and cultural experiences for a diverse University community.
- UNM Student Health Center (SHAC): Providing quality health and counseling services to all UNM students to foster student success.
Services and Programs
The Student Union Building (SUB) is a major activity center for students on-campus, with a food court, a movie theater, event facilities, student government and organization offices, student services, and recreation areas.
Other Important Aspects of UNM History
M. Alice Bassett Holloman
MRS. M. ALICE BASSETT HOLLOMAN was the president of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents from January 1927 until her resignation at the end of 1930. For those four years she worked alongside the new President James Fulton Zimmerman, with whom she had a close relationship. Together, they worked to bring a wave of campus development and intellectual progress to the University. She was married to First Judicial District Court Judge Reed Holloman and they lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
EJ Workman
EJ WORKMAN (1899-1982) worked for the University of New Mexico as a physicist, professor, and Director of Research for the United States Government. UNM hired EJ Workman to be the head of the physics department of the University of New Mexico in 1933, and from there went on to become the Director of Research Projects for the United States Government in 1941.
World War II Impact
The University of New Mexico was no exception to World War II as it was one of the schools that was selected to train sailors with its naval ROTC. New Mexico not only supplied Naval officers but also Navajo code talkers, the national guard (who were captured by the Japanese in the Philippines and suffered from the Death March and prison camps), and a place to develop the atomic bombs.
Elizabeth Hannah Waters
ELIZABETH HANNAH WATERS (1910-1993), First Lady of Dance in New Mexico. Waters introduced modern dance to New Mexico and founded the dance program at the University of New Mexico.
The Kiva Club
In 1952 several Native American Lobos established the Kiva Club, the first student organization for Native American students at UNM. One of the founding purposes of this group was to provide Native American students a vehicle through which to voice their concerns and their views about Native Peoples and Native education at at UNM.
The Honorable Mary Coon Walters
THE HONORABLE MARY COON WALTERS was the first woman named to a New Mexico district court bench and the first woman on the state's Supreme Court. Walters had flown transport aircraft as a member of the Womenâs Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II. Using her G.I. Bill education benefits, she graduated from the University of New Mexico law school in 1962, as the only woman in her class.
Rudolfo Anaya
RUDOLFO ANAYA (1937-Present) class of 1963, is a writer and professor from New Mexico. He is considered one of the most important figures in Chicano literature, a humble professor at the University of New Mexico. He also is a recipient of two national medals, and an influential writer whose stories have inspired generation after generation.
School of Medicine
The University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine opened its doors on September 14, 1964. This was the culmination of efforts from countless individuals and an investment on behalf of the entire state.
Lenore Kandelâs Love Lust
LENORE KANDEL, poetess and author of âLove Lust,â 1967. The year 1969 was a turning point in UNMâs history because of a controversial poem titled âLove Lust.â
Campus Divisions and Architecture
The campus is split into three parts â central, north, and south. The central campus is noted for its unique Pueblo Revival architectural style, with many of the buildings designed by former university architect John Gaw Meem, who is credited with imbuing the campus with its distinctive Southwestern feel.
Sustainability Efforts
In an effort to promote sustainability and lessen the environmental impact of the campus, UNM has been reducing the campus energy usage through monitoring and retrofitting cooling, heating, water, and lighting technologies.
Athletics
UNM's NCAA Division I program (FBS for football) offers 18 varsity sports. The teams are known as the Lobos, who compete in the Mountain West Conference. Two human mascots, referred to as Louie Lobo and Lucy Lobo, rouse crowds at New Mexico athletic events.
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