SENATE MEMORIAL 100

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 18, 2015 "NORTHERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, the mission of northern New Mexico university is to ensure student success by providing access to affordable, community-based learning opportunities that meet the educational, cultural and economic needs of the region; and

     WHEREAS, northern New Mexico university was constitutionally chartered in 1909 as the Spanish American normal school with a primary function of training teachers for the state's Spanish-speaking population; and

     WHEREAS, northern New Mexico university's one-hundred-six- year history is reflective of its commitment to the region through its evolution from a normal school to a technical vocational institute, community college, comprehensive four-year college and most recently, a university; and

     WHEREAS, as a result of its constitutional charter, northern New Mexico university is recognized as the first Hispanic-serving institution in the nation; and

     WHEREAS, northern New Mexico university is the only university in the state to simultaneously meet the requirements for an institution serving Hispanics and Native Americans; and

     WHEREAS, northern New Mexico university provides its students with expansive educational opportunities, including general educational development testing preparation, fifteen bachelor's degrees, more than fifty associate degrees and over fifty certificates; and

     WHEREAS, northern New Mexico university offers four post-baccalaureate programs and works through partnerships to provide northern New Mexicans with access to graduate and doctoral degrees; and

     WHEREAS, the university's commitment to accessibility is underscored in its recognition as one of the most affordable four-year institutions in the southwestern United States;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that northern New Mexico university be recognized for the important role the institution plays in providing post-secondary opportunities to northern New Mexicans and the many students who relocate to the region to pursue a college degree; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that February 18, 2015 be declared "Northern New Mexico University Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the board of regents of northern New Mexico state school and to the president of northern New Mexico university.

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