Happy Holidays and Go Lobos!

December 22, 2021 - Scott Sanchez

Congratulations on a successful Fall Semester! Staff at UNM have done a tremendous job getting us through these last 18 weeks, and I know our students, our faculty, and our entire community are grateful.

This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of each of us and our respective teams. It was great to see our “First-Time-On-Campus” students (both Freshman and Sophomores) participating in something that more closely resembled the student experience we are used to delivering. While masks were still required, over 60% of classes did allow in-person attendance. We held events throughout the semester from Welcome Back Days in August to Homecoming in November, to 2 different In-Person Commencement Ceremonies last week. Lobo Football and Basketball returned to Albuquerque, with attendance in person for the first time in almost two years. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support and continued efforts of our colleagues on North Campus delivering care to the community. They did so with little fanfare as the rest of the world seemed to move on.

While things seem to be getting back to normal, we are also witnessing the subtle shift in Covid Response from the headline grabbing restrictions to the more casual reassertion of some precautions. Vaccine cards will now be required for attendance at the Pit. Booster shots are going to be required for Staff/Faculty/and Students that are eligible. We are also rounding the corner on another “performance year” and the Performance Evaluation Process and Mandatory Trainings that seem so recent in memory, are due again in January.

We held the Gerald W. May Awards Ceremony last week where we all had a chance to recognize some outstanding staff members for their contributions to the community and to the mission of the University. To see these staff members celebrated for their accomplishments, and for embodying what “being a Lobo is all about” was heartwarming. Hearing their colleagues thank them, and talk about how they excelled despite the challenges of our current circumstances was inspiring.

So, before you head home for break, make sure you remember to thank your colleagues for helping you get through. We will see what 2022 holds. Please remember to get your booster and upload your vaccine card. Have a great break and please continue to do what you can to protect yourselves and our community.

Happy Holidays and Go Lobos!

SCOTT SANCHEZ

ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICER

Alumni Relations Office

PRESIDENT

UNM Staff Council

The University of New Mexico