Alza Council honors UNM leaders at Celebration of Inclusive Excellence

The Alza Council recently hosted the Celebration of Inclusive Excellence and Luminaria awards to honor Lobos who light the way toward a more connected, compassionate, and empowered UNM community, values that are at the heart of UNM's mission.

The Alza Council is composed of faculty, staff and students representing a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. The Council has convened at UNM for more than a decade. "We meet the first Wednesday monthly, share lunch, and connect on matters of importance to advancing inclusive excellence at UNM," said UNM Vice President Dr. Assata Zerai.

Zerai and colleagues from the Alza Council opened the ceremony with the UNM Land Acknowledgement, and by honoring the contributions of Black Americans and immigrants to U.S. society, emphasizing a responsibility to "continuously recognize and repair" systemic injustice. Poetry, storytelling and musical performances grounded the event in lived experience and community heritage.

This year's ceremony revived the Luminaria Awards, a tradition that existed at UNM more than a decade ago.

The awards build upon the tradition of the UNM Luminaria Awards that were offered over 10 years ago. Zerai noted that entities such as Arcoíris Center education specialist, Mx. Frankie Flores were involved in the early years.

The reinstated awards reflect the mission and values of the Division for Change and Empowerment, with categories proposed by DiCE (pronounced "dee-seh") program manager, Donna Lopez to highlight empowerment in action, initiatives to transformation campus climate, sustained contributions to inclusive excellence, and those who lead with heart and hope.

President Garnett S. Stokes received the Keeper of the Flame Award, the highest honor presented by DiCE and the first of its kind at UNM.

"It was our distinct honor to present DiCE's most meaningful recognition," said Zerai. "This award celebrates individuals who not only uphold the core values of our institution but also ignite progress and inspire others to carry that flame forward."

Zerai said Stokes was selected because of her "unwavering commitment to inclusive excellence, visionary leadership, and the preservation of traditions that strengthen our community." The luminaria's butterfly motif symbolizes transformation, resilience and hope.

"With joy, we recognize President Garnett S. Stokes as a trailblazer whose leadership has transformed The University of New Mexico," said Zerai. "She has kept the flame of progress burning brightly by advancing student success, fostering community engagement and breaking barriers as our first female president."

More than 50 recipients were honored across four award categories, each representing a core part of DiCE's mission.

The awards and individual recipients include:

Empowerment in Action Award: Recognizes individuals who remove barriers and empower others to succeed.
Aine McCarthy
Andrew Yazzie
Bailey Rutherford
Ben Cloutier
Dawn Blue Sky-Hill
Dennis-Ray Armijo
Belinda Deneen Wallace
Brandi Wells-Stone
Jay Parkes
Johnathan Davis Secord
Kathy Powers
Magdalena Vazquez-Dathe
Marissa Greenburg
Nahir I. Otano Garcia
Naomi Yavneh Klos
Sushilla Knottenbelt
Terry Babbitt
Tina Zuniga
Francisco Certain
Jacob Griego
Janet Hurula
Linda Johansen
Lisa Lindquist
Marcelo Olguin
Mariann Skahan
Mia Sosa-Provencio
Jesse Alemán
"Sam" Jose Lechuga

El Corazón Award: Celebrates those who lead with heart, hope and care through difficult circumstances.
Aine McCarthy
Andrea Quijada
Cedric Roberson
Chancellor Samuel Dosumu
Chris Armstrong
Danny Chaparro
Donna Lopez
Brandi Wells Stone
Nahir Otaño Garcia
Assata Zerai
El Centro de la Raza
Frankie Flores
Heather Jaramillo
Hephzibah Bouriaque
J Gourdin
Kaelyn Moon
Katrice Grant
Kofi Boateng
Mariann Skahan
Mario Del Angel Guevara
Mónica Jenretta
Nicolette Kurtz
Sara Koplik
Sarah Valles
Shiv Desai
Tommi Tejeda

Change-Maker Award: Recognizes initiatives that transform the campus climate, improve student experience and advance belonging.
Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera
Amie Ortiz
Amy Johnson
Bailey Rutherford
Brendan Petrie
Carmella Kahn
Crystal Lee
Donna Riley
Donna Lopez
Assata Zerai
Belinda Deneen Wallace
Brandi Wells-Stone
Chelsea Morris
Jamal Martin
Kirsten Buick
Liz Hutchison
Sarita Cargas
Fabián Armijo
Grace Faustino
Heather Jaramillo
Lorenda Belone
Mary Statzer
Mónica Jenrette
Jesse Alemán
Sherri Thomas
Rebecca Rae
Reyes Reynaga
Sidney Mason-Coon
Sophie LaBorwit
Vanessa Tahe
Rebecca Sánchez

DiCE Legacy Award: Honors sustained contributions to inclusive excellence that have left lasting institutional impact.
Mary Guitierrez
Christine Sims
Belinda Deneen Wallace
Cris Elder
Julia Fulghum
Kirsten Buick
Leslie Donovan
Liz Hutchison
Nancy López
Stephanie Mclver
Teresa Y. Neely
Francie Cordova
Frankie Flores
Linda Melville
Melanie Kirk
Pam Agoyo
Garnett S. Stokes
Jesse Alemán
Barbara Rodríguez
Rosa Isela Cervantes

Zerai said the Luminaria Awards serve as a direct extension of UNM's broader goals.

"These awards recognize individuals and groups that empower others to succeed, work to enhance our university climate and culture so that all Lobos may find a place here, and who persevere despite difficult circumstances," said Zerai. "These are values that underlie UNM 2040."

The Luminaria Awards presented to honorees were handmade by UNM's Monica Jenrette. Members of the Alza Council and the Division for Change and Empowerment were recognized for organizing the event, which is expected to become an annual tradition. Almost 150 attendees filled the Jackson Student Center, which Zerai said reflects the deep commitment of the campus community.

"We were overjoyed about the turnout and enthusiasm," she said. "We feel lucky every day to work with a community that cares so deeply about our students and seeks to be good stewards."