Lasting legacy: Donors honor President Garnett S. Stokes and Dr. Jeffrey Younggren

As President Garnett S. Stokes prepares to conclude her tenure as The University of New Mexico's 23rd president later this month, members of the UNM community have come together to recognize the lasting impact she and her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Younggren, have made on the University through two new philanthropic initiatives.

Thanks to the generosity of three donors, the entrance lobby of the future Velarde Center for Philanthropy will be named Garnett S. Stokes Philanthropy Hall, creating a lasting tribute to President Stokes' leadership and service to UNM. The naming recognizes Stokes' steady leadership and the transformative impact she has had on UNM during her presidency. Throughout her tenure, she has championed student success, research excellence, community engagement and access to higher education while helping guide the University through periods of both challenge and opportunity.

The idea emerged through conversations among leadership of the UNM Foundation and current and former Foundation board members. Discussions naturally turned to how the university community might recognize her extraordinary contributions to UNM and the state of New Mexico. Those conversations led three longtime supporters of the University to make commitments totaling $1.5 million to permanently associate President Stokes' name with the Velarde Center for Philanthropy, a facility currently under construction that will serve as a hub for engagement, giving and connection with the University.

At the same time, colleagues in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences sought to honor Dr. Younggren's distinguished career and contributions to the field. Their efforts resulted in the creation of the Garnett Stokes and Jeffrey Younggren Endowment in the Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences, further extending his impact on future generations of practitioners and scholars.

The fund, which will provide fellowship support for students and trainees in the Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences for years to come, has already surpassed the minimum threshold required to become a permanent endowment.

"What is especially meaningful about these tributes is that they emerged from people who wanted to express their appreciation for President Stokes and Dr. Younggren," said Sr. Vice President for Development Deidre Sandvick. "They've each had a profound impact on The University of New Mexico and on the people who know them. These gifts reflect the deep respect and gratitude they have inspired throughout the UNM community."

Together, the tributes celebrate not only the accomplishments of President Stokes and Dr. Younggren, but also the relationships they have built across the University community. Through philanthropy, their legacy of leadership, mentorship and service will continue to benefit students, faculty and programs at UNM for generations to come.

Individuals interested in honoring President Stokes and Dr. Younggren may do so through June 30 by contributing to the Garnett S. Stokes Philanthropy Hall via UNM Foundation Center for Philanthropy Building Fund or the Garnett Stokes and Jeffrey Younggren Endowment in the Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences. Both funds are accessible through the same link.