Lobos take flight at the International Sunport

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is one of eight institutions featured in a new exhibit at the Albuquerque International Sunport that celebrates and puts on the map the state's higher education landscape.

The inaugural "Knowledge Concourse," unveiled Monday, features glass showcases curated by colleges and universities from across New Mexico. Located near baggage claim, each display introduces travelers to a different institution and offers a snapshot of the state's academic community.

"New Mexico's universities are shaping our future - and now their stories are front and center at the Sunport," said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. "The Knowledge Concourse highlights the students, innovation, and culture that make our state's institutions truly world-class."

The UNM display welcomes travelers to The Land of Achievement^® and highlights the Lobo spirit and accomplishments and provides a glimpse of the Flagship University's value and impact to this community here by highlighting just a few of many outstanding academic programs, the groundbreaking research initiatives, compassionate patient care delivered daily, as well as UNM's champion student athletes. Also highlighted are several reasons travelers should visit the campus. A dozen museums, performance halls, athletic facilities, and entertainment venues are just a mile from the ABQ Sunport.

Along with many spirit items, the display includes a racing helmet from the LoboMotorSports Formula 1 program, a meteorite from the UNM Institute of Meteoritics, samples from microplastics research provided by the College of Pharmacy, and a jersey from the conference champion Men's and Women's Cross Country teams. This display is complemented by two Lobo Athletics displays on the same level.

"It's difficult to condense all that UNM is into one display case, but I think this installation demonstrates the breadth of UNM's mission, purpose and impact in a way that I hope brings pride to our Lobo alumni and sparks interest in those unfamiliar with the campus" said Director of University Marketing Ethan Rule.

Alongside UNM and New Mexico State University, the exhibit highlights smaller institutions, including Western New Mexico University, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Highlands University, Northern New Mexico College and New Mexico Tech. Central New Mexico Community College was also included, representing the state's community colleges.

The project is part of the Sunport's "Dream of Flight" renovation, which aims to enhance the passenger experience while showcasing New Mexico's culture and partnerships.

"The Sunport is all about partnerships with our local friends and our community partners," said Acting Aviation Director Manny Manriquez. "We are the gateway to New Mexico, and so we're showcasing a wide array of universities and colleges."

The Knowledge Concourse is now open to the public on the Sunport's lower level near baggage claim.