UNM celebrates National Arab American Heritage Month in April

The University of New Mexico (UNM) honors National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) this April, recognizing the rich cultural contributions and achievements of Arab Americans. Throughout the month, various departments and organizations within UNM will host events and provide resources to promote understanding and appreciation of Arab American heritage.

International Studies Institute (ISI)
The International Studies Institute serves as an umbrella organization for the interdisciplinary undergraduate program in International Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences. ISI's mission is to advance the understanding of global issues and other regions of the world, including those of strategic and economic interest to the U.S. The institute offers a minor and a major in International Studies and hosts the Contemporary Jewish Studies Lecture Series each semester.

Middle East Lecture Series 2025
As part of its commitment to fostering global awareness, ISI presents the 2025 Middle East Lecture Series. This series features esteemed scholars discussing various topics pertinent to the Middle East. The lectures are scheduled through April 29. For more details, visit the ISI lecture page.

Arabic Studies Program
UNM's Department of Languages, Cultures, and Literatures offers a comprehensive Arabic Studies program. Courses range from elementary to advanced levels, focusing on developing linguistic competence through culturally situated contexts and cross-cultural comparisons. Studying Arabic provides students with the skills to analyze a wide variety of political, social, religious, and cultural contexts from the Middle East and North Africa to Arab diaspora communities worldwide.

Language Learning Center (LLC)
The LLC supports all aspects of language learning at UNM, providing expertise, resources, and space for language classes. UNM offers instruction in multiple languages, including Arabic, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for language acquisition.

Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPIRC)
Established during the 2021-2022 academic year, AAPIRC aims to build a sense of belonging for students of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American heritage. The center provides culturally relevant programs that cultivate leadership within communities.

Global Education Office (GEO) and Study Abroad
GEO facilitates international linkages, cultural exchange, global diversity, and the development of international expertise across all sectors of the university. UNM strongly endorses promoting global awareness and offers various study, research, and internship programs abroad. For more information on study abroad opportunities, visit the UNM Study Abroad portal.

About National Arab American Heritage Month
During April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through NAAHM. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has garnered proclamations and engaged in special events celebrating the community's rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

UNM invites students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to participate in the events and utilize the resources available throughout National Arab American Heritage Month to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Arab American culture and contributions.

For more information, visit National American Arab Heritage Month.