Fundraiser Benefits UNM-LA Scholarship Students

By Bonnie J. Gordon

The sold-out UNM-Los Alamos Scholarship Fundraiser held Oct. 12 in the UNM-LA Student Center, raised more than $10,000 for student scholarships.

The event included a silent auction and a live auction with auctioneer Jody Shepard. More than 150 pieces were auctioned to benefit UNM-LA scholarship students.

“These funds will help support our neediest students,” said event organizer Patricia Boyer, director of Student Services at UNM-LA.

“We have many students who qualify for financial aid, but not enough scholarships to help bridge the gap,” she said.

One special feature of the evening was hearing from UNM-LA students. The students shared their stories about how attending UNM-LA has helped them to achieve their goals.

“It means so much to know that people who have never met us want to help us attend college,” Santana Garcia-Chang said. “I’d like to thank all of you for helping us to succeed.”

Garcia-Chang recently received the first Merrick Engineering Scholarship offered by Merrick and Company, in collaboration with UNM-LA.

She was awarded the premier scholarship of $20,000. She is a graduate of Questa High School and the mother of a two year old.

Also sharing their stories were returning students and artists Paul and Melissa Torres from Pojoaque.

Paul donated one of his paintings to the fundraiser auction and Melissa displayed one of her drawings.

David Rascon, David Trimmer, Jeffrey Katz, Aundria Gonzales and Melissa Brothers also spoke about their experiences at UNM-LA.

These students represent various aspects of UNM-LA student life.

“Get your tickets early for next year’s Scholarship Fundraiser,” Boyer suggested. “You don’t want to miss out on this great event. You can help our scholarship students and enjoy a wonderful evening at the same time.”

The event featured food by Kenny’s North Carolina Barbeque. Kenny’s is located at UNM-LA. Music was provided by local combo Jazz Paradocs. UNM-LA faculty member Leonard Tishler plays bass with the group.