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The University of New Mexico

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Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

April 6, 2007

UNM’s College of Education Presents Excellence in Education Award
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish honored for educational efforts

The University of New Mexico College of Education presented its Excellence in Education award to Lt. Gov. Diane Denish at the Dean’s Spring Banquet held recently. The award is the highest honor the College of Education awards.

“Diane Denish has made an incredible difference for the children and families of New Mexico,” said Viola Florez, dean, College of Education. “In an effort to close the achievement gap faced by so many of New Mexico’s children, Denish fought to pass the Pre-Kindergarten Act, a law that creates high-quality voluntary pre-Kindergarten opportunities for New Mexico’s 4-year olds.

“She helped craft the Insure New Mexico legislative packet that begins to grapple with the State’s health care problem by allowing young people to stay on their parents’ insurance longer.  Children’s health care is an issue, which is directly related to education. Denish is also dedicated to making affordable housing available to all New Mexicans, especially those living in rural areas.  Housing is another area that impacts education.”

Every two years since 2001, Dean Florez has presented the Excellence in Education award to a person who has made significant contributions to education in New Mexico. Past recipients include Congresswoman Heather Wilson, Donald “Duffy” Swan and Dr. Jane Blumenfeld.

The award is given at the Dean’s Spring Banquet, an event that is held every two years to honor donors who have established scholarships in the College of Education.  The banquet also provides donors with the opportunity to meet the recipients of their scholarships, so they see the human impact of their generosity.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

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