
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915
July 6, 2007
1st National LULAC Leadership Program Launches at UNM
The University of New Mexico and LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) are working together on the 1 st National LULAC Leadership Program, which will bring 20 or so of the nation’s best and brightest 15 and 16 year olds to the UNM campus this summer.
“These will be stand-out kids,” said Tim Gutierrez, associate vice president, College Enrichment and Outreach Programs. LULAC representatives visited the UNM campus and were made aware of the Law Camp and Air Force Honors Camp, two programs specifically designed to attract top-notch students to UNM.
“We will model the LULAC leadership program on existing programs, but the content will be different. The focus of this program will be on Leadership and current and future challenges facing our society. Because this program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, they want to work with us to focus on science, technology and math,” Gutierrez said.
He added that immigration and border security would be among topics addressed.
“These are issues they will face as leaders of the future,” Gutierrez said.
“The U.S. Department of Energy is always interested in supporting national efforts that strengthen communities and empower students to maximize their full potential,” said Frank Beserra, chief of staff, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, U. S. Department of Energy. “As such, we could not pass up the opportunity to partner with the University of New Mexico, a leading educational institution, and LULAC, one of the country’s premier national Hispanic organizations, in this incredibly rewarding effort to prepare students for the industries and technologies of the future.”
Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, vice president, Student Affairs, said that with additional sponsorship the program could grow to accommodate as many as 200 students.
“With LULAC chapters at the state and national level, this program can grow. We look forward to educating tomorrow’s leaders,” Torres said.
Connie Beimer, special assistant for strategic initiatives at UNM, established the ties with LULAC in Washington, D.C. and was instrumental in bringing the group to UNM.
“As one of the country’s leading Hispanic Serving Institutions (HIS), the University of New Mexico has a strong record of developing and hosting programs that strengthen a student’s outlook and provide new opportunities for educational growth and advancement,” Beimer said. “We are proud to call LULAC our key partner in this effort to educate and empower Latino students.”
One of Beimer’s contacts, LULAC National President Rosa Rosales, visited UNM. She was impressed with the established bridge programs at UNM that bring young students to campus. “We are honored to be partners with UNM on this valuable educational effort that will benefit talented Latino students who otherwise might not have an opportunity to attend a higher educational institution,” Rosales said.
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