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The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE



Media Contact: Chris Elliott, 277-5915

March 25, 2007

Scores from UNM Serve the Community

An unprecedented volunteer force will serve the Albuquerque community in a one-day, city-wide service project Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in an annual event known as Spring Storm.

Concentrating on more long-term projects like organizing libraries, building sustainable gardens and rebuilding trails in the foothills, this years Spring Storm has a goal of amassing 1,200 volunteers, said Nico Condon, communication director, ASUNM Community Experience.

“As of right now, we have signed up about 850 people,” Condon said. “Student organizations, fraternities, sororities, staff council, UNM Athletics, even whole classes and other community members have signed up.”

The first Spring Storm was held in 2002 and shortly thereafter evolved into a chartered agency known as Community Experience. It is one of seven agencies led by the executive branch of the Associated Students of the University of New Mexico, UNM’s student government.

“The vision of Spring Storm is lucid,” Condon said. “Community service is essential to someone's development, and it is one of the lesser-known civic responsibilities. We would really like to foster a relationship between our campus and the city – especially in the places that really need it.”

Community Experience invites all interested in volunteering for this event to register at springstorm.unm.edu. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to participants, as well as snacks and water throughout the day.

“If Spring Storm allows us to promote literacy to an underprivileged child, if our work with NM Road Runner Foodbank allows us to stop someone's hunger for a day, if we can restore trails in the foothills, I think our event has been a success,” Condon said.

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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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