Albuquerque Journal

UNM Orientation Leader Awarded for Service
By Liz Otero/
Of the Journal
   
    AROUND TOWN: University of New Mexico senior Margi Miranda, a 2003 graduate of Las Cruces Mayfield High School, is the recipient of the Outstanding Student Leadership Award for the National Association of Orientation Directors Region III. She received the award at the regional conference in Cheyenne, Wyo., last month.
   
    “The award is designed to give special recognition to students within the region for their creative energy, enthusiasm and outstanding abilities, the backbone of successful and dynamic orientation programs,” said Laura Valdez, senior program manager in the UNM Dean of Students office.
   
    Orientation leaders are experienced UNM students who are knowledgeable about university procedures such as academic advisement and registration, and trained to accompany students through the entire process. Miranda was an orientation leader for sessions from summer 2005 through spring 2007. She helped plan the orientation program the last two semesters, Valdez said.
   
    “Orientation is the first experience a student has with the university, so I think it is vital,” Miranda said. “It can make or break a new student’s perspective on the university. I had a great orientation leader who was supportive, fun and knew a lot about the university. That encouragement helped me to make the most out of my time here as well as to become an orientation leader.”
   
    She said that 250-350 students go through orientation in each of 12 regular sessions each year.
   
    “I have had great influence from my mentor, Laura Valdez. Our university is filled with outstanding professional and student leadership,” she said.
   
    Miranda, the daughter of Joe and Micha Miranda, works as director of UNM Community Experience, where she coordinates and plans service events and projects. “We partner with citywide and campus organizations,” she said. “On April 19 we will hold Spring Storm, where more than 1,000 students, staff come out with 70 city partners doing community service projects.”
   
    Miranda graduates in May from the UNM College of Arts and Sciences with a dual degree in history and creative writing. Following graduation she joins the Teach for America program where she will teach English in Chicago.