Contact: Michael Padilla, 277-1816 Gilbert Gallegos, 476-2299

Feb. 28, 2003 UNM President F. Chris Garcia appointed to National Hispanic Cultural Center Board of Directors University of New Mexico President F. Chris Garcia is among 10 New Mexicans to be appointed by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and confirmed by the New Mexico Senate to the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Board of Directors. “It is both an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve on the National Hispanic Cultural Center Board of Directors,” Garcia said. “As president of UNM, I hope to be able to bring a higher education perspective to the board and to explore ways our two organizations can work together to promote the study and understanding of Hispanic culture nationally and internationally. I look forward to serving with my colleagues on the board.” A 15-member board of directors, appointed by the Governor, oversees the center. In addition to the 10 new people appointed to the board, Richardson re-appointed three current members, including, Ed Lujan and Loretta Armenta of Albuquerque, and Matt Martinez of Las Vegas. The National Hispanic Cultural Center is part of the state Office of Cultural Affairs. The facility opened in Albuquerque’s historic Barelas neighborhood in 2000. The center is supported by several individuals and organizations, including the New Mexico Legislature, the National Park Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, UNM and the Hispanic Culture Foundation. “The National Hispanic Cultural Center is an important institution in New Mexico and around the world,” Richardson said in a news release. “I’m counting on the board of directors to guide the center through its completion so it will be the premier showcase of Hispanic culture and arts.” The other new members confirmed by the Senate include: Carol Ann Sanchez, interim director of operation for the New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Joni Marie Gutierrez, landscape architect with Gutierrez Borowski and Associates, Inc.; Javier Gonzales, associate partner for Accenture, a global management consultant company; Father Jerome Martinez y Alire, a tenth-generation New Mexican, born in Santa Fe.; Ruben Salaz, self-employed. Chuck Montaño, Research and Development team leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Juan Jose´ Peña, interpreter supervisor for the U.S. District Court in Albuquerque; William Flores, provost and chief academic officer for New Mexico State University; and Vangie Samora, a consultant. Richardson will appoint two other members to round out the 15-member board. ###

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