CONTACT: Frank D. Martinez, 277-1811

Aug. 26, 2003

UNM PRESIDENT CALDERA TO ADDRESS FRESHMAN CONVOCATION

One of University of New Mexico President Louis Caldera's first wishes was to address UNM's 2003 fall freshman class-a wish that will be fulfilled at UNM's 2003 fall Freshman Convocation that has been scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, beginning at noon, in the UNM Student Union Building Ballroom.

President Caldera recently told the UNM Board of Regents that UNM is expecting a record number of freshmen-about 3,200 of them-on its campus this fall. He said he wants to talk to UNM's incoming freshman class about "why they're here and what they ought to be trying to get out of this education."

Freshmen students, their parents and UNM faculty are being invited to the convocation, said Dr. Peter White, dean of University College, whose office is helping organize the event. "The UNM Strategic Plan has, as one of its objectives, that we would have a freshman convocation. President Caldera's wish to have a freshman convocation this year fits in nicely with that objective," he said.

White said President Caldera's address will be the "focal point" of the convocation. Although the convocation program is still being finalized, others expected to attend are UNM Student Regent Andrea Cook, Associated Students of UNM President Jennifer Onuska and Faculty Senate President Beverly Burris.

The convocation, White said, "will help set the right environment for welcoming freshmen to this academic institution," adding that it will also serve to "strengthen the undergraduate mission of the University. It provides another opportunity for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to collaborate in setting the proper tone for intellectual and social engagement on campus."

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