Contact:

Andrés Armijo, 277-6515 Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

February 26, 2002

LOS LUNAS NATIVE CREATES UNM SCHOLARSHIP TO HONOR SISTER

A brother's wish to honor his sister's memory will benefit students who need to finish a degree in theatre in the University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts.

Andrés Armijo, senior academic advisor in University College and Spanish instructor, is establishing the Louise Armijo Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A native of Los Lunas, Louise died in July 1999. She began pursuing a fine arts degree at UNM in 1980. While in school, she worked as a travel agent for Rio Grande Travel. She left UNM in 1984 and moved to California where she continued her career in the travel industry. In the late 1990s, she returned to New Mexico with the hope of completing her degree at UNM.

"Finishing her degree was one of the dreams she shared with our family," said Armijo, adding that the scholarship will encourage other young artists to complete their studies. Special preference will be given to theatre majors who drop out and need help to return to school.

He has raised half of the $10,000 needed to set up the fund.

At UNM, Louise Armijo appeared in numerous productions including "Cabaret," "Grease," "I'm a Fool," "The Nature and Purpose of the Universe," "Just a Couple of White Chicks Sitting Around Talking" and "Rusty and Rico." She was the protagonist for a UNM Agora Crisis Center television commercial. She adored children and participated in the Theatre Department's children's theatre class. Armijo also volunteered at the Foothills Child Development Center (now Bright Beginnings) teaching drama to children of all ages.

With a natural talent for acting, singing and dancing, Armijo also performed in junior high and high school productions. She was a contestant in the 1980 Los Lunas Jr. Miss Pageant and received the Spirit of Jr. Miss Award. During high school, she was a member of the Belen Firehouse Players, a local theatre company that showcased the talents of community members. She graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1980.

"The scholarship fund is a tribute to the dreams that Louise was not able to fulfill," her brother said. "I want the fund to honor her and to help other students who may find themselves in the same situation she was and who want to return to school."

Donations can be made payable to: The Louise Armijo Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts, Department of Theatre & Dance, Rm 3014, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1396.

For information, call Andrés Armijo, 277-6515.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981