Contact:

Margeri Martinez, (505) 277-6264 Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821

March 8, 2002

UNM STUDENT, ESPANOLA-NATIVE INFLUENTIAL IN BRINGING MEXICAN CONSUL TO UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

When Espanola-native Margeri Martinez asked the Consul of Mexico, the Honorable Juan Manuel Solana, to speak at the Anderson Schools of Management (ASM) at the University of New Mexico recently, she wasn’t sure what kind of a response she would get.

“I attended a series called “Access Mexico” and was really interested in what Mr. Solana said,” Martinez said. “He talked about U.S. businesses looking to get into Mexico and promoting trade and I thought others would also be interested in what he had to say. So I thought to myself, I’m going to take him up on his offer and see if he meant what he said.”

Martinez, the daughter of Margaret Valdez and Tomas Velasquez, is a senior majoring in general business and is actively involved in Junior Achievement and Join-A-School. She currently has a 3.27 GPA and is scheduled to graduate in May. She graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 1996.

Martinez has been part of a group of 10 students who have heard Solana speak through the series called “Access Mexico.” The series is a variety of discussions including representatives from border locations and the Consul among others. Solana mentioned he would like to speak more often to students, in particular at UNM, and Martinez thought she would follow-up with him regarding the open-ended offer. She ran the idea by Professor Eddie Dry of the Anderson Schools of Management, who said it would be a “great idea.”

“I told him (Solana) I was part of the Tourism Management Association and asked if he would be interested in speaking to our group at the Anderson Schools,” Martinez said. “He was real sincere and accepted the invitation. He really did mean what he said.”

A couple of days before the talk, Martinez had the opportunity to visit with Solana to discuss the talk at ASM.

“I went down to his office and spoke to him for about an hour. I was in awe talking to a really important person here,” Martinez said. “I felt honored because he took time out of his busy schedule to speak with me.”

Solana talked about his role as Mexican Consul in Albuquerque, the impact of terrorism on U.S./Mexico tourism and barriers to the expansion of tourism and trade. The talk was part of the Anderson Schools of Management Executive Speaker Series.
Martinez says her experiences at Espanola Valley High School have led her to the success she has attained at UNM.

“I always thought it (high school at Espanola) was a great experience,” said Martinez. “If you want a good education, it’s out there. You just have to work hard to get the kind of edcuation you want.”

Since her days at Espanola Valley High School, Martinez has transferred that work ethic to her studies at the Anderson Schools.

“The Anderson Schools provide excellent educational opportunities,” said Martinez. “Drew Parsons (manager of the Ford Advisement and Placement Center) and his office are extremely helpful in career development. All the professors have been really good. They are always willing to help students and offer great opportunities.”

Martinez also works approximately 20-25 hours a week at Bank of America in addition to the 15 credit hours she carries at UNM. She says that a lot of her ability to achieve scholastic success is because of the tremendous support given by her husband, Martin, a native of Canon Plaza.

“I really have to give him a lot of credit,” said Martinez. “He’s always there to keep me on track and make sure I get things done.”

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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