The University of New Mexico Alumni Relations Office recently honored four alumni for their contributions to the university. This is a yearly event sponsored by the office.
Stanley E. Harrison received the Zimmerman Award for acts of fame and honor. Harrison's career has extended from engineer and scientist to manager and executive and most recently to university dean. He came to New Mexico from Ohio in 1958 to work at the Sandia National Laboratories Radiation Physics Department. He moved from there to Martin Marietta, and on to BDM. Harrison was appointed BDM president and chief operating officer and member of the Board of Directors, retiring from BDM in 1988.
Harrison continues to be active, serving as a member of the George Mason University Board of Visitors, and dean and professor at the Harry F. Byrd Jr. School of Business at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
F. Chris Garcia was awarded the Bernard S. Rodey Award for educational leadership. Garcia started at UNM as an undergraduate student, eventually working his way up to president. Garcia left UNM twice during that time, to teach briefly at Albuquerque's Valley High School and to earn his Ph.D. at the University of California – Davis Campus.
Garcia began teaching in UNM's political science department in 1972, where he became a full professor. He was appointed assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1975, associate dean the following year, and dean in 1980. After six years as dean, he was named vice president for academic affairs. He has twice served as Provost for the university. In 2002 UNM Regents persuaded Garcia to accept an appointment to the presidency of the university.
Robert Matteucci received the Erna S. Fergusson Award for exceptional accomplishments. Albuquerque community organizations have sought Matteucci's service for decades—for his loyalty, his determination to be well informed, and the wisdom that comes from long community awareness and caring.
Following a family tradition, Matteucci began his own journey of public service in the early 60s, chairing the New Mexico Economic Development Board. He has also chaired the Board of Educational Finance and the board of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Matteucci was a commissioner with the Albuquerque Urban Development Agency, chaired the United Way campaign, and presided over the Lobo Boosters' Club. In the 80s, Matteucci served on the board of the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation and as president of the UNM Alumni Association. In the 90s, Matteucci was a member of the founding board of the national Hispanic Cultural Center. He now chairs the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation, serves on the board of the Albuquerque Business/Education Compact, and is a member and past chairman of the Governing Board of the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute.
Shiame Okunor has received the Faculty Teaching Award for outstanding teaching and service to students. He came to the United States for Ghana, Africa to pursue an education in television production, but changed direction when he was named director of UNM's International Center. Okunor recognized the need and potential at UNM Afro-American Studies, initially accepting an administrative assistant position, the becoming director. Okunor has also served in numerous academic leadership roles. “Shiame Okunor sees himself as here to assist people in their growth and movement through life, not just their intellect,” says Alumni Association executive director Karen Abraham.
Since 1994, UNM students and others have accompanied Okunor on three-week educational visits to his homeland. In 2001, he officially founded the African Field History Project. Okunor is currently working to establish an exchange program between universities in Ghana and UNM.
Contact: Eleanor Sanchez (505) 277-1813
Posted by kwentworth at April 30, 2004 08:24 AM