The University of New Mexico Foundation recently thanked Fidelity Investments Corporation for its in-kind gift of more than $2 million for UNM’s new One-Stop Student Support and Services Center, which opened May 14.
Fidelity established operations during the summer of 2007 in the University of New Mexico-owned Lockheed-Martin building at the corner of University and Avenida Cesar Chavez in Albuquerque.
The company leased that space until its permanent location at Mesa del Sol was ready. During that time, Fidelity completed more than $2 million in infrastructure renovations, which it gave as an in-kind gift to UNM. The gift included costs for demolition, architectural changes, electrical work and furniture.
“Fidelity’s in-kind gift to the University indicates a strong willingness to be a team player in the betterment of Albuquerque. The UNM community is extremely grateful,” says John Stropp, president, UNM Foundation. “Furthermore, this gift is an investment in UNM students. Its impact is that it will help students stay on track with their academic careers by improving their access to student services. Fidelity’s presence also represents job opportunities for students as they graduate.”
“We greatly appreciated the opportunity for further engagement with UNM while our Mesa del Sol building was constructed,” says Leean Kravitz, public affairs director, Fidelity Investments in Albuquerque. “We are more than happy to contribute to creating a better Student Support and Services Center for UNM students and staff with the building improvements we made. We are committed to being strong community stewards.”
The contemporary, well-designed Student Support and Services Center consolidates student services in the 60,000-square-foot space with offices for student enrollment, academic advising, financial assistance and recruitment. The center also has space for athletic advisement, compliance offices and a new UNM Veterans’ Center to ease the transition back into civilian and student life for service men and women.
The new UNM Student Support and Services Center will aid in retention and graduation rates for UNM students by providing those who commute with easy access to support services. Central New Mexico Community College students will also use the resource as they plan to transfer to UNM. A shuttle will run between main campus and the center. Students will be able to access services at either location.
Media Contact: Jill Zack (505) 277-9095; e-mail: jillzack@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at May 21, 2009 02:15 PM