UNM added another laurel to the large wreath of honors achieved by past AGC-NM Building Branch President Robert J. Stamm on May 16th, during the spring commencement exercises. Mr. Stamm received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree for his extraordinary contributions to the university, the State of New Mexico, and the construction profession. Mr. Stamm's 6O-plus year career in the New Mexico construction profession has demonstrated that not only is he a builder in the literal sense but also in the ideal sense, as evidenced by his many contributions to numerous professional and philanthropic activities.
Vicki Mora, CEO of AGC-NM Building Branch, says, "AGC is pleased that UNM has bestowed this honorary degree upon Bob Stamm. We're honored by the fact that our chapter was asked to offer written support for this recognition. Mr. Stamm's many contributions have strengthened the construction profession and have had positive impact on the quality of education in our state."
A 1942 UNM graduate in Civil Engineering, Mr. Stamm has returned to the campus numerous times not only to build structures to meet its physical needs but to make substantial and lasting contributions to the academic stature of the school.
He played a key role in the establishment of the AGC Endowed Chair in Construction Management and Engineering in the UNM Department of Civil Engineering. As chair of the fundraising committee in 1991, he garnered the support needed for this program. He continues to serve on the advisory committee which gives direction to the program, the scope of which transcends geographic boundaries.
His many notable contributions have helped strengthen many programs at UNM and have helped build bridges between academia and the community. These have included high profile fund-raising activities for the UNM Foundation and support of the athletic programs. Bob himself is a UNM alumnus letterman in tennis.
He also served on the New Mexico Commission for Higher Education. As a further tribute to his dedication to education, there is an AGC Endowment in the name of Robert J. Stamm at Central New Mexico Community College.
In 1989, he received the James F. Zimmerman Award from the UNM Alumni Association "for bringing fame and honor to the University of New Mexico and State of New Mexico. "
That same year, he earned AGC's most distinguished honor, the SIR Award, from the AGC-NM Building Branch for "exemplary contributions to the New Mexico construction industry." The letters S-I-R stand for "Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility", the cardinal principles of AGC. He served as President of the chapter in 1963.
Bradbury Stamm Construction is a charter member of AGC-NM Building Branch. Known then as O.G. Bradbury General Contractor, it was one of six general contracting companies that formed the chapter, in 1948. Among the AGC Best Buildings Awards the company has won is the Centennial Engineering Building, which was recognized in May of this year. One of the major features of that building is the "Robert J. Stamm Commons" Room.
Bob Stamm has not only played a key role in building his community but also in preserving its heritage. He is a past chair of the Preservation/Conservation Panel of the Preservation Fund of New Mexico. This fund was established through the joint efforts of the Albuquerque Community Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, He has also actively supported the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Albuquerque Foundation, both of which are preserving New Mexico's rich cultural heritage.
Summarizing Bob Stamm's illustrious public accomplishments in the education, community, professional, social, and civic arenas is no easy task. Perhaps the most fitting statement made on his behalf came on November 8, 2007, when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Governor's 38th New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Awards:
"Many honors have been bestowed upon this fine leader of our community, because you cannot help but feel the magnitude of his commitment to our state."
From “New Mexico Builder” magazine, May/June 2009, Page 5
Reprinted with permission from Associated General Contractors-New Mexico Building Branch