Cherry & Silver Society

Alumni Clock

The UNM Alumni clock situated just south of the University’s duck pond, overlooks a busy corner of the main campus. Students scurry past if they’re late to class or mosey nearby if they have a few minutes. Passersby may do a double-check as the clock’s four faces occasionally mark different times. Past presidents of the UNM Alumni Association gave the clock to the University during its Centennial celebrations in 1989. It not only recognizes the passage of 100 years, it also expresses confidence in the enduring nature of higher education.

The Alumni clock was taken down in the summer of 2005 for refurbishing. A group of four UNM seniors, who called their group Time Seekers, took on this project. The Time Seekers identified the condition of the clock as a problem that was in need of dire attention. These students, who were about to graduate and move on to become successful alumni felt the desire to give back a small token in order to signify their appreciation.

All faces of the clock were repaired for top efficiency, including the installation of a sequencing unit, which keeps all faces of the clock within thirty seconds of each other. The tin and wood, which make up the clock’s main housing, were re-sealed. In addition to these repairs, a Global Positioning System (GPS) was added to allow the clock to be accurate at all times. The refurbishing was completed and the new, improved Alumni clock was placed back in its original spot in early spring 2006.