Supporting the Future Leaders of New Mexico
The goal of the Presidential Scholarship Program is to keep the state's brightest and best students in New Mexico. Presidential Scholarships are awarded to New Mexico high school seniors based on merit, including grade point average, class rank, college board scores, personal essays, leadership and community involvement. Scholars have varied ethnic backgrounds and come to UNM from communities all over the state.
You can become a full sponsor for a student to receive a Presidential Scholarship with a gift of $2,600. UNM matches your gift almost two to one to provide an award of $6,900 that covers a student’s tuition, fees and books. You are matched with a Presidential Scholar and have an opportunity to make a personal connection with the student whose life you are helping to change.
Janelle Manzanares:
My parents do not live in Albuquerque, and college can be a lonely place where I find myself doubting my accomplishments, intelligence, and academics. That's why it means so much when I hear my sponsors say how proud they are of me and how much potential they think I have. Their kind words help me regain my focus and perspective while giving me the ability to continue stronger than before with my courses. I attribute my opportunity to attend college and gain an education to Mr. and Mrs. Brummell; giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams, the Brummells have been two of my heroes throughout college.
1943 UNM Alumnus Supports Presidential Scholarship
Carolyn and Richard Sweetland and daughter Margaret Patricelli (far left) traveled from New Hampshire to meet with Presidential Scholars David Steele and Tri Trinh at the Presidential Scholarship Homecoming at the Rio Grande Botanical Garden in 2005. Mr. Sweetland, a 1943 UNM electrical engineering graduate, and his wife established an annuity to benefit the Presidential Scholarship Program. "This program keeps us in close touch with UNM, with a chance to know some outstanding students individually," the Sweetlands say of their experience. "We're very proud of the students we have sponsored. Now that we can no longer travel to UNM, this program is even more meaningful to us."
Sponsors and Scholars Gather at the Presidential Scholarship Banquet
Most years, the Presidential Scholarship Program (PSP) celebrates the generosity of sponsors and the accomplishments of scholars at a banquet attended by over 550 individuals. The Banquet, held in the UNM Student Union Ballroom, features student talent such as artwork or music and plenty of conversation and camaraderie. Judge James Parker, pictured here with scholar Kirsten Walker, became a sponsor in 1996. "Although I did not attend the University of New Mexico, I have lived in Albuquerque since 1962 and feel a deep commitment to the city, the state of New Mexico and the flagship university in the state. My wife and I began sponsoring a Presidential Scholarship because we felt it was important for students who demonstrated hard work and academic achievement to be assisted in attending college without a significant financial burden, as was our experience. It has been a great pleasure to provide financial support to the Presidential Scholars we have sponsored over the years."
Share A Scholar
You can make a gift of any size to the UNM Presidential Scholarship Program and “share a scholar” with other generous donors. These gifts make a difference annually by providing additional Presidential Scholarships.
Endowments – Gifts that Last Forever
A gift of $50,000 or more establishes an endowed Presidential Scholarship, which can bear the name of the donor, or the name of a living or deceased loved one, colleague or mentor. You may set up an endowment with a lump sum gift or over a period of three years or less.
For more information on donating to the Presidential Scholarship Program, please contact Cathy Bunch at the UNM Foundation at (505) 277-5688 or cbunch@unmfund.org or see Give Online.
