University of New Mexico Parent Guide
Parent Association Elects New Board of Directors
Maria Probasco, President, UNM Parent Association
Dear Parents,
By the time you read this letter, you and your student(s) will be preparing for academic year 2010/2011. If you are like me, in the past couple of months you were able to enjoy some good and meaningful times with your students while they were home for the summer. We are all filled with anticipation when the spring semester ends because we know they will be coming home and we are looking forward to reconnecting and catching up with them. And then, here comes August, when once again, we must get them ready to return to the University. Some of us have been doing this for a few years (depending on the number of children you have attending college). However, many parents of the freshman class will be experiencing it for the first time. The best advice I can give you is to stay engaged and connected with your children, whether it is by phone, by texting, by emails, or by sending a care package to them throughout the semester. Remind them that they are loved and missed.
In June, the Parent Association's Scholarships Committee awarded six $1,000 scholarships for academic year 2010/2011. The recipients are: Magdalena Patena, Salvador Morales, Jessica Marie Trujillo, Julie E. Fitzgerald and Laura Vilante. The sixth scholarship went to an undergraduate student who wishes to remain anonymous. This year, the Association increased the number of parents serving on the Scholarship Committee as the Association received 273 applications. As a result, parents are more determined than ever to increase the fundraising activities of the Association to raise more funds to help more students meet their financial obligations.
On June 29th, the Parent Association held its Board of Directors meeting. At the recommendation of the Nominating Committee the Board voted on the new officers for the Board and Committee Chairs. The 2010/2012 Board of Directors is as follows:
| OFFICERS | POSITIONS |
| Maria Probasco | President |
| Christina Kitsos | Vice-President |
| Angela Koury | Treasurer |
| David Garrett | Treasurer-Elect |
| COMMITTEE CHAIRS/CO-CHAIRS | |
| Glenn Dorman | Election and Bylaws, Chair |
| Nick Manole and Kathy VanderVossen | Parent Fund and General Fundraising Co-Chairs |
| Angi Gonzales Carver | General Events, Chair |
| Heyam Kassicieh | Multicultural Initiatives Committee, Chair |
| Bernadette Mirabal | Freshman Send-Off Receptions Committee Co-Chair |
| Julie Moss and Mary Sue Garwood | Recruitment and Membership, Co-Chairs |
| Michele Mals | Career Services and Parent Mentors Committee, Chair |
| Bettina Dorman | Scholarships Committee, Chair |
| Anthony Gallegos | Communication and Marketing, Chair |
| APPOINTED VOTING POSITIONS | |
| Janet Schmidly | President's Appointee (Voting members) |
| Zoe Riebli | Student Member (Voting members) |
| EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SECRETARY TO THE BOARD | |
| AVP Walt Miller | Secretary (Non-Voting member) |
The Association has been working very hard over the summer and is involved in the planning and organizing of the following upcoming events and activities. I encourage you to consider joining us by becoming an active member by giving of your time, as we plan these wonderful opportunities for parents and families. If you are unable to volunteer, please mark these events/activities on your calendar and plan to attend. I know you will enjoy meeting and networking with other parents and families. The events are:
- Freshman Summer Sendoff Receptions scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2010, in Santa Fe, Farmington, Gallup and Las Cruces.
- Move-in Week Activities - August 17 thru 20, 2010
- Freshman Family Day - August 22, 2010
- Senior Day - September 25 and November 6, 2010
- Family Weekend and Parent Association General Membership Meeting - November 5-7, 2010
Enjoy the last few days with your student(s) before they start heading back to the University. If you have a question or need more information please contact us by e-mailing us at: parenta@unm.edu or you can call me at 505-288-8220.
Go Lobos!
