From the Veep

This issue of Mirage magazine is published digitally, nearly 12 months after our lives changed so dramatically. Like you, the staff at the Alumni Relations Office has successfully taken on the changes and challenges of working from home. We have been creating innovative programming, continuing the support needed by our chapters, constituent groups, committees and individual alums, while still working hard to support the mission of the UNM Alumni Association to keep all the members of our Lobo Pack connected to the University.

Every new year is as much about looking forward as it is reflecting upon the past, and as our calendars switched into 2021, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the ways we have been able to bring our programs — from Green Chile Roast by Post to Lobo Living Rooms, the Lobo Love campaign, and Lobos for Legislation briefing to sports watch parties — into digital platforms to reach and connect with even more of our alumni across the country and even internationally.

The Alumni Association and the staff at the Alumni Relations Office have worked diligently with creativity and compassion to keep our alumni connected to the University during this otherwise difficult time, and we will continue to provide programming and opportunities to connect virtually while also keeping up to date on the latest regulations and mandates that will allow us to host in-person events safely and responsibly.

Mirage is just one of the ways to connect. Prior to this issue’s 100-percent digital delivery via email to our alumni, the Alumni Association would print and mail more than 145,000 copies to our Lobo Pack members throughout the United States. While we explained in the Fall 2020 Mirage that going digital does reduce the cost of printing and mailing, it is of utmost importance to us to keep Mirage thriving online. This new way of publishing Mirage will allow us to continue to share alumni stories and photos, but also allows us to publish enhanced and interactive content.

As our Pack has grown — now to more than 200,000 strong — so has our need to communicate the achievements and accomplishments of alumni. We look forward to sharing your stories in new ways as Mirage grows and changes with you, too.

Let’s connect –

Connie Beimer
Interim Vice President for Alumni Relations