On September 1, 1892, the University’s first building, Hodgin Hall opened.
There were 108 students in two departments, the Preparatory and Normal departments. For eight years, Hodgin Hall housed all of the University programs.
With no public high school in the Territory, few thought UNM would succeed.
New Mexico cities did not view having UNM as an advantage over having other institutions such as the prison or insane asylum created by the same Territorial Act.
The University grew quickly, adding buildings, faculty, staff, student and new programs.
Statehood was granted in 1912 and UNM gained accreditation in 1922.
Originally built in Richardson Romanesque style, Hodgin Hall was made of red brick with a pitched roof and arched windows on the upper floors.
The total cost of the building was $30,000.
But the original design of Hodgin was poor and in 1904 local architect Edward Christy reported to the Board of Regents.
"In my opinion the roof is too heavy for the building… I see nothing at the present moment to cause alarm, but there is certainly room for a reasonable question as to the result if a severe storm should move that main truss that really supports the whole roof.”
This report provided President William Tight with an opportunity to remodel the building, which he was confident would adapt to the Pueblo Style.
Rapid increase in student enrollment and the increase in building led to the scheduled destruction of Hodgin Hall in the early 1970’s.
Efforts were made to save the University’s first building.
The efforts succeeded and today Hodgin Hall houses the UNM Alumni Association and the UNM Alumni Relations Office.
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UNM
Campus - Hodgin Hall Location Map |
 As you enter the building, there is a photo exhibit of the early campus buildings, a replica of one of the early seals of the University and a drawing of Charles Hodgin, for whom the building is named. Hodgin was superintendent of public schools in Albuquerque and a member of the first graduating class in 1894. Hodgin served the University for 28 years as a professor of education, dean and vice president of the University. |
Alumni offices & the Roy and Dorothy Hickman Parlor  Roy and Dorothy Hickman graduated from the University in 1925. Roy was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the original pike charter hangs in the parlor. The Hickman parlor also contains a Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington. There is also an exhibit of James
F. Zimmerman Award recipients. Glenn L. Emmons Room Glenn L. Emmons (Honorary Degree, 1977) served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President Dwight Eisenhower and was cited for distinguished service in 1957. A bust of Emmons is located on the first floor in the lobby area. |
The desk Bernard Rodey sat while writing the Territorial Act creating UNM is along the east wall. Rodey, a 32-year-old Albuquerque lawyer, spent 35 straight hours drafting the Act and introduced it into the Legislature just before adjournment. The Act passed and the University of New Mexico was born. |
Horace McKay attended the University from 1939-1941. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and the Naval ROTC. |
Miss Bobo was a lifetime teacher in the Albuquerque Public School system. The tin chandeliers are from the original Student Union Building (now Anthropology). They were handtooled locally in 1937 as part of the Public Works Administration Project. The rugs, pottery and paintings were all donated by alumni. |
| A display of portraits of the University’s first 14 presidents hangs in the stairwell along with a special display of President Zimmerman’s personal items. |
 Alumni Lettermen's Lounge Established to display Lobo Athletic history, the Lettermen’s Lounge houses numerous trophies and photographs from various sports. |
As a result of their $1,000 donations, many alumni and friends names have been placed on the star risers. The baseboards contains inscriptions in memory or honor of family members, beloved professors, or University employees. |
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association serves its members from the oldest building on campus.
The Association and its professional staff in the Alumni Relations Office coordinates activities designed to inform and involve UNM’s 143,000 alumni in every state and 89 foreign countries.
The Association participates in policy and decision making, student support programs, government relations, student recruitment, career placement and planning, administrator search committees, faculty support, and continuing education programs.
The Association works to ensure college memories are kept alive alongside important plans for the future.
Success of the Alumni Association depends on the interest and commitment of all UNM alumni.
The wide variety of activities, programs, committees and chapters offer something for everyone.There are no dues.
Your attendance at UNM makes you a member.
For more information on what the Alumni Association offers to its members, please contact the association.
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505.277.5808 | 1.800.ALUM.UNM
505.277.6844 fax | alumni@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505.277.5808 | 1.800.ALUM.UNM
505.277.6844 fax
Alumni Association Feedback: alumni@unm.edu
Technical Support: alumhelp@unm.edu
© 2002-2006 updated: 6 November, 2007
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