About University Advancement
University Advancement is a strategic division of Western New Mexico University that strengthens the university through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. The division includes the Western New Mexico University Foundation and the Office of Alumni Affairs, which together support fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, and institutional advancement.
Established in 1982, the Western New Mexico University Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by its own Board of Directors. As the university’s direct support organization, the Foundation solicits, manages, and distributes charitable gifts and endowments that benefit students, faculty, staff, programs, facilities, athletics, and campus initiatives. Through the support of alumni, businesses, and community partners, the Foundation provides resources and opportunities beyond what state and federal funding alone can sustain.
The Office of Alumni Affairs supports WNMU’s strategic priority of increasing meaningful community-wide collaboration and engagement by connecting alumni, students, and supporters through events, partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and campus traditions that strengthen lifelong relationships with the university.
University Advancement and Presidential Goals
University Advancement supports presidential priorities by cultivating philanthropic support and engagement that advance student success, endowment growth, academic innovation, and long-term institutional sustainability.
Supporting Student Success
Student success remains central to the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation manages more than 150 private scholarships while also supporting grant-in-aid assistance, research opportunities, leadership programs, wellness initiatives, student organizations, experiential learning, and other programs that enrich the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.
Investing in Academic Programs and Campus Priorities
Donor support strengthens academic departments, athletics, Cultural Affairs, faculty and staff development, student research, community outreach, and campus enhancement projects. Gifts help improve facilities, provide equipment and travel opportunities, and support initiatives that contribute to a vibrant and innovative campus environment.
Building a Culture of Philanthropy
The Foundation fosters relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, and community partners through annual giving campaigns, sponsorships, fundraising events, planned giving opportunities, and donor recognition programs such as the President’s Society and Club 1893. These efforts help expand opportunities for students while strengthening the university community for future generations of Mustangs.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
Donors may support WNMU through annual gifts, endowed scholarships, planned giving, sponsorships, capital projects, and legacy contributions. Every gift helps strengthen the long-term future of the university while creating meaningful impact in areas that matter most to donors and the campus community.
Events and Community Engagement
The Foundation and Office of Alumni Affairs play an active role in fostering Mustang pride and community engagement through events, fundraising initiatives, and donor recognition activities that connect alumni, students, supporters, and the broader community. Signature events include the Scholarship Luncheon, student-led Thank-A-Thon, Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet, Homecoming celebrations, Alumni Golf Classic, Giving Tuesday campaigns, athletic fundraisers, donor appreciation events, and cultural programming opportunities.
University Advancement also collaborates with athletics, Cultural Affairs, and university departments to support concerts, lectures, exhibits, athletic competitions, and community-centered events that strengthen relationships across campus and throughout the region.
