Support UNM-Valencia and Ruidoso on April 9, 2026, during the 24-hour UNM Big Give. Donors can directly fund nursing, STEM pathways, and small business development to strengthen the New Mexico workforce. Contributions of $50 or more made during Power Hours (7–8 a.m., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., or 7–8 p.m.) qualify for exclusive UNM socks, while match challenges double the impact of gifts benefiting New Mexico’s rural communities.
When is the UNM Big Give?
- Date: April 9, 2026
- Times: 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
How does UNM-Valencia bridge opportunities for Ruidoso?
UNM-Valencia serves as an essential educational hub, equipping students from across the state, including Ruidoso and surrounding rural areas, for high-demand careers. Big Give contributions provide the resources and mentorship necessary for students to thrive in competitive industries. Residents can drive meaningful change by supporting these key initiatives:
- Health care and nursing: Address critical provider shortages by funding training for future nurses and medical assistants.
- STEM and career development: Prepare students for technical fields in science, engineering, and information technology.
- Economic growth: Invest in workforce training for industries like renewable energy and small business development.
- Scholarships and aid: Help affordable, high-quality education remain accessible to all New Mexicans.
- Faculty excellence: Support professional development to maintain a world-class standard of instruction for regional students.
Why is the UNM-Valencia Annual Fund critical for rural students?
The UNM-Valencia Annual Fund provides a vital safety net for students facing unforeseen financial hardships that could disrupt their education. This resource allows students from communities like Ruidoso to stay enrolled despite life’s “curveballs.” Your gift helps alleviate stress caused by:
- Emergency expenses: Covering sudden costs like car repairs or medical emergencies that hinder campus access.
- Housing and food security: Expanding the campus food pantry and assisting with housing instability.
- Academic perseverance: Ensuring that a temporary financial crisis does not lead to a permanent withdrawal from degree programs.
How to Give?
Ready to support UNM? Here’s how to make your gift:
- Visit the UNM Big Give Giving Portal during the 24-hour campaign window (April 9, 2026)
- Select the fund or program you want to support
- Enter your gift amount and complete checkout
- During Power Hours ($50+ gift), your exclusive socks will be mailed to you
Encourage others: Share the campaign with friends, family, and coworkers. Every gift counts toward building a stronger UNM.
What are the UNM Big Give Power Hours?
Participate during one of three Power Hours on April 9, 2026 to receive a pair of exclusive UNM Big Give socks with any gift of $50 or more:
- Morning Power Hour: 7 – 8 a.m.
- Midday Power Hour: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Evening Power Hour: 7 – 8 p.m.
Join Ruidoso in Supporting UNM-Valencia
UNM Big Give is a transformative movement that uplifts students, families, and communities across New Mexico. By supporting UNM-Valencia, you are investing in future professionals who will serve Ruidoso and other rural communities for years to come.
Ready to make your impact? Visit the University of New Mexico Giving Portal today to make your contribution and help build a brighter tomorrow for New Mexico. Share this with friends and family to maximize our collective support. Together, we can make an extraordinary difference. Go Lobos!
UNM Big Give FAQs
When is the UNM Big Give 2026?
The 24-hour UNM Big Give window opens at midnight on April 9, 2026, and remains active until 11:59 p.m. MT. This digital initiative serves as a unified platform for supporters worldwide to fund academic and community programs across the entire UNM system. While the portal accepts contributions all day, a single gift of $50 or more processed during designated “Power Hours” secures a pair of limited-edition 2026 UNM Big Give socks. These high-momentum giving windows are scheduled for 7–8 a.m., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 7–8 p.m.
How can Ruidoso residents ensure their gift stays in New Mexico?
Donors can specifically designate their contributions to “UNM-Valencia” or related regional funds by visiting the official giving site at unmbiggive.unmfund.org. The platform allows you to search for specific initiatives like the Valencia Annual Fund or health care training. If a specific local fund is not listed, donors may select the “Other” option to manually designate their gift for New Mexico outreach.
Is there a minimum gift amount required to participate?
The 2026 UNM Big Give welcomes gifts at any level; every dollar directly supports student success and regional workforce programming across New Mexico. While all donations are valued, a minimum gift of $50 is required to receive the limited-edition 2026 UNM Big Give socks. This specific incentive is reserved for single transactions processed during the designated Power Hour windows: 7–8 a.m., 11 a.m.–12 p.m., or 7–8 p.m. Regardless of the amount contributed, all supporters will receive an automated email confirmation and a tax-deductible receipt for their records.
How does my gift help students in Ruidoso?
While UNM-Valencia is based in Los Lunas, it acts as a primary academic hub for rural residents in Lincoln County and Ruidoso. Your Big Give contribution funds the digital infrastructure and online learning support that allow Ruidoso students to pursue degrees in nursing and STEM without leaving their community.
Specifically, these funds bolster the PASOS Resource Center, which provides remote peer mentoring and scholarship navigation for students balancing their education with life in a rural area.
Can people in Ruidoso use UNM-Valencia career programs?
Absolutely. UNM-Valencia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Career Services offer virtual consultations for entrepreneurs and job seekers in the Ruidoso area. By donating to the Big Give, you help sustain the workforce training partnerships that link regional employers with skilled graduates. This helps Ruidoso’s economy remain diversified and that residents have a direct pathway to high-demand careers in health care, renewable energy, and information technology.
Posted by Ruidoso.com
