Alza Council Celebration of Inclusive Excellence
September 24, 2026
The UNM Alza Council is pleased to invite you to attend the 2nd annual Alza Council Celebration of Inclusive Excellence on December 2nd, 2026, in SUB Ballroom A from 11:30 AM — 1:30 PM.
This celebration honors members of the UNM community who foster connection, compassion, and empowerment across campus. During the event, the council will present the Luminaria Awards, recognizing students, faculty, and staff who exemplify empowerment, transformation, heart, and lasting impact.
Nominations for the Luminaria Awards are open through November 18th; see below for award categories and nomination criteria. The event is free and attendees are asked to RSVP by November 25th.
RSVP to Celebration of Inclusive Excellence
Submit Luminaria Award nomination
Luminaria Award Categories
- Empowerment in Action Award: For those who remove barriers and empower others to succeed.
- Change-Maker Award: For those who lead initiatives that transform the campus climate.
- DiCE Legacy Award: For those who have made sustained contributions to inclusive excellence and have left a lasting impact on UNM.
- El Corazón Award: For those who lead with humility, heart, hope, and who dance in the midst of difficult circumstances.
- New Category! Lighting the Path Forward Award: Recognizing new UNM employees (with less than one year of service) who have already demonstrated a meaningful commitment to inclusive excellence and empowering others.
- New Category! Health Equity Champion Award: For those who advance health equity by addressing disparities, removing barriers to care and well-being, and promoting inclusive and equitable health outcomes.
Nomination Criteria
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Previous awardees are not qualified to receive the same award this year.
- Prior awardees can be nominated for a different award than the one they received last year.
- Please find a list of last year's awardees here.
