The University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law and its Alumni/ae Association Board recently hosted the 2024 Distinguished Achievement Awards Dinner on October 18, 2024. This year, the awards recognized Gloria Valencia-Weber, F. Michael Hart, and The Honorable Deb Haaland for their contributions to the legal community. Additionally, Noell Sauer Huffmyer received the Alumni Promise Award.

The tradition of honoring individuals who have significantly served the legal community began in 1993 by board members of the School of Law Alumni/ae. The annual dinner aims to acknowledge notable achievements and dedicated service within both the local and broader legal communities connected to the UNM School of Law.

Since its inception, this event has honored over 70 individuals, welcomed more than 7,000 attendees, and engaged hundreds of sponsors. It has successfully raised over $500,000 for law school initiatives such as full-tuition scholarships from the Alumni Association for incoming students.

Jane Tabet-Kirkpatrick, a recipient of a Class of 2027 Alumni/ae Association Scholarship, expressed her gratitude: “Receiving the New Mexico School of Law Alumni Association Award allowed me to fully commit to the state that I love. I am (at least) a sixteenth-generation New Mexican... When I found out that I had been awarded this full scholarship opportunity, it fully sealed my commitment to the UNM School of Law.”

The school and association extended their congratulations to all honorees while also expressing appreciation to event sponsors and guests. Photos from the event are available online.

Nominations for next year's awards are now open until February 17, 2025.