The University of New Mexico School of Law and its Alumni Association Board held the annual Distinguished Achievement Awards Dinner on October 17, 2025. The event recognized Paul Biderman, The Honorable M. Monica Zamora, and Peter Cubra with the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Awards. Lauren E. Riley received the Alumni Promise Award.
The awards dinner began in 1993 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal community at an annual ceremony. The event highlights service and achievements related to the School of Law, the legal profession in New Mexico, and broader communities inside and outside the state.
Since it started, more than 70 people have been honored at this dinner, which has brought together over 7,000 attendees with support from hundreds of sponsors. These efforts have raised over $500,000 for initiatives such as full-tuition scholarships from the Alumni Association and other awards for incoming law students.
Lucas Heimgartner, recipient of a Class of 2028 Alumni Association Scholarship, said: “I am grateful to the UNM School of Law Alumni Association for receiving this scholarship. Receiving the Alumni scholarship has done more for me than just allow me to attend law school in my home state. I feel validated in my professional aspirations because of this scholarship and the generosity it represents. I feel that I belong in this school and in my new legal and scholarly community. I can dedicate myself to the study and eventual practice of law wholeheartedly because of the support of this scholarship. I will earnestly strive to live up to the faith signified in me by this award. Thank you.”
The School of Law and its Alumni Association congratulated all honorees and thanked sponsors and guests for their participation.
Photos from the 2025 event can be accessed here.
Nominations are now open for next year’s awards.
