For over 40 years, the Tom L. Popejoy Society has recognized UNM’s most
outstanding philanthropic leaders. Membership is achieved when
cumulative lifetime giving reaches or exceeds $50,000, and honors the
remarkable, far-reaching legacy of Thomas L. Popejoy, UNM’s tenth
President and the first native New Mexican to hold the position. Over
his 20-year tenure (1948 to 1968), President Popejoy oversaw the
unprecedented postwar expansion of UNM’s student body and campus. In
addition, he passionately defended the academic freedom of UNM
professors during the McCarthy era, worked to establish the UNM School
of Medicine, and tirelessly fought for New Mexico’s first major
performing arts center, that would ultimately be named Popejoy Hall in
his honor. Tom Popejoy’s legacy endures in many other UNM entities,
including Johnson Gym, Jonson Gallery, KNME-TV, and The Pit. Today,
thanks to the vision and commitment of Tom L. Popejoy Society members,
UNM continues to advance students’ success and opportunities, support
groundbreaking research, and initiate campus programs and capital
projects. For more information on this important and prestigious
society, please contact Tom Hudgens at tom.hudgens@unmfund.org or
505-313-7636.