ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico is set to celebrate a significant milestone as the Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies reaches its 20th year in 2024. To honor this achievement, the Department of Native American Studies (NAS) will host the 20th Viola F. Cordova Memorial Symposium on Tuesday, March 26, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Under the theme "Looking Back, Moving Forward: 20 Years of the Native American Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree," the symposium will feature NAS alumni from 2011. These alumni will participate in panels discussing the practical application of their NAS degree in their professional endeavors. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with esteemed community leaders and gain insight into the potential of a bachelor's degree in NAS.

"We are proud to celebrate 20 years of our NAS bachelor's degree! Our alumni have really demonstrated the broad applications of their degree," remarked Professor and NAS Chair Tiffany Lee. She highlighted the symposium's aim to showcase how the NAS bachelor's degree has positively impacted the professional lives of alumni.

The University of New Mexico remains among the few institutions offering Native American Studies programs. UNM's program boasts a rich history of 54 years, featuring diverse faculty and a wide array of course offerings.

The 20th Viola F. Cordova Memorial Symposium will be held at the Student Union Building, Acoma A&B, with the option for virtual attendance via Facebook Live. The event will include complimentary food, and while participation is free, in-person guests are encouraged to register in advance for planning purposes. Registration details can be found here.