UNM honors New Mexico author and Lobo alum Rudolfo Anaya

The University of New Mexico and the UNM Alumni Association celebrate New Mexico Chicano author Rudolfo Anaya on Oct. 17 with two events planned to recognize one of UNM's most distinguished Lobos.

A ribbon-cutting will be held on the first floor, south wing, at 4 p.m. for the Rudolfo Anaya Sala, a new space in Zimmerman Library that celebrates the life and legacy of one of New Mexico's most influential writers. This sala will serve as a quiet study space for academic exploration, where scholars can delve into Rudolfo Anaya's works and engage in critical discussions about Chicano literature, culture, and history. The sala will also feature memorabilia from Anaya's long career and other special collections held by the library.

"The Rudolfo Anaya Sala is so much more than a celebration of the life and legacy of one of New Mexico's most influential writers," said UNM President Garnett Stokes. "It is a reflection of our university's commitment to embracing and elevating diverse voices and perspectives."

The sala will be intendedly established by the Rudolfo Anaya Papers in the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, located on the first floor, south wing of Zimmerman Library. These papers include manuscripts and unpublished works from the author.

"Rudolfo Anaya's legacy as a writer and an educator are woven into the very fabric of this institution, inspiring generations of students to follow in his footsteps," added Stokes.

Afterward, the UNM Alumni Association returns with its second Lobo Living Room program of the semester titled "Magic of Words," a special event continuing the celebration of the legacy, life, and work of Anaya. The Lobo Living Room follows the ribbon-cutting with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the featured programming starting at 6 p.m. The event will be held in the west wing of Zimmerman Library. Space is limited, click here to register.

Attendees of "Lobo Living Room: Magic of Words" will have the opportunity to tour the newly Rudolfo Anaya Sala and explore curated collections, including the Rudolfo Anaya Papers donated by Anaya for research, celebrating the life of the Chicano literature pioneer.

Anaya is known as "The Godfather of Chicano Literature" and is best known for his famous 1972 published novel turned movie "Bless me Ultima," a book that would sell over 300,000 copies before hitting the big screen in 2013. It is included in PBS' list of "Top 100 Great American Reads," which includes famous reads like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone."

Anaya returned to UNM in 1974 to teach creative writing until his retirement in 1993. Shortly after receiving his B.A., he taught elementary and secondary education English. In 1995, Anaya published his first children's book, "The Farolitos of Christmas." In 2002 he was awarded a National Medal of Arts and in 2016, was awarded the 2015 National Humanities Medal from former President Barack Obama.

"His works of fiction and poetry celebrate the Chicano experience and reveal universal truths about the human condition," said Obama during the Medal of Arts and Humanities Ceremony. "And as an educator, he has spread a love of literature to new generations."

Anaya, a New Mexico native, was born in the Village of Pastura, N.M. Oct. 30, 1937. He attended UNM where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature in 1963. Later, he obtained two master's degrees in English in 1968 and Guidance and Counseling in 1971.

The impact of Anaya at The University of New Mexico holds true, as his stories defined New Mexico's history and culture.

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