Daily Lobo 04/16/2023

UNM avoids tuition increase

Regents seek out alternate revenue streams

By Zara Roy @zarazzledazzle

The UNM Board of Regents unanimously rejected two recommendations to increase tuition by 3% and 2%, respectively, for the 2023-24 school year.

On Monday, April 10, the Board was presented with three fiscal recommendations drafted by UNM’s Budget and Leadership team. Ultimately, they approved recommendation 3, the only option which did not include a raise in tuition, with the only major student-wide change being increases in student fees, which the other options also included.

Regents’ chair Kim Sanchez Rael said that this push came from a desire to keep the University’s tuition affordable.

“I believe it is important to keep our undergraduate educa-

tion affordable to our student population, and that was really the overriding principle for me,”

Sanchez Rael said.

Sanchez Rael said that a tuition raise would ignore alternative streams of revenue that the University has neglected to consider. She brought up the option of performing studies for the private sector. Sanchez Rael mentioned several studies that she tried to contract UNM for that fell through or were struck down by the school and sent out to other institutions.

Sanchez Rael also brought up campaigning and working at the state level to secure more funding for the school without resorting to an increase. Shaikh Ahmad, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association, said that the group has been rallying the state to continue supsee Tuition page 2

UNM lifts COVID-19 vaccination requirement Students respond with mixed opinions

By Lauren Lifke @DailyLobo

The University of New Mexico is no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for its students and employees effective March 13, according to an email that the Office of the President’s communications team sent out last month.

The announcement follows evaluation of public health guidance and a COVID-19 vaccination information session and Q&A, which was streamed via Zoom in February. The requirements are to be maintained for UNM Health and Health Sciences programs and clinical areas.

“As our understanding of the virus and the ways in which we manage it evolve, we are continuing to adhere to the science-based decision-making see Mandate page 2

Zacaria Adonicam / Daily Lobo / @ZAdonicam

A large group gathers outside of UNM’s Center for The Arts following a performance. The University lifted its COVID-19 vaccination requirement in March 2023.

Tuition from page 1 porting the institution.

“I think that we can keep tuition at its current level and still fund the important things, compensation and strategic initiatives that we have at the University. I think we have an opportunity to be more innovative on how we identify new revenue streams for the University, so I’m not overly concerned about that, I think we can do that,” Sanchez Rael said.

Sanchez Rael said that keeping tuition affordable will be key to avoid a crisis in the upcoming years leading up to the “demographic cliff” in which the decreased amount of students born during and after the recession will enter

Mandate from page 1 process we have followed from the very beginning of the pandemic,” UNM President Garnett Stokes wrote in the statement.

The University’s medical experts have determined that COVID-19 is no longer a pandemic and is now in its endemic phase. It likely will not disappear and instead will continue to circulate the population similar to the flu, according to the communications team.

Abigail Parker, a junior in anthropology, said she feels disappointed. Parker currently has three boosters in addition to her original two

college, leading to significantly decreased enrollment.

“As we face the demographic enrollment cliff that not only New Mexico, but all the states are facing … the number of students coming into the higher ed system (will decline),” Sanchez Rael said. “We see that coming, and we need to be more creative in how we lead the institution through some challenging times ahead — part of that is making sure we stay affordable.”

Already, 34 universities have announced or completed closures or mergers since March 2020, with numbers peaking in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Sanchez

shots, and worries about the effects of this decision.

“I was proud of the University when they first chose to have the vaccine mandate, and again when they required the first booster,” Parker said. “But even knowing the University wasn’t requiring the bivalent booster was risky. Lifting not only the mask mandate but the vaccine mandate completely pushes aside everyone in the chronically ill and disabled communities.”

The mandate was initially issued on Aug. 5, 2021. It resulted

Rael. Tuition increases are also expected at private institutions for the 2023-24 academic year, with the most notable increase of 7% coming out of Stanford University, according to Forbes

“There is no doubt that lower tuition is beneficial for enrollment and retention. However, it comes with a trade-off that sometimes as students we are not able to see. While it is economically comfortable, it also means less investment in critical components like student experience, emergency resources and, above all, quality of education,” Ahmad said.

The Albuquerque Journal also reported that the University will be

in a high vaccination rate among students on all campuses. This was essential for protecting the community both inside and outside of the University, according to Stokes.

Lauren Sanchez, a psychology student, is more accepting of this decision. However, she said that this lift may make people less likely to receive the follow-up booster shots.

“We understand COVID a lot better now,” Sanchez said. “UNM is a huge medical school, so I have faith that they know when

scaling back several projects in the STEM programs as well as campus safety. Ahmad feels that, to a certain extent, a tuition increase is inevitable and that delaying it may lead to a steeper increase in the years to come.

“Given our current economic climate, any increase could be perceived as challenging. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the price of goods and services gradually increases over time, and higher education is no different. Therefore, several years of 0% tuition increase may lead to a significant increase in tuition in the future,” Ahmad said.

Still, Sanchez Rael sees this

the best time to lift it would be.”

UNM’s Bringing Back the Pack website was also retired effective March 13. It was created during the pandemic as a resource where students could find the latest information on COVID-19, vaccinations and updates from the university. The website is now replaced by a link to COVID-19 Updates and Answers, which can be accessed from UNM’s home page.

The FAQ still encourages students to speak with their healthcare providers about which options are

“chaos” overtaking higher education as a chance for the University to get creative with how they source funding and become a beacon of affordable education.

“If we do this right, as things get worse around the country, we can be a shining star of affordable, high-quality higher education that people are drawn to,” Sanchez Rael said.

Zara Roy is the copy chief at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copychief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @zarazzledazzle

best for them and encourages students to recieve the vaccine and its boosters.

“We continue to strongly recommend that the entire Lobo community should keep up to date with vaccinations, stay at home if sick, and follow CDC guidelines for all COVID-19 matters,” Stokes wrote.

Lauren Lifke is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com

John Scott Editor-in-Chief @JScott050901

Maddie Pukite Managing Editor @maddogpukite

Zara Roy Copy Editor @zarazzledazzle

Mackenzie Schwartz Photo Editor @mackenzids

Thomas Bulger Sports Editor @ThomasBulger10

Spenser Willden Culture Editor @spenserwillden

Sierra Matinez Freelance Reporter @sierraaspen11

Weston Quintana Freelance Photographer @wess_jpg

Miyawni Curtis Freelance Reporter @MiyawniCurtis

Freelance Photographer @Jessica_Baca_

Aldo Jurado Freelance Photographer @Jurado11Aldo

Adrian Alexander Jones Freelance Photographer @AAlexanderjones

Elizabeth Secor Beat Reporter @esecor2003

Maxwell McGrael Freelance Photographer @MintyMcGrael

Annya Loya News Editor @annyaloyadl

Gabriel Garcia Freelance Reporter @glgwrites

Gabriel Saiz Freelance Reporter @Gsaiz83

Alizay Chavez Freelance Photographer @ChavezAlizay

Katrina Estrada Multimedia Editor @Katrina_Est4

@DailyLobo

Jessica Baca

Common Offenders (non-recyclables)

Pizza Boxes

Why no Pizza Boxes?

Stained with grease

Hidden contaminants (crust, cheese, condiment cups, etc.)

Hot Cups

Why no Hot Cups?

Soiled (beverage waste)

Lined with plastic (polyethylene)

Tissues & Napkins

Why no Tissues & Napkins?

Soiled (food and body fluids, etc.)

Low fiber quality (too short)

Single-use Plastic

Why no Single Use Plastic?

Soiled (food waste, etc.)

Too much variability (density, shape, color, etc.)

The cost to post-sort mixed recycling is prohibitive. Please put these items in the TRASH.

NM United: Team draws in home opener

By Thomas Bulger @ThomasBulger10

New Mexico United tied 1-1 against San Diego Loyal in their first match in Albuquerque on Saturday, April 15. The two teams have now tied in their past four matchups. Through four matches this season, United has a record of 1-1-2.

Fans had to wait six weeks into the season for the team to come back home. They showed up to support the team in droves with 11,233 in attendance Saturday night.

Head coach Zach Prince praised the team’s effort and credited Sam Hamilton’s bounce-back performance after an uncharacteristic game against Monterey Bay.

“I love the way we started the game: super aggressive. Love Sammy getting a goal and responding after last week. He had a giveaway, and he’s disappointed with himself. Such a resilient person. Really happy for him to get a goal, and I love the way we really, all night, felt very dangerous,” Prince said.

All of the scoring was done in the first half. United’s man of the match — team captain and midfielder Hamilton — gave the

team an early lead in the game, scoring their only goal while playing solid defense throughout. The team failed to hold on to the lead, though, with San Diego’s Evan Conway tying the game right at the end of the half.

New Mexico put up 17 shots in the match and held San Diego to just 11. United won the possession battle early, but San Diego stepped up their offense in the second half to earn 51% possession in the game. New Mexico had four yellow cards while San Diego had three, but one of those yellow cards ended up costing New Mexico: it gave up a free kick that resulted in a goal.

At the nine-minute mark, Hamilton scored the team’s lone goal to give United an early lead. The team overwhelmed San Diego with a constant barrage of attacks after two back-to-back saves from San Diego.

With one minute of extra time in the first half, Sergio Rivas was called for a yellow card to set up a free kick for San Diego at the end of the half. Charlie Adams passed to Conway who scored with a header to tie the game to end the half 1-1.

At halftime, United was holding on to lead the possession

battle 54% to 46% but were given three yellow cards. Both teams put up seven shots in the half.

United didn’t score in the second half, but they had plenty of good looks at the goal. At the 55-minute mark, Kalen Riden received a pass in front of the goal from Josh Suggs but his header bounced just right of the goal.

San Diego’s goalie Koke Vegas had an incredible sequence blocking a shot from Greg Hurst and two from Santi Moar in the span of two minutes. Vegas then forced a free kick to go over the goal and gave his team the ball.

United’s next best scoring attempt took place in stoppage time. 96 minutes into the game, Hamilton passed to Hurst through defenders, but Hurst’s shot was blocked and set up a corner kick to end the game. New Mexico didn’t get another shot off but came close to stealing the game multiple times.

After the game, Ryden commented on how it felt to be back playing in Albuquerque.

“It’s always incredible playing here at Isotopes (Park). It’s been so long. Technically, it’s week six of the season, so just now getting to play home at week six — it feels like we started the season so

long ago and just now got to play at home. It’s a special place here, the best place in the (United Soccer League), and I’m so happy I get to call it home,” Ryden said. New Mexico United’s next home game is on Wednesday, April 26. They are hosting rival

Phoenix Rising FC in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Thomas Bulger is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @thomasbulger10

Softball: Lobos split series in dramatic fashion

By Thomas Bulger @ThomasBulger10

UNM’s softball team faced the Colorado State University Rams in a two-game series over the weekend. Both games were called early with the Lobos losing the first game 10-1 in five innings, but rallying back the next game to win 12-4 in six innings. Each game was defined by a 7-run inning that allowed the team to take over.

The Lobos had a balanced offense, but Rachel Hathoot and Ashley Archuleta each had four hits and one walk in the series. Hathoot had 5 runs batted in during the second game to help secure the victory.

The first game took place on Saturday, April 15. The game was competitive through the first four innings but in the top of the fifth the team had three errors that ended up costing them the game.

The starting pitcher for the Lobos was Taylor Snow who pitched four innings. Snow gave up nine hits but only 4 earned runs.

The Rams had a 3-0 lead going into the top of the fifth. After giving up a leadoff single and a throwing error, a passed ball led to the Rams scoring the first run of the inning. After loading the bases, Maya Matsubara earned a

Volume 127 Issue 32

The New Mexico Daily Lobo is an independent student newspaper published on Monday except school holidays during the fall and spring semesters. Subscription rate is $75 per academic year. E-mail accounting@dailylobo.com for more information on subscriptions.

The New Mexico Daily Lobo is published by the Board of UNM Student Publications. The editorial opinions expressed in the New Mexico Daily Lobo are those of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the students, faculty, staff and regents of the University of New Mexico. Inquiries concerning editorial content should be made to the editor-in-chief.

All content appearing in the New Mexico Daily Lobo and the Web site dailylobo.com may not be reproduced without the consent of the editor-in-chief. A single copy of the New Mexico Daily Lobo is free from newsstands. Unauthorized removal of multiple copies is considered theft and may be prosecuted.

Letter submission policy: The opinions expressed are those of the authors alone. Letters and guest columns must be concisely written, signed by the author and include address and telephone. No names will be withheld.

UNM Land Acknowledgement statement

walk to score another run. A bad throw from the Lobos added to the Rams’ lead. Morgan Coleman grounded out on the next at-bat but gave her teammate enough time to score.

With the bases loaded, the Lobos were called for catcher’s interference. Ashley York then singled to score two to complete the 7-run inning. The Lobos did eventually score a run in the bottom of the inning but the game was called.

The second game on Sunday, April 16 saw the Lobos earn an early lead and dominate the bottom of the third, scoring 7 runs. The Rams attempted multiple rallies, but Hathhoot hit a walk-off double to push the lead to 8 and end the game early in the sixth.

Emmalyn Brinka was the starting pitcher and earned the win. She went 4.1 innings, gave up 3 earned runs and had three strikeouts.

The score was 1-1 when Archuleta hit a single in the bottom of the third with runners on first and second to score a run and give the Lobos back the lead. Keyannah Chavez bunted to reach first and score a run. With runners on second and third, Chloe Yeatts singled to score 2. With the bases loaded, Hathhoot emptied them with a double to score 3. The 7-run inning ended with the Lobos up 8-1.

With runners on second and

third, Hathoot hit another double to score 2 runners on base and force a mercy rule to end the game in the bottom of the sixth.

After the win, head coach Nicole Dickson praised her team and commented that the win was due to the team stepping up to do all of the little things.

“I’m really proud of our bounce back. I think one thing our kids did today was they really took ownership. I thought our warm ups were a lot more focused, we had better leadership from our upperclassmen and everybody did their job from top to bottom. I thought we had a quality at bat one through nine today,” Dickson said.

Archuleta scored the first run of the third inning, and when asked about what was going through her mind while at bat, she said she was focused solely on the team.

“My pitchers are working hard and we worked hard all week, so I was just doing everything I can to keep us in the game,” Archuleta said.

The Lobos next play in San Diego, California against the San Diego State University Aztecs on Friday, April 21.

Thomas Bulger is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @thomasbulger10

Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We gratefully recognize our history. This statement was developed by Pam Agoyo, director of American

Jerimiah Anzures / Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo New Mexico United midfielder Daniel Bruce kicks the ball to score against San Diego Loyal.

Adrian Alexander Jones / Daily Lobo / @AAlexander jones Lobo pitcher Taylor Snow pitches the ball against Colorado State University on Saturday, April 15 at the Lobo Softball Field.

Onset aims to connect creatives

App makes its American debut in NM

By John Scott

@JohnSnott

“A LinkedIn for creatives,” is how the Onset app was described in an email to the Daily Lobo from the app’s founder Inès Bensalem.

Bensalem, a French film producer in fiction and documentary, started the app to take an industry that operates largely on word-of-mouth and put it into a more social media-like platform.

“In the creative industry today, there is no way to connect in a free, efficient and easy way, especially for young artists and technicians, without a network. Most of the jobs and opportunities are known through word of mouth or social networks. We don’t use LinkedIn. There is no reference in an industry where artists and technicians are constantly looking for jobs and creators are constantly looking for talent,” Bensalem wrote.

Bensalem is starting the rollout of the app in the United States at the University of New Mexico: it’s the first location in the U.S. to be added to the app’s database, according to Bensalem.

“UNM is a fantastic place to discover new talents, committed and inspiring artists, which makes it the ideal spot to create our first database in the U.S.,” Bensalem wrote.

The app seeks to help make the

process of finding collaborators easier, connecting directors to actors, photographers to models, choreographers to dancers, etc.

“Thanks to a smart-matching technology, Onset helps you target jobs that match your profile and talents that match your search in real time,” Bensalem wrote.

Along with this, the app also seeks to make the creative industry more accessible, not only by being free to download, but also by connecting people across state and international borders.

“Onset allows creators access to a network, information and employment opportunities in the industry in a free, efficient, and easy way to make culture accessible to all and to connect creators beyond borders,” Bensalem wrote.

The app is currently available as a web-based application, with iOS and Android versions coming soon. Those interested in registering can do so on the app’s website. Those interested in keeping up with the app can do so by following it on Instagram.

John Scott is the editor-in-chief at the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @JohnSnott

John Scott / Daily Lobo / @JohnSnott

A UNM Art Building sign. The Onset app, currently widely available in Europe, seeks to connect artists from around the world, with UNM being the first state in the U.S. added to the database.

APS extends school year into June

Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman

By Miyawni Curtis @MiyawniCurtis

Albuquerque Public Schools has added 10 extra days to the academic school year.

The APS Board of Education voted 5-1 in favor of the addition at their meeting on Wednesday, April 5. Before the vote, a calendar committee comprised of district, school and union staff surveyed staff and parents in the community. The majority of the responses in both cases were in favor of an extended learning calendar when 29 schools extended the 2022-23 academic year, according to the APS website.

The change will apply to elementary and middle schools in the district, according to the APS website.

Prior to this decision, 11 APS elementary schools participated in the Transformal Model Pilot Program that extended the school year by 10 days and lengthened school days by 90 minutes. This program is meant to give more development time to teachers and students, according to the APS website.

Andrea Reyes, the behavior re-director at Mary Ann Binford Elementary School, works with students who need support with behavior to succeed in their classes. Reyes does not agree with the school board’s decision to add more days to Transformational Opportunity Pilot Schools like Mary Ann Binford, which already have an extended calendar, but she does think that traditional schools could benefit.

“TOPS schools already have 10 extra days for professional development implemented to our school calendars. With the school board’s decision, (this) will result in having 16 extra days the following school calendar year,” Reyes said. “Instead of extra days, we can do longer days and have Fridays with no students on-site.”

Instead of the typical schedule which started Aug. 10, school will now begin at the affected schools on Aug. 4. The last day is June 1 instead of May 25. This adds over a week of school to the calendar and cuts fall break by a

day, according to the schedule. The change also keeps school open during Election Day, as well as shortening the vernal holiday break to one day. Winter breaks and spring breaks will be extended, however.

APS seventh grade student

Leeah Gomez said she doesn’t like the change, and she would rather have smaller classes than more days.

“I get distracted easily, and it’s hard for me to learn when there are so many kids,” Gomez said. “I would rather have more time in the summer. Summer prepares me for the new school year.”

Ninth grade APS student DeeDee Solis said that, even though she isn’t personally affected by the change, students would benefit more from teachers who care for students and their needs, like her English teacher.

“My English teacher makes her class more enjoyable, and it makes me want to learn and attend her class,” Solis said.

The extension comes on the heels of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signing House Bill 130 which added a total of 1,140 hours and four additional instructional days to the requirements for K-12.

As part of the TOPS program, students at Mary Ann Binford this year stayed at school an extra hour compared to previous years. Reyes believes this is a better solution.

“Our educators will be able to teach and support our students Monday through Thursday for a longer day, and have Friday for professional development, prep and other miscellaneous duties we have to complete,” Reyes said.

Miyawni Curtis is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @MiyawniCurtis

Aldo Jurado / Daily Lobo / @jurado11aldo

An Albuquerque Public Schools sign outside their main offices in Uptown Albuquerque.

UNM Nonfiction Review releases newest edition

By Jordyn Bachmann @DailyLobo

On Saturday, April 15, Limina: UNM Nonfiction Review released its 35th edition, which features nonfiction work from 13 different UNM students. The Limina staff welcomed their newest edition with a ceremony that placed a heavy emphasis and importance on the magazine’s contributors and their stories.

Approximately 40 people were in attendance Saturday night, with the event consisting of opening and closing remarks from Editor-in-Chief Zara Roy as well as recognition of each contributor and their featured piece. Contributors in attendance gave brief descriptions of their work before engaging in Q&As with rotating members of Limina ’s staff.

The works included in this issue range from personal essays and architectural proposals to academic papers about payday loans, multiracialism and gothic literature. These diverse stories and students compliment the vastness of the nonfiction genre that Limina strives to uphold and uplift with each edition, according to Roy.

”We publish a lot of stuff. We wanted to see the full range (of nonfiction) and play with just how far we could reach in the University,” Roy said.

This edition of Limina marks a progression past COVID-19-focused literature, according to editor and UNM senior Charlotte Gates.

“We have this big, broad span of information which, I think, shows the growth of society past this COVID realm … Now, being in-person, you can feel this tangible expansion of what people are focusing on,” Gates said.

Roy also mentioned the variation in content this year while specifically highlighting her unique experience as editor-in-chief of the magazine after having previously served as an editor and managing editor for volumes 33 and 34, respectively.

“The content is so good and so varied this year,” Roy said. “It was weird and exciting to be on a different side (of the production process) … It was weird to take the lead and make something out of nothing.”

Student achievements were widespread in this year’s edition of the magazine, with Spenser Willden winning the English Department Award for his personal essay, “Territory.” Photos from

Samuel Shorty’s photo essay “Presence and Myself” are featured on the front and back cover of the magazine.

“I think a dedication to truthspeaking always pops out in an essay,” Roy said. “You can tell when (an essay) is well-researched and the contributor is really interested in this topic … and wasn’t like ‘Okay, I’m gonna type this up and I’ll get a B.” Limina is currently soliciting editor applications for their upcoming 2023-24 edition. Visit their website to apply or submit.

Jordyn Bachmann is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@ dailylobo.com

505-281-0684 MeditationNM.wordpress.com

Wednesday

Test With Truman Be Empowered. Know Your Status. 801 Encino Pl NE 505-272-1312

Isabella Frasco / Daily Lobo / @bellafrasco

Volume 35 of Limina: UNM Nonfiction Review. The magazine was released at a release party on Saturday, April 15 at the Albuquerque Press Club.

HAPS The Entertainment Guide

Sunday Test With Truman Be Empowered. Know Your Status. 801 Encino Pl NE 505-272-1312

Sunshine Theater April 16 Doors Open 6:30 pm

Silverstein- Misery Made Me 2023 with Dayseeker*

Seeyouspacecowboy* One Step Closer All Ages! 120 Central Ave SW, 87102 (505) 764-0249

UNM student celebrates body, identity in thesis exhibition

By Jordyn Bachmann @DailyLobo

In Latin, “Mea Culpa” is an expression used to accept the responsibility of guilt or wrongdoing. The phrase is used most often in religious contexts to confess and atone for sin, and is ironically the title of senior Lucien V. Sebastian’s bachelor of fine arts thesis exhibition.

“Mea Culpa!,” which is currently displayed in the John Sommers Gallery, explores living as oneself unapologetically and without guilt while existing in cisgender, heteronormative spaces as a transgender man. Sebastian’s thesis is a personal story of queerness, transgenderism, human intervention and the complexities of emotion.

“The exhibition exists first and foremost as a physical manifestation of my past few years of the journey to come to understand myself,” Sebastian said. “It is an exploration of my identity that I have chosen to share with the viewer, combining a plethora of emotions: joy, anger, fear, sadness, euphoria ... and so on.”

The majority of “Mea Culpa!” is tucked away in the left corner of the gallery, with little accents of dripped gold and sparkles scattered throughout the gallery. A walkway created from white bricks is covered with Sebastian’s work: photos, lace, fabrics, etc.

Most of the photographs are, in some way, manipulated, whether

it be tears on the edges or in the middle of the photo to reveal a hidden layer, or bent and affixed to the wall in an unconventional way. To the right of the walkway is a fixture on the center wall, crafted similarly to the photos in the walkway: torn, layered and intricately tampered with.

Sebastian’s journey in photography began during the COVID-19 pandemic after enrolling in associate professor Megan Jacobs’ honors course, “The Photographic Eye.”

”Even though we were virtual, I fell in love with photography through (Jacobs’) course, and that was where a fantastic support system began to bloom. Professor Jacobs has continued … to be an incredibly reliable, influential figure in both my art-making practice and in my exploration of who I was,” Sebastian said.

Jacobs served as a part of Sebastian’s thesis committee for “Mea Culpa!,” creating a full-circle moment for the two in Sebastian’s UNM journey.

“(Sebastian) is extremely talented and I’m so proud of the work he’s created,” Jacobs wrote to the Daily Lobo. “I feel so fortunate to have had him in several classes.”

Sebastian said the exhibition is intentionally unique in its construction and use of space, drawing the viewer into a physical, immersive environment that coincides with his own intervention of his art and identity.

“There is the undeniable, unmistakable presence of my own

hand and intervention in the presentation of the work through rips, tears, nails, draping … This is to communicate both the hand I play in my own medical transition, from weekly HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to surgery, but also the way others can impact and thrust their own hands into my being,” Sebastian said. The exhibition will be in the John Sommers Gallery until Friday, April 21. You can find the John Sommers Gallery on the second floor of the Art Building. A reception will take place on Thursday, April 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an artist talk taking place on the final day of the exhibition.

Jordyn Bachmann is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com

Courtesy Photo/ Daily Lobo / @DailyLobo

The poster for “Mea Culpa!” at the John Sommers Gallery. Photo courtesy of UNM Art.

Christopher Tran

(Text Only); 505254-9615 (Voice Only). www.WritingandEditingABQ.com

MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS

TUTOR. Billy Brown PhD. College and HS. Telephone and internet tutoring available. 505-401-8139, welbert53@ aol.com

Your Space

HEY LOBOS! DID you know that you can place FREE ads in this classifieds category? Ads must be 25 words or less.

To get your free ad, email classifieds@ dailylobo.com from your UNM email or come by Marron