After the introductions, and a few comments by Executive Director Dr. Robert Carlson, speeches were made by the scheduled guest speakers. Perhaps the most notable speech was the one made by University of New Mexico Regent Sandra K. Begay-Campbell. Her words and personal success were no doubt inspiring to the students who were present at the ceremony. Begay-Campbell spoke elegantly about her experience as a student at UNM-Gallup. After taking as many courses as were afforded to her, Begay-Campbell ultimately received formal training as a civil engineer. She is now employed at the Sandia National Laboratory, in Albuquerque.

Other guest speakers included Dr. Eliseo Torres, CEO of INS/GIMC, State Librarian Ben Wakazhige, and John Zollinger, chairman of the Independent Company, in Gallup. Each speaker had a professional connection with one of the three facilities that were dedicated, and participated at that particular facilities ribbon cutting ceremony. Among the almost two hundred people in attendance on Friday were several local dignitaries, including State Senator John Pinto, State Representative Patty Lundstrom, and Gallup Mayor John Pena.

All three of the new additions to the UNM-Gallup Campus were in part financed by an $8 million bond that was approved by McKinley County voters.

The Zollinger Library now carries 50,000 texts, 400 periodicals and boasts a computer lab with 24 workstations, which enable students to access premier data bases for research.

The Health Career Center is slated for occupancy in the spring 2002, and will house classrooms, laboratories, and office spaces. The center will utilize an innovative computer system that is expected to enhance both teaching and learning.