UNM-Los Alamos hosted “An Evening With Dr. Terry Wallace” on Wed., Aug. 15 at Fuller Lodge. The fundraising event featured a reception followed by a presentation by Dr. Wallace on “The Cosmic Mystery of Minerals,” with a focus on gold.

After a reception on the patio, UNM-LA CEO Dr. Cindy Rooney welcomed approximately 90 people to the event, and spoke about the college’s history, opportunities and recent successes. UNM-LA Advisory Board President Dr. Steve Boerigter then introduced Dr. Wallace, and thanked him for his support of UNM-LA.

Wallace’s talk covered a range of topics related to gold, from the discovery and uses of gold, to the impact of gold rushes on the settlement of North America, to the origins of gold dust through the collision of neutron stars. He shared the history of gold in New Mexico, from Coronado’s search for the City of Gold to mining that took place in the early 20^th century.

To complete the evening, Boerigter held an auction for a variety of items: an opportunity to be a “Fireman for a Day” with Los Alamos Fire Department, a Lobo football tickets package and a Lobo basketball tickets package donated by the UNM Athletics Department, and a plane ride with Dr. Wallace and a local pilot to view the geology of the area.

Dr. Rooney said, “We are very grateful Dr. Wallace, our Advisory Board and the wonderful community support. Higher education has a long history in Los Alamos and we are committed to continuing to serve the community.” Click to view Dr. Rooney's presentation about UNM-Los Alamos.

Contributions will be still accepted through UNM Marketplace at goo.gl/myhyQE.