Notable New Mexican™
Created in 2001, the Notable New Mexican program is one of two annual fundraising events of
the Albuquerque Museum Foundation. The annual Notable New Mexican Gala celebrates
the accomplishments of an extraordinary New Mexican. Each year the Foundation selects a
Notable to be honored for their achievements, strong ties to New Mexico and contributions to the public good.

Notable New Mexican 2010

Sidney M. Gutierrez
Colonel, US Air Force (Ret.) and former NASA Astronaut


Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Hotel Albuquerque, Old Town
A Distinguished Graduate of the US Air Force Academy,
Sid Gutierrez became an engineer, master parachutist, test pilot
and flight instructor. As a NASA astronaut, Gutierrez served as
pilot on the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1991.
In 1994 he became the first Hispanic Space Shuttle Commander,
directing the crew of the Endeavour during an 11-day flight.

Gutierrez is a native of Albuquerque and a graduate of
Valley High. His family history, with roots in the North Valley,
parallels growth of community development and commerce in
the Rio Grande Valley; from agriculture to high tech, and from
Route 66 to the history of aviation in New Mexico. He currently
serves as Director of Environment, Safety and Health and
Emergency Management for Sandia National Laboratories.

The Albuquerque Museum Foundation chose Sid Gutierrez
as its 2010 Notable New Mexican not only for his many
accomplishments, but also for his lifelong commitment to
education, which reflects the community outreach mission of
The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. The Museum
is planning a complete renovation of its History Gallery,
to illuminate Albuquerque's growth since statehood.
This expansion, part of the Museum's Phase II development,
will provide exciting educational opportunities for students
and teachers, emphasizing Albuquerque's historic role in the
scientific and technical advances of the 20th and 21st centuries.


For information about table sponsorships and tickets,
call the Foundation office at (505) 842-0111.


Scroll down to see former Notable New Mexicans.

Please click here to nominate a Notable New Mexican.

Notable New Mexican 2009
María Benítez
Native New Mexican María Benítez, internationally recognized
performer, choreographer, instructor and director, is acclaimed
as an expert in the field of Spanish dance and all that it embraces.

She is best known for the work of the company she and her husband
Cecilio founded and direct ~ María Benítez Teatro Flamenco ~
which has a long-standing reputation for excellence. The company
has performed at festivals and major concert halls in all 50 states
and many foreign countries.

As a solo artist, Ms. Benítez has performed with the Orchestra of
Santa Fe, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee
Symphony Orchestra. She also regularly performs and choreographs
for the Santa Fe Opera and other opera companies in major cities.

Among the many national and international honors she has received,
María was awarded the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence
in the Field of Dance and the City of Santa Fe Mayor’s Arts Award.
In 2006 she was honored with Spain’s most prestigious award,
La Cruz de Isabel La Católica.

Click here to read more about María Benítez


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Notable New Mexican 2008
Glenna Goodacre
Glenna Goodacre's
prolific work has
graced public, private,
municipal and museum
collections with
compelling works
such as the Vietnam
Women's Memorial on
the National Mall
in Washington,
The Irish Memorial
in Philadelphia and
the well-known
relief of Sacagawea
on the Millenium
Golden Dollar coin
released by the
US Mint in 2001.
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Notable New Mexican 2007
Rudolfo Anaya
A prolific regional
author of international
renown, Rudolfo Anaya
is one of the most
influential authors in
contemporary Chicano
literature. Through
essays and stories,
plays and novels,
poems and children’s
books, he weaves
mythology, fantasy
and reality,
illuminating the
lives of Hispanics in
the Southwest.

Notable New Mexican
2006

In 2006, tribute was paid to five New Mexicans who
are no longer living: Senator Dennis Chavez,
potter Maria Martinez, artist Georgia O’Keeffe,
jazz musician John Lewis and sculptor Allan Houser.

A portrait of each Notable New Mexican becomes part of
the Notable New Mexican Collection at the Museum.
This series of portraits supports the dual mission of
The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History,
with art reflecting our state’s heritage.

Proceeds support the mission of The Albuquerque Museum
Foundation, which includes the funding of exhibitions,
educational programs and publications.

Previous
Notable
New Mexicans


The Foundation has also honored the following
Notable New Mexicans:

  • Senator Pete V. Domenici (2005)
    Author Tony Hillerman (2004)
    Ambassador to Spain Edward Romero (2003)
    Artist Wilson Hurley (2002)
    Former Governor Bruce King (2001)

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The Albuquerque Museum Foundation enables The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
to attract high-caliber exhibitions and provide a variety of educational programs throughout New Mexico.


The Albuquerque Museum Foundation | PO Box 7006, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194 | 505.842.0111

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