LUNA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE Feb. 09, 2026 Luna Day: bringing campus voices to the legislature By: Tanya R. Giddings, Director of Government & Community Relations The Second Session of the 57th New Mexico Legislature officially convened on Tuesday, January 20, and is moving toward its conclusion on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Because this is an even-numbered year, it is considered a “short session”—just 30 days for lawmakers to meet at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Constitutionally, these short sessions focus primarily on the state’s financial roadmap and specific urgent matters “called” by the Governor. With only 30 days, the pace is fast and the work is intense. This time is especially critical for Luna Community College. Throughout the session, our focus has been to ensure that Luna’s needs are clearly heard and understood. As budget decisions are made and infrastructure priorities are evaluated for New Mexico’s future, it is important that our students, programs, and region remain part of that conversation. Our engagement began on Opening Day with Higher Education Day. Institutions from across the state gathered to collectively highlight the value of higher education and the work supported through the Higher Education Department. It was a powerful reminder that while each campus has its own identity, the shared mission is the same: creating access, opportunity, and workforce pathways that strengthen communities across New Mexico. Participating in that collective effort allowed Luna to demonstrate how deeply connected we are to the state’s future. Building on that momentum, Luna Community College hosted Luna Day at the Capitol. This was an opportunity to move from the statewide perspective to a focused spotlight on our own programs and people. Our space in the West Hall within the Halls of History became a welcoming place for legislators and staff to stop, visit, and learn more about the work happening on our campus. The displays reflected the reach and strength of Luna’s impact, including Admissions, Nursing, Business, Athletics, Career & Technical Education, and Adult Basic Education. The Wildfire Resiliency Training Center, Luna Strong initiative, and the important work of the LCC Foundation were also proudly highlighted. Strong leadership has guided this work. President Dr. Carol Linder has been personally engaging with legislators, advocating for Luna’s needs, and ensuring our priorities are clearly communicated. Her steady presence and advocacy continue to strengthen Luna’s voice at the Capitol. The presence of our Board of Trustees at the Capitol was especially significant, demonstrating a unified commitment to the college’s success. These face-to-face conversations allowed for something that cannot be
captured in budget lines alone—the human stories of perseverance, growth, and impact that unfold every day on our campus and throughout Northern New Mexico. Luna Day was further strengthened by the support of our local legislative delegation. Thank you to Representative Anita Gonzales and Senator Pete Campos for recognizing Luna Community College and its leadership on the House and Senate floors, and to Representative Joseph Sanchez for acknowledging our commitment to students and workforce opportunities. Special appreciation to Representative Gonzales for officially declaring January 22, 2026, as “Luna Community College Day” and presenting a commemorative certificate. As the legislative session enters its final days, it is important to remember that advocacy does not begin and end within these 30 days. Relationship-building, communication, and representing Luna’s mission is year-round work. That commitment continues—with steady focus on student success and strengthening the college that serves our region. Students, athletes, faculty, staff, directors, members of the Luna Foundation Board, and President Dr. Carol Linder gather at the Roundhouse for Luna Day, celebrating Luna Community College’s programs, people, and impact, with Tanya Giddings pictured far right.
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