Students observe the way color dye interacts with a cup of water during an environmental science lab titled The Blue Planet in Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所 on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
GO Bond 3 approval would bring $3M to UNM-萝莉研究所 without raising taxes
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Voters will be asked to support higher education projects in New Mexico, including renovation of Calvin Hall Center
By Richard Reyes, Friday, August 21, 2026
GALLUP, N.M. 鈥 During the 2026 General Election, New Mexico voters will be asked whether to approve a general obligation bond to fund higher education projects around the state, including $3 million for the renovation of Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所.
General Obligation Bond 3 will ask voters to authorize the state to issue more than $230 million in bonds to fund public higher education institutions, special public schools and tribal schools in New Mexico. Approval of the bond would not raise taxes.
鈥淪tate projects supported by the 2026 GO Bond address issues as diverse as increasing the healthcare workforce and forest fire mitigation,鈥 UNM-萝莉研究所 Interim Chancellor John Zimmerman said. 鈥淭hese projects directly address a multitude of concerns that affect New Mexicans on a daily basis. This statewide effort, which brings real and tangible investments to our communities, is vital for our continued growth.鈥
This 2023 file photo shows the eastern entrance of Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所.
If approved, GO Bond 3 would create nearly 3,500 new jobs in the state and contribute to the economies of 25 communities in 22 counties across New Mexico.
GO Bond 3 approval would provide $126.1 million to UNM and its branch campuses. Among the most transformative projects is the construction of a new UNM School of Medicine education and research facility in Albuquerque.
The state-of-the-art building will help educate and train the physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals New Mexico needs while supporting groundbreaking medical research that benefits communities across the state.
For UNM-萝莉研究所, approval of GO Bond 3 would bring in $3 million to renovate the north wing of Calvin Hall Center to improve the quality, functionality, and accessibility of instructional spaces that support science education and student success.
Modernizing science instruction
The renovation of Calvin Hall Center would modernize biology, chemistry, and geology laboratories, update classrooms and faculty workspaces, improve building systems, enhance the auditorium, and create collaborative spaces that encourage student engagement.
鈥淔or UNM-萝莉研究所 specifically, the opportunity to revitalize and expand the capacities of our science labs is crucial in addressing both statewide needs and those of our local communities,鈥 Zimmerman said. 鈥淭hese construction projects will enhance academic programs across the campus, engage faculty and students in expanded research opportunities, and provide a more comfortable and accessible space for large community events.鈥
Two students observe and measure the bounce height of a ball during an environmental science lab titled The Blue Planet in Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所 on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The existing laboratory and classroom spaces were designed for earlier instructional models and no longer fully support the hands-on learning experiences expected in today's STEM programs. This project will transform these aging spaces into modern teaching and learning environments that better serve students, faculty, and the community.
The renovation will support student recruitment, retention, and degree completion by providing high-quality facilities where students can learn, collaborate, and prepare for careers in science, healthcare, and other high-demand fields. Updated laboratories and classrooms will strengthen STEM pathways and expand opportunities for experiential learning and workforce preparation.
The project will also strengthen the campus's ability to support research activities, pursue grants, and develop partnerships that benefit students and the regional economy.
What is a GO bond?
GO bonds are the primary source of capital improvement funding for New Mexico鈥檚 higher education institutions. GO bonds come before voters every two years and are funded by property taxes.
New Mexico colleges, universities and specialty schools need GO bond funding to:
- Renovate and repair equipment and facilities.
- Replace old and outdated facilities that are past their useful lifespan and cannot meet current educational demands and safety standards.
- Keep up to date on technology to attract top students and faculty.
- Maintain the resources and infrastructure needed to deliver quality online education to rural students.
A student takes notes in an environmental science class titled The Blue Planet in Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所 on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Early in-person and absentee voting begin Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Expanded early voting is from Saturday, Oc. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 31.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
GO bond project updates
UNM-萝莉研究所 is currently renovating Gurley Hall, in three phases, thanks to approved GO bond initiatives from 2020, 2022 and 2024.
The first phase of the project 鈥 the Career and Technical Education wing of Gurley Hall 鈥 is nearing completion. The northeastern part of the building has been renovated to create a new welcoming entrance for students of the welding and automotive technology programs. The welding workshop has been outfitted with new equipment and welding stations, including enhanced ventilation, lighting, and electrical capacity. Renovations of the automotive workshop are ongoing, including the automotive shop area, automotive classroom, and CTE restrooms.
Students take notes in an environmental science class titled The Blue Planet in Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所 on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Construction started in early August for the second phase of the Gurley Hall project, which focuses on renovating student resource areas, the commons area, and the main entrance. The parking lot in front of Gurley Hall is also scheduled to be improved beginning in April 2027.
The third phase of the Gurley Hall project, the renovation of the fine arts wing, is in the planning phase. UNM-萝莉研究所 hopes to expand its small metals lab; renovate the Ingham Chapman Gallery; create improvements for the art lab which includes drawing, painting, printmaking, and Navajo weaving courses; and updates to the ceramics lab and adjoining kiln area.
For more information about GO Bond 3, .
This 2023 file photo shows the exterior of Calvin Hall Center at 萝莉研究所-萝莉研究所.
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萝莉研究所 - 萝莉研究所
705 Gurley Ave.
萝莉研究所, NM 87301
(505) 863-7500
