The Path December 2025

Alumni Leadership Guides the Academy

“It’s remarkable to see how many of our graduates choose to continue serving the Academy long after they’ve crossed the Commencement stage,” says Head of School Julianne Puente. “Their lived experience as students, combined with their professional expertise as adults, strengthens our school in powerful ways.” For seven decades, Albuquerque Academy alumni have carried the school’s mission into the world as innovators, problem-solvers, and community builders. Some of our most dedicated graduates now serve in one of the highest forms of volunteer leadership — as trustees of the Academy. These alumni board members bring the perspective of former students, the insight of seasoned professionals, and the commitment of community members who care deeply about the Academy’s and New Mexico’s futures. Their stewardship helps ensure that generations of Chargers will benefit from the same transformative education they once received. As we celebrate Albuquerque Academy’s 70th anniversary and alumni who are leading in the field of education, we share some of our alumni trustees’ reflections on the Academy and invite you to see what they see — a school worth championing, protecting, and sustaining. Their words remind us that the Academy’s strength lies in the enduring loyalty of those who return to support it.

Chris Buttner ’81

On philanthropy: “The Simms gift has allowed the Academy to do great things, but serving as chair of the endowment committee for the past five years has shown me how critical ongoing alumni and community support is. Gifts of all sizes sustain our programs, support faculty, and allow the Academy to continue thriving. I don't think many people truly understand how the endowment works. My role is to lead a team that manages and grows the endowment and to continue to seek the philanthropic gains that we need. With Julianne [Puente] as our head of school, I'm seeing someone who has the wherewithal and the courage to tackle our challenges. She's assembled a really great group of individuals around her to meet the moment. In particular, I think we do a much better job of supporting our relationship with our graduates. It's taken more seriously. The advancement department and the Alumni Council have really stepped up. We have found that it is important to support the graduates, not just the current students, and it will make a difference in time.” 

Notah Begay ’90

On economic accessibility: “I think the very first time I drove onto campus to take my admissions test, I knew that this was a place where people like me didn't get to go because they couldn't afford it. But from day one, the school always made it a point to ensure that people from all backgrounds had access, and so whether that was through a scholarship program or tuition assistance, they worked with my family to keep my place here. That was something I always appreciated, and the Academy not only continued its commitment to maintaining those sorts of access initiatives to the population here in New Mexico, but they've also gotten better at it through actively pursuing more students from more backgrounds, from different places. I learned at Stanford that you can't have a 360° viewpoint if you don't seat as many people as possible at the table to talk about things, come up with ideas, and solve problems. So that is truly impressive and often goes overlooked. The school battles a lot of unfair stereotypes simply because it's unique. It's been a huge beneficiary of a tremendous gift in the 1950s from the Simms family, but to the credit of the Academy, they have maintained a strong commitment to providing opportunity and, most importantly, access to anybody who wants to come here. That's one of the things I stand behind as a trustee, as a parent, and as a member of the greater Albuquerque community. I want to continue to do everything I can to provide opportunity to our young people and the next generation. 

Chamiza Pacheco de Alas ’96

On the Academy’s reputation: “I wish that more people understood the Academy better. I've seen and heard a lot of misperceptions about the school and a lack of understanding about its mission — to serve this community, to create opportunities for kids in this community, and to create young people in New Mexico who serve as a multiplier effect by being willing to put their money and their time and their careers behind transforming Albuquerque and New Mexico. We need the Academy to continue being a pillar and an anchor organization in the city, both providing a high-quality education and educating generations of leaders who are going to make Albuquerque what it needs to be for families and kids here.”

Lia Petty Armstrong ’97

On the responsibilities of trusteeship: “I view my role [as a trustee] first and foremost as a fiduciary responsibility — ensuring we make sound financial decisions, including reducing debt, while continuing to support competitive salaries and sustainable growth. One of the most rewarding parts of serving as a trustee, however, is acting as an ambassador for the school. As an alum, trustee, and parent, I feel deeply connected to the Academy and its mission. I take pride in sharing stories from my own experience, celebrating the accomplishments of alumni, and witnessing my daughter’s journey through the school. In doing so, I hope to help strengthen the community and preserve the school’s legacy for generations to come.”

Alan Shettlesworth ’99

On community impact: “This didn’t come full circle for me until I was asked to serve on the Board of Trustees. The significance of the Academy’s presence in the community — just in one area, like economic development — was mind-blowing to understand. The Academy is a top-tier institution, and there are very few schools in the country that can compare to the experience students get here. You feel that the moment you step onto campus. The campus is beautiful, but the real value is in the classroom experience, the engagement, the support from teachers, and the support students give each other. If the Academy didn’t exist, I honestly don’t know what would draw families with kids to Albuquerque. Yes, there are other strong schools, but nothing like the Academy. Its economic impact on Albuquerque and on the state cannot be overstated. That’s why it’s so important for alumni to give back. One thing I appreciate about Julianne’s approach is that it shifts the focus away from the idea that a donation has to be huge to matter. People sometimes think, ‘Well, I can’t give a million dollars, so I won’t give anything.’ But support comes in the form of both dollars and the number of donors. That is incredibly important. It shows the Academy — and the broader community — that alumni value their experience enough to contribute to the next generation. What I wish people understood is that the dollar amount isn’t the most important thing right now. Over time, as alumni build their careers, maybe they’ll be able to write bigger checks. But today, what matters is participation. A $5 gift might be a lot for someone, and that matters. That’s a contributor — a person who decided the Academy is worth sustaining, who had a good experience and wants to ensure the next generation does, too.”

Alex Grine ’00

On alumni engagement: “Co-leading my class reunion, I saw 70 classmates return — accomplished, yes, but more importantly, good people. That’s the common denominator of our school; it fosters character as well as achievement. My Class of 2000, we were so fortunate. The library was here. The science building was here. They had just finished the music building our last year, plus we had Simms Auditorium and the Natatorium. We benefitted from an amazing infrastructure, a foundation that has served generations. My service on the board has me thinking that, in some ways, we may have had it too good when you consider generational equity. And for that reason, I really feel like it’s our turn to pour resources into this generation as much as we can so that they can change the world for us — make this world better. This is the best way to invest in a better world — through the students here who will go on to serve, lead, and create positive change. You wish every school could be like this, but right now, this school is the place where we are producing kind, hard-working, passionate, creative people who are going to go out and serve the world. That's where I hope we can really make a difference — by investing in these students.” 

Christina Sheehan ’01

On legacy, gratitude, and giving back: “My experience at the Academy shaped every part of who I am today. It taught me how to think critically and approach challenges with curiosity rather than hesitation. It opened my eyes to the value of different perspectives and helped me learn to listen with empathy and openness. It encouraged me to be fearless in trying new things, to embrace opportunities even when they pushed me outside my comfort zone. It also instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude — for the experiences, the people, and the moments that quietly shape a life — and taught me how to find joy in even the smallest things. As an alumnus, giving back is about more than gratitude — it’s about stewardship. This institution shaped my life in ways I continue to appreciate, opening doors, creating lifelong connections, and challenging me to grow. Contributing now allows me to help ensure that the same opportunities, support, and sense of community remain available for generations to come. Whenever I return to campus, I’m overcome by a sense of peace. The familiar sights and memories feel like a return home. It’s a reminder of where I started, what I’ve learned, and how that journey continues to influence the person I am today. By investing in the place that invested in me, I’m helping sustain a legacy of excellence and access. It’s my way of honoring the past, strengthening the present, and securing the future for students who will one day stand where I stand today.”

2026-27 Applications Due February 5

The admission office was excited to admit a fresh batch of Chargers last week through its early decision application process for students who have identified the Academy as their preferred school and are applying to 6th grade, have a sibling who’s a current students, or are the sibling of a student applying to 6th grade. The new, earlier early decision deadline means that families can make a decision about school before winter break.  But it’s not too late to apply! Applications for regular decision admission are open through February 5. Click here to learn more and apply.   Admission Testing: Regular decision admission testing is available both in person and online. Our in-person test will be held on Saturday, February 7, and online sessions are offered on January 21 and 29. Families can select their preferred date and format in their ChargerHub admission portal. Testing takes about 90 minutes; detailed instructions will be emailed 24-48 hours beforehand. 

The Academy’s Heart & Soul Shines on Giving TuesdAAy

Thanks to the generosity of the Charger community, we raised an impressive $343,708 from a record-breaking 736 gifts for Giving TuesdAAy 2026. Each of these gifts represents an investment in people and will support the Academy’s mission to empower exceptional faculty, open doors to students of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and foster innovation. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who participated. 

A Moment Within a Much Larger Story

As we celebrate the incredible outpouring of support on Giving TuesdAAy, we remain focused on our yearly budgeted need of raising $1.25 million for the Academy Fund. The Academy Fund, which relies on the dedicated annual support of the Academy community, is critical to maintaining the long-term sustainability of the endowment and covering the gap between tuition and the true cost of an Academy education.  Year-end giving provides early momentum for the second half of the fiscal year and, in many cases, provides tax benefits for the donor. With two significant changes to federal tax law set to take effect in 2026, making a gift this December is a great way to maximize impact and tax savings. Year-end giving also offers a chance to amplify your generosity through strategic options like:

• Gifts of Appreciated Stock — Reduce capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction.
• IRA Rollovers — For donors aged 70.5 and older, directing a portion of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to Albuquerque Academy allows you to make a tax-free contribution while supporting the Academy.

We’re here to help you find the giving approach that best aligns with your goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the advancement office at advancement@aa.edu with any questions or to learn more about your options. You can also make a gift online at any time — but remember, you will need to make a gift before December 31 to maximize tax advantages.

Levanta Spring 2026 Registration is Now Open!

Registration for Levanta’s Spring 2026 classes is now open, with classes beginning in the last week of January 2026. We’re excited to welcome back several popular adult classes, including guitar, harp, and sewing, alongside exciting new offerings such as Highland Bagpipes and Ink and Indigo: Block Printing. All classes are taught by master instructors, including several Albuquerque Academy alumni, bringing both exceptional artistry and deep community connection to our programs. For kids, our Saturday Arts School features imaginative classes like Insect Circus, Violin Voyagers, and Harp. We’ll also continue to offer private music lessons for all ages and levels. In addition, we’re thrilled to present a series of one-day workshops, including sewing, macaron making, parent-child ukulele, and a shadow puppetry workshop. These are just some of the many creative opportunities coming this spring at Levanta! Register here. 

Community Support Fosters Innovation and Expands Opportunity

We extend our deepest gratitude to our corporate partners, whose dedication to Albuquerque Academy reflects the very best of our community. Their contributions provide immediate impact and help ensure that the Academy remains a place where students learn, lead, and grow for generations to come. Learn more about the Academy’s Corporate Partnership Program here.