A student learns how to put out a fire using a fire extinguisher simulator during The University of New Mexico-Gallup's Campus Safety Fair in the Gurley Hall Commons on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

Campus Safety Fair proves 'we're stronger together'

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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UNM-Gallup hosts annual event to highlight community partnerships and connect students to resources

By Richard Reyes, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

GALLUP, N.M. — The University of New Mexico-Gallup hosted its third annual Campus Safety Fair in September, bringing together local public safety agencies to connect students with resources while highlighting the importance of community collaboration.

The fair was held in the Gurley Hall Commons on Sept. 18, 2025, with the purpose of connecting UNM-Gallup students, faculty and staff to community resources and strengthening partnerships with local organizations.

The city's Behavioral Health team regularly conducts a stress reduction clinic at the public library in Gallup. Martinez said many of the people who tried the ear acupuncture clinic during the fair seemed to be more relaxed afterward.

Martinez said many students don’t realize how much stress they take on, so she encourages them to check in with each other regularly and have conversations about self-care.

"We have so much going on, whether that’s school or work, and we never take time for ourselves," she said. "That could be taking a little walk around the building, getting some fresh air, going to lunch with your friends, watching a movie, or even writing in a journal. Many people don’t know how daily practices like that can really reduce our stress."

Connecting with first responders

Gallup Fire Department Deputy Chief Andrew Laweka and a few of his recruits participated in the fair to talk about the services they offer, including fire extinguisher training and a free smoke alarm replacement program for the community.

Laweka stressed that firefighters are among the first responders who come to the campus during an emergency, so events like the safety fair give students, faculty and staff a chance to meet them and get to know them in a different light.

“It’s a lot of fun, “Gallup Fire Department recruit Angelo Lovato said. “It’s getting people more involved. It’s showing more people how to use a fire extinguisher, getting them familiar. In the process, they’re having fun, but they don’t even realize that they’re actually learning how to slowly put out a small fire.”

As for campus safety advice, Laweka encouraged UNM-Gallup students and employees to maintain their situational awareness.

“If you see something wrong, say something,” he said. “Tell somebody. Alert the authorities. If something doesn’t look right, it’s probably not right.”

Trusting your gut

Autumn Arviso, a victim advocate and prevention educator for Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico (SASNWNM), participated in the fair to hand out information to students and let them know her organization is available to help them in times of need.

SASNWNM is a nonprofit organization with offices in Gallup and Farmington that provides crisis services, empowers victims, and creates a community focused on prevention.

UNM-Gallup Campus Police does offer an escort service. Individuals seeking an escort on campus can call one of the following phone numbers:

• 505-863-7620
• 505-979-3835
• 505-862-1828

In the case of an emergency, call 911.

Learning about healthy relationships

For Marlisha Trevizo, a children’s program case worker for Battered Families Services, Inc., the fair was an opportunity to talk to young people about healthy relationships and potential red flags.

As teens begin to date, Trevizo said, it’s important for them to recognize warning signs of domestic violence. Red flags can include a person who prevents you from enjoying your life or stops you from pursuing the things you’re interested in.

Trevizo said her goal at the fair was also to educate people about domestic violence and how her organization can help if they’re experiencing domestic violence.

“I think this event is very important because we want to reach as many people as we can, because if we’re out there and we’re talking about DV, it’s more likely that we can prevent it from happening,” Trevizo said. “Then people can look for that healthy relationship and know that it’s possible to be in a good relationship with a loving person.”

The following local organizations also participated in UNM-Gallup’s Campus Safety Fair:

• Catholic Charities of Gallup, Inc.
• Four Corners Detox Recovery Center
• Gallup Public Health Office, New Mexico Department of Health
• McKinley Academy’s Project EDSA (Everyone Deserves Support and Awareness).
• McKinley County Fire & Rescue
• McKinley County Office of Emergency Management
• McKinley County Sheriff’s Office
• Navajo Nation Veterans Administration
• New Mexico State Police
• New Mexico WIC Program, New Mexico Department of Health
• Office of Community Health Workers, New Mexico Department of Health

UNM-Gallup’s Campus Safety Week is organized by the branch’s Campus Safety Committee. Campus Safety Week is celebrated every year in September, which is National Campus Safety Awareness Month.

For more information about UNM-Gallup's Campus Police, visit https://gallup.unm.edu/campuspolice/index.html.

The University of New Mexico-Gallup hosts its third annual Campus Safety Fair in the Gurley Hall Commons on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.