Five Announced to UNM Hall of Honor

Five Announced to UNM Hall of HonorFive Announced to UNM Hall of Honor
Jonathan Tibbetts III Photo Illustration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --- The University of New Mexico Alumni Lettermen’s Association has announced that four individuals: Dana (Howe) Chancellor (Golf), Jeremy Fishbein (Soccer), Matt Gonzales (Cross Country/Track & Field), and Alice Wright (Cross Country/Track & Field) will be inducted into the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor on Friday, November 13. In addition, Steve Ciepiela (Football) will be inducted as the 2026 Distinguished Service Award winner.

The event will also honor the 2025-26 Coach of the Year, Jason Eck (Football); Female Athlete of the Year, Pamela Kosgei (Cross Country/Track & Field); and Male Athlete of the Year, Habtom Samuel (Cross Country/Track & Field). 

A reminder: Fans can attend the awards dinner on Friday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the Events Center at Sandia Golf Club. Tickets are $75 each or $750 for a table of 10. Call the Lettermen’s Association at 505-925-5905 to purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Below are biographical sketches of UNM’s 2026 Hall of Honor inductees.

Dana Howe

Dana (Howe) Chancellor (Golf 1980-1983)

  • All-American Selection, 1981
  • High Country Athletic Conference Individual Champion, 1983
  • Four-time NCAA National Tournament qualifier
  • US Women’s Amateur Championship Quarterfinalist
  • Tied for second most wins in program history
Jeremy Fishbein

Jeremy Fishbein (UNM Men’s Soccer Coach 2002-2018)

  • Soccer America National Coach of the Year, 2004
  • Five-time Conference Coach of the Year
  • Two-time Far West Region Coach of the Year
  • Eleven NCAA Tournament Appearances, including 2005 National Runner-Up and 2013 College Cup Appearance
  • Ten-time Conference Championships
  • Coached 20 All-American Selections
  • Coached 118 All-Conference Team Selections
Matt Gonzales

Matt Gonzales (Cross Country/Track & Field 2001-2005)

  • NCAA Cross Country Runner-Up, 2004
  • Three-time All-American Selection
  • Eight-time All-Mountain West Selection
  • Three-time NCAA All-Region Honoree
AliceWrightHOH

Alice Wright (Cross Country/Track & Field 2013-2018)

  • Eight-time First-Team All-American Selection
  • Three-time Second-Team All-American Selection
  • Mountain Regional Female Athlete of the Year, 2016
  • Mountain West Female Athlete of the Year, 2016
  • Two-time Academic All-American

Nine-time First-Team All-Mountain West Selection

Steve Ciepiela photo

Steve Ciepiela- Distinguished Service Award (Football 1973-1975)

  • Alumni Lettermen’s Association Board of Directors Member for 10 years
    • Past President,
  • Founded the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor in 1986 with Carl Jackson (Hall of Honor DSA 2022)
  • Served on UNM Alumni Association Board of Directors for 12 years
    • Past President,
    • Hodgin Hall Restoration Committee
    • Secured Alumni Lettermen’s Room approval in Hodgin Hall
  • Served as Vice Chair of Lobo Development Corporation
  • Founded of Charles Stephen and Company
  • Alumni Association Zia Award winner
  • Alumni Association Erna S Fergusson Award winner
  • Past Board Chair for Roadrunner Food Bank