Alumni Council Announces 2025 Award Recipients

Young Alumni Service Award: Jane Fazio ’08 

Created by the Alumni Council to recognize notable service to the community and society that exemplifies the spirit of the Albuquerque Academy mission, the Young Alumni Service Award is presented to an alum age 35 or younger who has made significant personal achievements in serving the local, national, or international community.

Dr. Jane Fazio ’08 has been named the 2025 recipient for her groundbreaking work in public health and workplace safety. A pulmonary critical care physician at UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Fazio’s research has exposed the deadly risks of silica dust exposure among workers in the engineered stone industry, a preventable hazard disproportionately affecting immigrant Latino communities. Her advocacy is driving critical conversations on workplace safety and policy reform. Alongside her medical practice, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in public health at UCLA and continues to support fellow Academy alumni facing medical challenges. Dr. Fazio’s dedication to research, advocacy, and compassionate care exemplifies the Academy’s mission of service and leadership.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Scott Elder ’85

The Alumni Council annually presents the Distinguished Alumni Award to an alum of the school in recognition of extraordinary achievement or service that exemplifies the principles and values of Albuquerque Academy.

Scott Elder ’85 has dedicated his career to education and community leadership. At the Academy, he was known for his humor, creativity, and deep involvement in the arts, particularly theater and speech and debate. He credits the school with teaching him to write effectively, think critically, and believe in himself. After earning degrees in political science, education, and business, Scott spent over 30 years with Albuquerque Public Schools, rising from teacher to superintendent, where he guided the district through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and a major cyber-attack. Now exploring innovations in AI and education, he continues to shape the future of learning. His impact has been recognized with the University of New Mexico’s Rodey Award and induction into the Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame.

Faculty Legacy Award: Sra. Cristina Quiroga 

The Albuquerque Academy Alumni Council Faculty Legacy Award is given to a member of the Academy’s faculty who has rendered distinguished service to Albuquerque Academy and made a lasting impact either on the development of the school’s students or, through their dedication and leadership, has strengthened the school as an institution of learning for our community.

Maria Cristina Quiroga taught at the Academy for 32 years before retiring in 2019. After emigrating from Cuba as a young girl, Sra. Quiroga’s experiences shaped her deep commitment to community, culture, and education. She instilled in her students a love for the Spanish language, art, and hard work while also supporting them beyond the classroom – attending their games, performances, and events. Her passion earned national recognition, including the Distinguished Teacher Award from President Bill Clinton and the Academy’s Frank Slevin Teaching Award. Even during her illness, she remained dedicated to celebrating her students and colleagues. In recognition of her profound impact, the Alumni Council is honored to induct Sra. Quiroga into the Alumni Association posthumously.

In honor of Sra. Quiroga’s legacy, the Cristina Quiroga Memorial Fund, has been established to provide financial aid scholarships for foreign language learners at Albuquerque Academy, helping students experience the transformative opportunity to study and travel abroad. If you would like to contribute to the fund, donations may be mailed to: The Cristina Quiroga Memorial Fund | c/o Albuquerque Academy | 6400 Wyoming Blvd NE | Albuquerque, NM 87109-3899. Alternatively, donations can be made online.

Alumni Council Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

Mark your calendars and look for an invitation in the coming months to the Alumni Council Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Friday, September 19, during Alumni and Reunion Weekend when the 2025 award winners will be honored.