I am sorry to have to announce the death of HSLIC faculty member Deborah LaPointe, PhD, on May 19, 2009. Dr. LaPointe, joined HSLIC in June 2004, as an assistant professor in the School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in the College of Education, where she was sought out as an expert and teacher in distance learning. Deb established the HSLIC Learning Design Center and was active in many teaching endeavors at the HSC.

A memorial service in honor of Deb was held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church. In addition, HSLIC faculty and staff had a small gathering in HSLIC on May 26 to honor Deb and the time she shared with us; attendees shared memories and thoughts about Deb and the kindness and creativity that she contributed to HSLIC and the HSC. Several initiatives are underway to honor Deb. A scholarship fund has been established in Deb’s name through the College of Education, UNM. The family requests that contributions be made to the Deborah LaPointe Scholarship Fund, OLIT Program, College of Education, MSC05 3040, at The University of New Mexico, 87131.

As many of us remember Deb LaPointe’s passion for learning; her willingness to try new, innovative, and at times unorthodox approaches to old problems; and her positive and upbeat attitude towards life; HSLIC would like to name a memorial in Deb’s honor in the Phil and Olga Eaton Sculpture Garden of Healing. The Garden offers several naming opportunities from trees to flower beds to a garden bench where we can have a constant reminder of Deb’s presence on the HSC campus and her lasting contributions to HSLIC.