Friends of Medieval Studies

The Institute for Medieval Studies prides itself on offering internationally recognized civic and university events that have broad appeal and are free and open to the public. For almost forty years, the annual Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series (formerly the Spring Lecture Series) has drawn many hundreds of audience members who look forward to a four-day event that is focused on a specific medieval theme with world-renowned scholars sharing their work with the general public.

To offer its programs, the IMS depends on the generous financial support of units across the UNM campus as well as the general public.

The Friends of Medieval Studies is the principal organization through which the public may support the IMS. In addition to receiving information about the Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series and IMS-sponsored talks, Friends of Medieval Studies are welcome to attend the opening reception of the Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series each year and lunchtime meetings of the Medieval Work-in-Progress Seminars when held; Friends are also honored at the Medieval Studies Holiday Reception, which usually includes a lecture or concert as part of the program.

Becoming a Friend of Medieval Studies is as easy as clicking on the tab. Annual membership as a Friend is available to students and the underemployed for $10, to individuals for $25, and to families for $40. Friends of Medieval Studies who would like to contribute more may certainly do so by joining one of the special dedicated giving circles, which also includes those donors being named (if they so wish) in the official program for the Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series: Beowulf Circle ($75), Heloise Circle ($100), Chaucer Circle ($250), Hildegard Circle ($500), Francis of Assisi Circle ($1000), Beatrice Circle ($1500).

Friends who donate to the Dhuoda Circle ($3000) or the Dante Circle ($5000) are listed in the official Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series program, get a special lunch with the Director of the IMS at a local upscale Albuquerque restaurant, and receive an IMS-branded, 100% cotton t-shirt in their choice of size, perfect for working out, gardening, or just lounging around and contemplating the many mysteries of the Middle Ages. Donors to our highest circle, the Albumasar Circle ($10000), are named in the Helen Damico Memorial Lecture Series program, have dinner with the Director at an upscale Albuquerque restaurant, and are gifted one of the IMS’ luxurious t-shirts as well as three personally inscribed copies of books of their choosing from IMS-affiliated faculty. Of course, all Friends of Medieval Studies, irrespective of the amount they contribute, get the IMS community’s enduring gratitude.