The Paul L. Sanford Memorial Prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest GPA in History 1010 (Introduction to African-American History).
Paul L. Sanford was a trailblazer. He was one of the first African Americans to enter the University of New Mexico doctoral program, where he earned his Ph.D. In 1969, Sanford became the first full-time African American faculty member at the Íæż½ã½ã when he was hired as an Associate Professor of history. Until his death in 1981, Sanford was a popular member of the history department where he taught a large freshman-level class on African American culture, now taught as History 1010. Sanford served two terms on the first Íæż½ã½ã Athletic Council as it built the foundation for the university's intercollegiate athletic programs. He was also the first black member of the University Senate.