Author Archives: Abe Villarreal

For over 40 years, Fleming Hall has been home to the University Museum and a broad collection of Mimbres pottery known the world over. Soon, the nationally registered historic building will be extensively renovated, something that University Museum staff have been anticipating for several months, wrapping and moving hundreds of pieces of pottery and artifacts. “After Fleming Hall’s transformation, visitors will walk in and experience a dynamic exhibition with natural light and interactive exhibits,” said Dr. Cynthia Bettison, University Museum Director. “Every piece of pottery not part of the new main floor exhibitions will be on display in visible collection areas.” Museum staff have been carefully wrapping artifacts since August and moving them to a temporary storage location. Once the main floor exhibit area closes to the public on August 1, a small display of items will be available to visitors in Watts Hall. “We have closed access to professional...

Western New Mexico University inducted four career educators into the School of Education Hall of Fame as part of the 2016 spring commencement ceremony activities. Ginger Kinsey Masoner is a 1977 and 1985 WNMU graduate. Masoner taught as an elementary teacher for over 31 years and was recognized as an inductee for her superior qualities as an educator. Known for her enthusiastic energy and her encouraging nature, Masoner is beloved by her students and peers. Involved in school communities, Masoner was active outside of the classroom sponsoring clubs and activities encouraging her students to be civic-minded citizens. Connie Louise Laurent Perez is a graduate of WNMU, class of 1982 and 1989. Perez was inducted for her 31 years of service as an elementary teacher. Described by her peers as a compassionate and reliable educator, Perez took time to learn about each student’s background and areas of need. Perez was instrumental in the design of the open classroom concept at...

A video titled Gila’s Fight showcasing the beauty of the Gila National Forest and surrounding areas was intended to be an end-of-semester project for Chris Theulen, it turned out to be a catalyst for film projects with regional and national organizations. Theulen graduated from Western New Mexico University this May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and in the year leading up to his walk on the commencement stage he was busy looking through a camera lens, sharing his talents with film partners and producing work that will eventually be used by companies such as the Discovery Channel. “It’s been an eye-opening time during the last few months,” said Theulen, a native of Anchorage, Alaska. “Every project and every contact I’ve made have led me to doors being opened.” Gila’s Fight is two minutes and forty seconds of footage of Gila National Forest landscapes, showcasing the mountains, streams and animal life, of this wilderness area in southwest New Mexico. “I...

The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met for its annual spring meeting on Thursday, May 12 at the Silver City campus. The Board approved several items and listened to updates on university initiatives. An approval on tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year was passed unanimously. Tuition rates will remain the same as the current year. A small increase in student fees of $8.40 per credit hour, proposed by members of the Associated Students, was voted with approval. The Tuition Guarantee program, introduced a year ago, will remain intact for incoming students. The program guarantees that there will be no tuition increase for incoming students, for eight consecutive semesters, as long as students meet some minimum requirements. Regent members listened to a presentation by PNM representatives on a proposed photovoltaic system to be installed on campus in two locations. The system would reduce power usage by at least $38,000 per year once installed. WNMU...

More than 400 students will earn degrees on Friday, May 13 at the spring commencement ceremony in Ben Altamirano Field. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. and can be seen live online: http://wnmu.edu Students will be earning certificate, associate, baccalaureate and master degrees. Silver City, NM Associate Degree – Shealynn Allison, Jennifer Aragon, Eric Benavides, Shayna Bloom, Chris Camacho, Patricia Carrasco, Daniel Casaus, Angie Duval, Trent Eby, Samantha Gomez, Cameron Graves, Monique Inez Gulick, Brandy Hernandez, Richard Hughes, Autumn Hunte, Sara James, Gregory Leavitt, Brianna Renee’ Ortiz, Serina Pack, Angelica Polanco, Amanda Quintana, Bianca Rivera, Marisela Ogas Sanchez, Abigail Sievers, Jennifer Thurnherr, Jory Torres, Tristan Toth, Michael Valenzuela, Rhea Valles, Louann Velasquez, Gabryelle Villines-Morales, Clinton Wolfe Baccalaureate Degree – Erin Anderson, Alyssa Bell, Chelsea T. Boone, Benjamin Cardoza, Maria Carrillo, Antoinette Castillo,...

Retired Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court Judge Patricio M. Serna will deliver the keynote speech at the Western New Mexico University spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 13 at 3:00 p.m. in Ben Altamirano Field. Justice Serna retired from the New Mexico Supreme Court on August 24, 2012 having served as Justice since 1996. He served as Chief Justice during 2001 and 2002. He was appointed as a District Judge to the First Judicial District in Santa Fe and served from 1985 until 1996. This service included a term as Chief Judge and also a term as President of the New Mexico District Judges Association. As the first person in his family to attend college, Justice Serna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Denver School of Law, a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) degree from Harvard Law School, and an honorary Doctor of Laws (S.J.D.) degree form the...

Polynesian students at Western New Mexico University will be showcasing traditions in music and food at the fourth annual Polynesian Night on Saturday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in Old James Stadium. The event will include musical performances by Polynesian Club members representing different islands. Club members will also cook and serve an authentic dinner including drinks and desserts. The cost is $5 per plate for community members and $2 for WNMU students with Mustang Card. Organized by the Polynesian Club, at least 17 students can describe themselves as either 100 percent or part Polynesian. They represent the peoples and cultures from different islands including Hawaii, Samoa and Tahiti. The performances showcase traditional dance routines and...