Author Archives: Abe Villarreal

The annual Economic Development Course at Western New Mexico University will soon benefit from a $10,000 donation by Freeport-McMoRan. The weeklong course is one of a handful offered throughout the country for community leaders looking to enhance their economic development skills. The course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. “This is in direct alignment with one of our priorities in Economic Development,” said Kevin Cook, Freeport-McMoRan. “I attended the course and found it of great value. We see this is an integral component of economic development.” The 2016 course is scheduled for July 17-21 and has a 30-seat limit. The one-week intensive training schedule includes sessions by thirteen faculty and networking opportunities. Topics include strategic planning, real estate development and social media marketing. Hosted by the Small Business Development Center, the course has been offered since 1993. The donation will be used for the...

Four students who exemplified leadership in the classroom and in the community will be inducted into the Student Hall of Fame for 2016. The ceremony will take place Tuesday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. in Light Hall Auditorium and is open to the public. An outdoor reception will precede the official ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. The 2016 inductees are Dylan Contreras, Lawrence Garcia, Omar Lopez and Chyler Imai. Dylan Contreras is from Peoria, Arizona, and will be graduating in May with a degree in psychology and a minor in political science. During his time at WNMU he has served in several positions for the Associated Students including his current role as Vice-President. A player on the Mustang football team for four years, Contreras excelled academically being named to the President’s List, Deans List, and the RMAC All Academic Team. He will be attending law school in the fall. Lawrence Garcia, from Mimbres, New Mexico, earned a business management degree in December and...

The community is invited to celebrate a newly renovated area on campus coined as The Gardens at WNMU, adjacent to Light Hall on College Avenue. Attendees can access the area from the steps off College Avenue or the Light Hall parking area. The outdoor concert will take place Friday, May 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and feature local musicians Brandon Perrault, Jessie Thetford Trio and Gypsy Feet. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase. The concert is free admission. The Gardens at WNMU is a newly accessible area on campus, recently renovated with a terrace, marquee, green space, flowers and plants and outdoor seating. It is a part of a larger effort to create opportunities for outdoor events and leisure for students and campus visitors. Brandon Perrault will open the event at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Jessie Thetford Trio. Gypsy Feet, a five-member folk band will close the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or picnic blankets to...

The school year may be coming to a close; however, the Early Childhood Programs at Western New Mexico University are busy gearing for an upcoming year of growth after experiencing several recent successes. Selected by readers of the Silver City Sun-News as the top childcare center in Silver City, leaders of the Early Childhood Programs are pleased with the community’s opinion of the program and facility. “We administered our bi-annual family survey and 98 percent of the respondents were extremely pleased with the services we provide,” said Shannon Rivera, Early Childhood Programs Executive Director. “Many parents provided positive comments regarding the development of their children in the program.” Rivera credits the high marks from families and community members to the ongoing professional development opportunities provided to the program’s staff and teachers. Within the last several months, Early Childhood Program staff members attended the annual NMAEYC...

Students in the Natural Sciences Department were recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant to research fungal communities at high altitudes in the Gila National Forest. Gabe Gilmore, a senior majoring in forestry wildlife management, will be leading the research with other students and faculty this summer. The principal goal of the project is to compare fungal communities in Blue Gramma grass that exist above 7000 feet in elevation. The small team of researchers will be collecting specimen and conducting research in campus laboratories. The grant provides Western New Mexico University students an opportunity to participate in research that is taking place at the national level and the campus proximity to the Gila National Forest makes the research uniquely fitting to students in the National Sciences program. “This research will provide valuable date on how wild grasses are coping with continuing climate change,” said Gilmore. “This may result in possible new...

Top-selling R&B artist Lloyd will perform live as part of the 49th annual Great Race festivities on Friday, April 22 at 8:00 p.m. in Old James Stadium. Known for his top-ten hit Lay It Down, Lloyd has released four studio albums, his latest was King of Hearts in 2011. Lloyd’s first mixed tape was released in 2011 and included collaborations with other notable artists including Lil Wayne, August Alsina and Trae Tha Truth. He is currently working on his second mixed tape. Opening for Lloyd is Vonzell ‘Baby V’ Solomon, finalist on American Idol’s fourth season, finishing in the top three. Solomon has appeared in several music videos and TV shows. Her recording of Best Of My Love by the Emotions was a top-ten hit. Admission to the concert is $10 for WNMU students and $20 for the public. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with Solomon performing at 7:00 p.m. and Lloyd at 8:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the WNMU Business Office, in Castorena Hall, or online at...

The University Foundation is hosting its annual Scholarship Gala fundraiser on Saturday, April 23 with a Boots and Bling theme encouraging participants to wear their western best for an evening of dancing, food and entertainment. The Scholarship Gala begins at 6:00 p.m. in historic Graham Gym. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, complimentary bar and dancing to the live music of the Bucky Allred Band. “Each year, this event provides our community and WNMU leaders the opportunity to get together for important reasons, raising scholarships for our deserving students, showing support for the work that the University Foundation is accomplishing and to build camaraderie among each other for a common passion,” said Jodi Edens-Crocker, University Foundation Director. Graham Gym will once again be transformed with décor reflecting the year’s theme. This year, attendees are encouraged to show up in their boots, buckles and rhinestone covered apparel in...

April marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and commemorations of his life and works are taking place around the world, one of them in the Miller Library on Friday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. Shakespeare In April is an afternoon of readings and performances by Western New Mexico University students and community members, commemorating the work of the most recognized author in history. “Shakespeare has been translated into nearly all the written languages in the world,” said Dr. Debbie Heller, WNMU professor of English. “His ideas transcend time and place.” Heller has helped organize the event, which includes a performance of sonnets by university students and performances by other area talent including the Virus Theater and actor Gregg Dugan. Leading up to the event, Heller’s students presented Shakespeare’s works in local public schools, sharing the importance and impact of the Bard’s writings for four centuries. “Nobody should get...

Middle and high school students from Grant and Luna Counties who aspire to be business owners can register for Future Entrepreneurs Weekend, a two-day workshop taking place May 6 and 7 on the Western New Mexico University campus The event is hosted by the WNMU School of Business and is free of cost to area youth. Attendees will develop a business plan and learn what it takes to open a business with interactive presentations emphasizing innovation and creativity. Workshop participants will be provided free meals and an event shirt. Seats are limited. To register for the Future Entrepreneurs Weekend, contact Dr. Francisca Reyes at 575-538-6326 or...