Author Archives: Abe Villarreal

Residents living in Lordsburg are now better connected to the world with the addition of several computer stations at the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Library. Western New Mexico University and Power New Mexico (PNM) partnered with the City of Lordsburg to provide five desktop computers, a printer and scanner for public use. Prior to March 4, 2016, only one computer was available to the entire Lordsburg community. “People of all backgrounds and needs come into the library that need a computer,” said Christina Salinas, Library Director. “Students do research, people apply for jobs and visitors print out bus passes.” Before the addition of the new computers, library visitors had to make appointments to use the single computer station, and they were limited to one-hour use per patron. “We have more than doubled the use of computers since March 4,” said Salinas. Built in 1937, the Lordsburg Hidalgo County Library building is a registered historic building. Wi-Fi...

Western New Mexico University’s nationally recognized School of Nursing is growing its bachelor’s degree program in nursing (BSN), working to better prepare nurses for healthcare careers. ­ More than 40 students are admitted each year into the School of Nursing, which has been offering an associate degree program since 1988. Students traditionally become nurses after graduating from the associate degree program and passing a licensure exam. The new focus is to graduate nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), better preparing them for a career in nursing and transitioning into administrative roles. “Large cities and major hospitals are not hiring associate degree prepared nurses,” said John Scarbrough, School of Nursing Associate Dean. “With a bachelor’s degree you can work anywhere.” WNMU is one of only three state-supported institutions offering the pre-licensure Baccalaureate in Nursing (BSN) program in New Mexico, out of 26 total pre-licensure...

Community members with disabilities in the Silver City area will be participating in Hoops 4 Hope, an afternoon of indoor games hosted by Western New Mexico University, on Monday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Intramural Gym. The fourth annual event is open to any member of the community with a learning or physical disability. Those wishing to attend will receive a free t-shirt and a pizza dinner. “This is one of our favorite events to host on campus,” said Abe Villarreal, WNMU Director of Communications. “It is important for our student body to interact with this special community of people that teach us so much about themselves and ourselves.” The goal of the annual event is to accomplish four hopes: a hope to bring students together to learn about people with disabilities, a hope to build common ground among different people through athletics, a hope to have students feel comfortable with people of different backgrounds, and a hope to learn more about how we...

Students and faculty of Western New Mexico University’s clay Expressive Arts Department will hold the 11th Annual Friends of Clay Pottery Sale on Saturday, March 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 208 N. Bullard in downtown Silver City, next door to the Pink Store. The sale will feature an expansive selection of pottery and clay art works donated by current and former WNMU clay students, faculty, and professional potters. All proceeds from the sale will be used for the benefit of WNMU’s clay program. Sponsored by “Friends of Clay,” the annual pottery sales have grown in size each year since 2005, and have been an astounding success. Funds raised by the group are used to enhance and promote ceramics and the WNMU clay program through the offering of lectures, workshops, trips, scholarships, as well as assisting in the purchase of equipment and supplies for the university clay studio. A main attraction of the annual sales has been the wide variety of clay works offered,...

First grade students at Harrison Schmitt Elementary School are already thinking about attending college and Western New Mexico University officials are welcoming them 11 years before they graduate high school. Students in Mrs. Denise Ruelaz’ first grade class were recently given Letters of Acceptance by WNMU President Joseph Shepard along with university paraphernalia, in an effort to welcome the Class of 2031. The acceptance ceremony took place in Mrs. Ruelaz’ class on Friday. Mrs. Ruelaz and her teacher’s aid Mrs. Castillo are both alumni of WNMU. They decorated their class in purple and gold, and asked their students to wear Mustang shirts. “WNMU means so much to me and my family,” said Mrs. Castillo, who organized the event to teach her students the importance of attending college. “I let my kids know that they didn’t have an option and they had to attend college after high school.” Castillo graduated from WNMU and her three children are currently...

High school students and community college students looking to enroll at Western New Mexico University in the upcoming fall semester are invited to attend Mustang Showcase on Saturday, March 19. The event will give prospective students a preview of life on campus and connect them with their programs of interest. Scholarships will be awarded to attendees who qualify. “We have rolled out a new set of scholarships for incoming students,” said Matthew Lara, Director of Admissions. “High school students that have performed well academically or that have shown leadership in their communities may qualify for these awards.” The Tuition Guarantee program will also be highlighted. The program promises a static tuition rate for four years if students maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. and enroll continuously for four years. “The best way to decide what university to attend is to visit the campus,” added Lara. “Students will see the entire picture by attending the Mustang Showcase,...

The School of Education is hosting an eight-week course for individuals specializing in non-profit funding. The course, titled Program Assessment, Evaluation and Funding begins Monday, March 14 and is fully online. It is designed to help individuals develop skills necessary for survival as a 503C, not-for-profit or community service organization. Course participants will write a grant proposal as part of the class. If you plan to enroll in this course, please note the following: -It is a three credit hour course for which tuition and fees will be charged -There is an online course fee of $120 (not included in tuition and fees) -If you are not a current WNMU student, you will be required to apply to WNMU and pay a $40 application fee For information about Graduate Admissions, in order to enroll in this class, please contact Graduate Studies at gradstudies@wnmu.edu or 575-538-6650. The CRN for course is...

Lordsburg High School students are invited to attend a Scholarship Night event, hosted by Western New Mexico University on Monday, February 29. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Lordsburg High School computer lab. Financial Aid experts will be present to discuss scholarship, grant and loan opportunities offered the federal government and private sources. “This is a critical time for students and family members as they make decisions about financial aid,” said Matthew Lara, Director of Admissions and Recruitment. “WNMU several tuition discounts including the Tuition Guarantee.” WNMU is the first university in the New Mexico to offer a Tuition Guarantee program with the promise that tuition rates will not increase during a four-year college career. Scholarships will be awarded at the event and students are encouraged to bring unofficial transcripts for evaluation. Free food and drink will be served to attendees. For more information, contact Abe...

Douglas High School students and Cochise College students are invited to attend a Scholarship Night event, hosted by Western New Mexico University on Wednesday, March 2. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Union Building room 501 on the Cochise College campus. Financial Aid experts will be present to discuss scholarship, grant and loan opportunities offered the federal government and private sources. “Arizona residents are given several tuition incentives to attend Western New Mexico University including housing scholarships, in-state tuition and the Tuition Guarantee,” said Matthew Lara, Director of Admissions and Recruitment. WNMU is the first university in the New Mexico to offer a Tuition Guarantee program with the promise that tuition rates will not increase during a four-year college career. Scholarships will be awarded at the event and students are encouraged to bring unofficial transcripts for evaluation. Free food and drink will be served...