Author Archives: Abe Villarreal

Western New Mexico University is partnering with the Mimbres Region Arts Council to host international artist Rose B. Simpson for the inaugural Edwina and Charles Miler Women In The Arts Lecture Series on October 8 and 9. The lecture series event begins Thursday, October 8 with an artist reception at 5:30 p.m. at Light Hall Theater patio. It is followed by a presentation and lecture at 6:30 p.m. A 15-minute Q&A session will close the event. Rose B. Simpson is an internationally active mixed media contemporary artist from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. She will present her work and collaborate with students during a workshop on Friday, October 9. The “Can Control” mural workshop begins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9 at the entrance of the McCray Gallery. Rose and Watermelon7, an aerosol artist from the Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico, plan to introduce techniques and design methods for aerosol mural painting to students. The public is invited to attend to observe the...

Fans of fiction and magical realism will have first dibs on a new novel by J.J. Wilson, Writer-in-Residence at Western New Mexico University, during a book signing on Friday, October 2 in Light Hall Theater. The 5:00 p.m. event will include a short presentation and the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Damnificados, Wilson’s first novel.   Damnificados is loosely based on the real-life occupation of a half-completed skyscraper in Caracas, Venezuela, the Tower of David. Wilson’s idea to write the book originated during a visit to Venezuela in 2013. The Tower of David was erected in 1990 and abandoned in 1994 when the Venezuelan government ran short of funds to complete the project due to the country’s banking crisis. More than 2,500 people moved into the structure until they were eventually relocated in phases through July 2015. In this fictional version, 600 “damnificados” – vagabonds and misfits – take over the tower and set up a community including schools...

More than one hundred golfers will tee up at Scott Memorial Park for the annual WNMU Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament held during Homecoming weekend on October 9. The event is estimated to raise at least $8,000 in scholarship money for current WNMU students. Organized by the Office of Alumni Affairs, the tournament is set up as a four-man scramble with a shotgun start time of 9:00 a.m. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., prepared by the Club House. Registration is $400 as a team, or $125 per individual. Businesses can support the event by purchasing a hole sponsorship for $55 a hole. “For alumni, this event has become a signature event for Homecoming weekend,” said Cari Lemon, Director of Alumni Affairs. “We are always encouraged to see alumni and other community members coming together to support our students financially.” Nearly $50,000 has already been raised from this even through the last three years. The proceeds will benefit four specific scholarships including...

A state legislator, high education leader, and retired educator will be honored at this year’s Homecoming 2015 festivities during the second weekend of October. The Office of Alumni Affairs has announced the names of three individuals that will receive alumni awards for their leadership and contributions to the community. New Mexico State Senator Howie Morales is receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Ambassador Award. Senator Morales earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from WNMU. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from New Mexico State University. Senator Morales is serving in his second term as a State Senator. He began his career in public service serving as the Grant County Clerk in 2005. A passionate educator, Senator Morales has a successful track record of leadership in the Cobre School District as a teacher and baseball coach. Dr. Lorraine Morales is receiving the Distinguished Alumna Ambassador award. Dr. Morales earned a bachelor’s degree in...

The Board of Regents at Western New Mexico University met on Monday, September 14, at the main campus in Silver City. The five-member board introduced a new member, Dr. Carl Foster, recently appointed by Governor Susana Martinez. Foster resides in Albuquerque, NM. His career in higher education includes being a faculty member at New Mexico Highlands University. He has held leadership positions at New Mexico Tech and is currently a commissioner with the New Mexico Public Schools Capital Outlay Advisory Board. The board unanimously approved several items including updates to the Staff Senate Handbook and the Staff Senate Constitution and Bylaws. Both documents were presented to the board, for with minor changes in language. The university’s Master Plan document, previously presented to the board on several occasions, was also approved unanimously. The document lays out a map of potential campus infrastructure and landscape changes from 2014-2029. The Master Plan can be viewed...

  Western New Mexico University Bookstore is excited to announce that the bookstore now accepts Mustang Dollars in addition to financial aid. As part of the bookstore’s ongoing efforts to make shopping hassle-free, accepting multiple methods of payment helps streamline the purchase process to ensure students have access to the products they need when they need them. The bookstore is only the second campus service, joining dining services, to accept Mustang Dollars. “This is all about enhancing the campus experience for students – making sure they have convenient access to the necessities,” said Zach Serowik, store manager of the Western New Mexico University Bookstore. “They can now use the same card to access their dorm rooms, grab a sandwich at the Mustang Deli and pick up needed textbooks or supplies at the bookstore.” Breaking down the process, financial aid and Mustang Dollars are loaded on to each student’s Mustang Wallet account. When a student...

    Western New Mexico University has announced September 21 as the opening date for its new fitness center in the Brancheau P.E. Complex. The fitness center features the newly remodeled swimming pool and locker rooms that will be available for the public through monthly memberships. Community members may purchase membership access at the Business Office in Castorena Hall for $50 a month. Monthly membership includes access to the pool, locker rooms, Intramural Gym and racquetball courts. Access to WNMU students, faculty and staff is free. “We are creating a comprehensive model that we think will accelerate our focus of healthy living at WNMU,” said Abe Villarreal, Director of Communications. “We know that healthy students are happy students and they are more likely to be successful academically.” Fitness Center hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. The swimming pool is open for WNMU students only from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00...

Western New Mexico University is commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month with several events planned between September 15 and October 15. Most events are free to the public and center around food, culture, music, history and current political issues. “WNMU is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than half of our students are Hispanic,” stated Vanessa Stroman, Coordinator of Multicultural Events. “Having cultural events for our students and the public is both educational and fun.” Listed are the events open to the community: Saturday, September 12 Mariachi: Fiesta De La Gente at 2pm and 7pm, Fine Arts Center Theater Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the door. Tuesday, September 15 Best Tasting Salsa Contest from 11am to 1pm, Life Lounge (Student Memorial Center 1st floor). Salsa makers should contact 538-6611 to submit a recipe for the contest. Prizes will be given to first, second and third places Wednesday, September 16 Mexican...