Author Archives: Abe Villarreal

Shannon Rivera, Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs at Western New Mexico University, was recently appointed by New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez to the State Early Learning Advisory Council. Rivera overseas the nationally recognized Early Childhood program which consists of five programs including the Child Development Center, a lab site on the main campus. Other programs include the Family Council Center, providing comprehensive family support; and La Familia Resource Center, a training and technical assistance program serving eight counties. “This appointment means a lot for our program as we continue to be leaders of early childhood education in our state,” said Rivera. “This guarantees that WNMU and the southern part of the state will have a voice.” Rivera’s previous experience includes serving as the Director of the PreK Program at WNMU, a faculty member for the Early Childhood Programs and a curriculum coach for teachers at the Child Development Center...

Summer has been a busy time for construction workers at the Western New Mexico University main campus in Silver City. Orange cones are scattered throughout the 83-acre campus as beautification efforts are ongoing around historic buildings and walkways. Light Hall, a registered historic building located on College Avenue, and the landscape area around the building are among the most visible areas of construction. Erected in 1927, Light Hall is now home to the School of Business. Remodeling of the building is in its third phase with updates to classroom space, restrooms and office space. The renovations also include interior finishes, insulation upgrades and installation of energy efficient HVAC system and controls. The exterior updates will include upgrades to stairs, rails and window repair to the two-story building. Phase II renovations to Light Hall took place during summer of 2014 and fall of 2015 with upgrades to Light Hall Auditorium that now serves as a movie theater for...

  Alumni looking to return to their alma mater for homecoming weekend will be treated to a bigger events schedule than ordinary, according to the Alumni Affairs Office at Western New Mexico University. The Mustangs will be taking on Colorado School of Mines on Saturday, October 10 in Ben Altamirano Field for the Homecoming game. Alumni activities will begin Thursday, October 8 with a kick-off social at the Red Bern Steakhouse starting at 6:00 p.m. and the General Alumni Association meeting at 7:00 p.m. Traditional alumni events include the annual Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday, October 9 with a shotgun start time of 9:00 a.m. at the Silver City Golf Course. “Homecoming is always a special time for our alumni family,” said Cari Lemon, Director of Alumni Affairs. “This year alumni have come together to bring back former members of long standing student groups like MEChA and Los Estudiantes Unidos with the Chicano Conference. ” The...

Western New Mexico University is hosting its annual Social Media Day Silver City event on Tuesday, June 30. The fourth annual event is free to the community and will take place at 6:00 p.m. in Billy’s BBQ. “WNMU and Silver City continue to be the only hosts of a Social Media Day event in New Mexico,” said Abe Villarreal, Director of Communications of at Western New Mexico University. “This is event helps celebrate how we are connected and how we can build community with each other.” The event will feature insights by Kristelle Siarza, CEO of Siarza Social Digital in Albuquerque, NM. Siarza opened her company, focusing on social media and digital communications, in 2014. Attendees will participate in interactive activities and also have the opportunity to win club seat tickets to an upcoming Isotopes baseball game in Albuquerque. “It’s going to be a fun party for all,” said Villarreal. “Small business owners, non-profit organizations and any individuals...

The community is invited to enroll in a one-day training course on First, Aid, CPR and AED (automatic external defibrillator). The American Red Cross training is offered by WNMU’s Department of Community and Workforce Development on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on each day. Cost to attend the training is $75, which includes materials and certification. Deadline to register is July 1, 2015. To register, contact Kathy Sorells at 575-538-6290 or...

Western New Mexico University was recently recognized by the State of New Mexico for its efforts in maintaining the historical architectural preservation of Light Hall. University officials including Stan Pena, Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Operations, were recognized at the New Mexico Heritage Preservation ceremony in Santa Fe. The Architectural Heritage Award was awarded to WNMU for working to preserve historic buildings on campus and especially for the rehabilitation of Light Hall, built in 1927 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Phase II portion of renovations for Light Hall was a $2 million project that centered around the building’s auditorium which was reopened in October and now serves as a movie theater and community venue for the performing arts. Other portions of Light Hall are currently under construction with updates to classroom space, electrical/mechanic systems, information technology enhancement, building exterior...

Western New Mexico University has signed an agreement with Colegio Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, a private Catholic K-12 school in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. This is the first agreement of its kind for WNMU, creating a partnership with a school that plans to bring high school aged students in the summer of 2016. “I am happy and grateful for the opportunity to work together,” said Maria Guadalupe Nunez Marquez, Colegio Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Director. “We have the realization of our youth getting great jobs thanks to your efforts.” The agreement signed by Director Marquez and WNMU President Joseph Shepard will formalize a partnership with the two institutions as they begin a year of planning for the summer 2016 program. Earlier conversations between both institutions determined that courses needed for the high school students include writing, graphic design and Photoshop. Students will take at least 100 hours of classes during the four-week program. A...

At its annual spring commencement meeting on May 14, the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met at the Silver City campus and approved several new business items including the recognition of professors for promotion and tenure. Four professors were awarded tenure including Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Alexandra Neves, Dr. Margarita Wulftange and Dr. Sherry Bassi. Five professors were recognized with promotions including Fritz, Neves, Wulftange, Dr. Miguel Narvaez and Dr. Andy Warren. Dr. Linda Lopez was awarded emeritus status for her service to WNMU. Lopez, who is retiring this month, has been teaching psychology at WNMU since 1989. The rank of Emeritus is conferred upon retirement to faculty who have led a distinguished career. In other business, Board members also approved changes to the Faculty Handbook and the student government constitution; both having had approved changes by their respective governing bodies. Jason Clark, architect with Studio D, presented a...