Author Archives: Abe Villarreal

The historic sounds of Cuba will be performed live by the Grammy award-winning group Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro, on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m., in Light Hall Theater. Interpreting son, Cuba’s national music genre, Septeto Nacional was founded by the late Ignacio Piñeiro, considered the father of this quintessential Cuban style. The seven-member group is now directed by Francisco Oropeza, a bongo virtuoso. For more than eight decades, Septeto Nacional has garnered a reputation as a national treasure for Cuba, interpreting a timeless repertoire, familiar to dancers around the world. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchase by calling the Western New Mexico University Office of Cultural Affairs at 575-538-6469 or online at wnmu.edu/culture. The event is sponsored by AMP Concerts, the Western Institute for Lifelong Learning, and the WNMU Office of Cultural...

Hooray For Hollywood is the theme for the 2017 Scholarship Gala, an annual event hosted by the by the Western New Mexico University Foundation, set to take place on Saturday, April 22 in historic Graham Gym. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite movie star or character, glamorous Hollywood style or black tie. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the evening will include a cocktail hour with a complimentary bar, dinner, a silent auction, and dancing to the live music of The Paso Del Norte Big Band, of El Paso, Texas. “We are excited to have this 17 piece jazz orchestra band in the style of the great big bands of the 1930’s & 40’s,” said Jodi Edens-Crocker, University Foundation Director. “I think it adds to this year’s event theme as well as provides an amazing opportunity for the dancer’s in our community, allowing WNMU supporters to have an excellent evening of entertainment, to build camaraderie among each other, and to support WNMU Foundation...

For a group of five students at Western New Mexico University, this year’s spring break did not include late night movies with friends, or homemade meals during family visits. Instead, for these students, the 2017 spring break vacation was a week of volunteer work and life changing experiences in remote Panama villages. Termed, Alternative Spring Break, the international venture was a trip of a lifetime for the handful of WNMU students who participated in the first annual event. Partnering with SCORE International, an organization that coordinates short-term mission trips, Panama was the choice country for WNMU because of the university’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and the country’s official language of Spanish. “I first envisioned visiting a big city and the beach,” said LeShauntai Adams, an 18-year-old freshman from Shiprock, New Mexico. After her arrival, Adams quickly realized that the trip would have a bigger impact than the typical spring...

Community members will have access to the Western New Mexico University Fitness Center at a discounted price during the month of April. The April Special Offer is available to new memberships for community members with a 25% registration discount. Membership includes 25 passes, available to use through the end of the spring semester in May. Access includes the indoor saltwater pool, fitness center, intramural gym, and racquetball courts. Facilities are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with closures during University holidays. To register with the April Special Offer, community members can pick up their discount coupon at the Fitness Center located in the P.E. Complex. Payment for memberships, and an issuance of a Mustang Card for facility access, will take place in the Business Office, located in Castorena Hall. For more information, contact...

As part of her campaign to bring awareness to the negative effects of bullying and the current culture of violence, the reigning Miss Arizona, Katelyn Niemiec, will be speaking at Light Hall Auditorium on Thursday, April 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Niemiec was crowned Miss Arizona in June of 2016. While advancing her platform Bullying S.T.O.P.S. Here, she has devoted thousands of hours speaking at schools and communities as an advocate for the prevention of bullying. For the lecture, titled Transforming the culture of violence: using experiences to become a leader, Niemiec will share her insights on the effects of adverse childhood experiences, challenging the audience to use those experiences as a form of empowerment, helping end the generational cycle of violence. Currently the Vice-President for Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation, Niemiec has raised $7,000 to benefit survivors of child and domestic violence. Niemiec, 22, is an honors graduate from the Walter Cronkite...

Arlean Murillo was recently confirmed by the New Mexico State Legislature as the new student regent for Western New Mexico University. Murillo joins the five-member board, already having served in several student leadership positions at WNMU. Currently residing in Santa Teresa, NM, Murillo is earning a degree in early childhood education. “It is an honor to be appointed the new student regent,” said Murillo. “I am very excited and ready to represent the students of WNMU and helping as much as I can within my university.” An El Paso native, Murillo served a tenure as Vice-President of the Associated Students of WNMU and led the student lobbying team as the Governmental Affairs Director where she successfully lobbied for funds used to upgrade campus security. “WNMU is a place where the people from the university and Grant County become close to your heart,” said Murillo. “It is one of the advantages of being at a small university.” Murillo will be...

Graduating students in the Expressive Arts program at Western New Mexico University will be showcasing artwork in the end-of-semester exhibition at McCray Gallery. The public invited to an opening reception on Thursday, April 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eight students will be showcasing work in different mediums including ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, painting, photography and digital media. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree will deliver artist talks at 5:00 p.m. in Parotti Hall. Graduating students showcasing work include Kourosh Amini, Atziry Apodaca, Mike Garner, Sky Klaus, Krissy Ramirez, Grecia Rivas, Corina Silva, and Mariah Thornburg. The exhibit will be on display through Friday, May...

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, April 1. The event will give prospective students a preview of life on campus and connect them with their programs of interest. 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,” said Matthew Lara, Director of Admissions. “Students will see the entire picture by attending the Mustang Showcase, from visiting residence halls to meeting professors, they will know for sure if WNMU is for them once they attend.” Registration for Mustang Showcase is free. The event begins at 12:00 p.m. and includes a free lunch for attendees and family members. Register online:...