Press Releases

    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...

The University Foundation office is hosting ‘Hats In The Garden’ on September 26 as a an event to engage Western New Mexico University supporters and to raise funds for the Foundation. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Alumni Garden and attendees are encouraged to wear creative hats. Local apparel business Vintage Fantasies and Raven’s Nest are partnering with the Foundation to present a fashion show featuring WNMU students. Cost to attend is $25 and will cover event food and beverages. A silent auction with themed baskets will benefit the University Foundation office. The attendee with the most creative hat will win the People’s Choice Award. To RSVP, please call the University Foundation office at 575-538-6310. The Alumni Garden is located on 10th Street next to Hunter...

A new executive director for the University Foundation has opened her doors to alumni, donors and community members looking to make connections with Western New Mexico University. Since July 1, Jodi Edens-Crocker has been meeting people, setting up appointments and brainstorming on how to grow relationships with anyone who has a connection and interest in Western New Mexico University. “I feel there is a sincere interest and energy from campus, donors, alumni and the community to build and foster a true Foundation that can move the university forward,” said Edens-Crocker. Edens-Crocker has more than 10 years of experience working with fundraising and relationship building in higher education. Her most recent experience includes serving as Director of Events and Special Projects at Florida Gulf Coast University. In that capacity, she oversaw the organization of over 100 university events annually. “We are creating opportunities for participation and involvement by all...

A university department that focuses on academic programs for the community is expanding its services for area residents who may be facing temporary unemployment periods. The Adult Education Services office (AES), based in Watts Hall on the corner of Swan Street and Highway 180, offers free programs for community members in different subject areas. “One of our primary focuses is preparing adult learners to transition to be university students or to learn skills to reenter the workforce,” said Debbie Maldonado, Director of AES. AES programs include preparing for the High School Equivalence Diploma, training for computer skills, math, reading and writing. An open lab is available to any community member and staff members are on hand to create flexible schedules with personalized start times. “Computer skills are necessary to be successful in a career and our programs are designed assist the learner’s need,” said Maldonado. “What we want to provide is a stepping...

While posing for a picture at her new university home, Grecia Rivas realizes that enrolling at Western New Mexico University marked the next step in her journey to bring awareness for her people. Rivas graduated from Palo Verde Magnet High School in Tucson, Arizona; attended Pima Community College and transferred to WNMU this fall. She is a 23-year old undocumented immigrant with a mission. “I have been involved in the immigrant rights movement for the past three years working to make higher education accessible to all students,” said Rivas. Rivas was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico; and immigrated to the United States at the age of three. She plans to be the first member of her family to graduate from college. “Undocumented immigrants are facing important issues including lack of support from counselors and administrators when transitioning out from high school and into college,” Rivas explained. “Educators are not well informed or prepared to help these students.” A...

  Western New Mexico University and the Mimbres Region Arts Council are partnering to bring another Live On The Lawn concert at Old James Stadium on Friday, August 21. The free event will feature three music groups including renowned flamenco guitar master Robert Michaels. He will be joined by his trio and a flamenco dancer. Opening the event at 5:00 p.m. are local favorites Geli and The Hearbreakers, followed by Azucar, an El Paso based nine-member Latino band. Robert Michaels is a multi-gold and platinum recording artist. He is the winner of a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for Best Instrumental Album. Throughout his career, Michaels has worked with noteworthy musicians including Grammy winner Jennifer Warnes and Tony Award nominated Louis Pitre. Michaels is described as an intuitive musician with an electric energy and a captivating blend of styles. Azucar is described as a Latin salsa style band with Puerto Rican rhythm. Their repertoire includes upbeat salsa and...

For the fifth consecutive year Western New Mexico University will team up with the Silver City MainStreet Project to host the Bash on Broadway on Saturday, August 15. Offering socialization for both new and returning students, the event signifies the exciting arrival of the fall semester with music, games and dancing in historic downtown Silver City. WNMU President Joseph Shepard will deliver a State of the University Address at 5:30 p.m. inside Little Toad Creek, located on the corner of Broadway and Bullard Streets. After updating the community with an account of current and future happenings, Bullard Street will be closed between Broadway Street and Yankie Street from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Radio La Chusma, a Latin-Reggae band out of El Paso, will provide live music. Little Toad Creek will offer outdoor drink sales. Community groups and small businesses can register to have free booth space by contacting 575.538.6336 or news@wnmu.edu.   The event is free to...

Veterans living in rural communities have challenges connecting with medical and psychological treatment services. A survey for veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is hoping to better understand this underserved population. The Institute for Rural Social Work Research (IRSR), a 501c3 affiliated with the School of Social Work, has dispatched 15 individuals across the state with a 34-question survey for PTSD suffering veterans. The team of survey collectors has covered at least 10 New Mexico communities since June and will continue to do so until mid-August. “We are trying to find out how aware veterans are of treatments, if they know that they exist, and how far they are willing to travel and receive the treatment,” said Dr. Bob Rickle, professor of Social Work and Director of IRSR. Funded through legislative appropriations, the project was created to learn more about veterans living in rural communities and their access to care. Survey collectors...

New scholarships for New Mexico high school students who are leaders academically and in their communities have been awarded for the upcoming fall semester. At least one valedictorian and three salutatorians from around the state have been awarded the scholarship, covering their tuition and fees for one academic year. “We are really proud that these students have chosen WNMU as their home for the next four years,” said Matthew Lara, Director of Admissions. “Because of their high academic achievements, they were awarded scholarships from many institutions, but they chose us.” The new Admissions Scholarships were rolled out in May and since then students from New Mexico, Texas, Arizona and other states have applied. For Carolyn Rose Castillo, receiving the salutatorian scholarship helped her to finalize her decision to attend WNMU. Castillo graduated from Silver High School in May. “I didn’t want to go to a junior college,” said Castillo. “I did want to go...