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Category: Student Success

From Doula to Degree: Sunshine Patterson Pursues Mission to Restore the ‘Joy of Birth’

Sunshine Patterson’s passion for maternal care is rooted in her previous life in Hawaii. Following the empowering and easy delivery of her youngest of five children, Patterson began teaching hypnobirthing—a method utilizing visualization, self-hypnosis, and relaxation to replace fear with focus during labor. As she transitioned into working as a doula in Hawaiian hospitals, Patterson… Continue reading From Doula to Degree: Sunshine Patterson Pursues Mission to Restore the ‘Joy of Birth’

Silver City Native and WNMU Student Eyes Future in Critical Care

A childhood fascination with biology, a deep-seated cultural work ethic and a commitment to balancing the rigors of academia have guided Ariana Medina’s journey to become a registered nurse. On December 12, Medina crossed the stage at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to accept her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Born and raised in… Continue reading Silver City Native and WNMU Student Eyes Future in Critical Care

Silver City Army Veteran Transitions from Service to Master’s Graduate

Academic achievement and military service will converge this December as Silver City native Daniel Soliz graduates from Western New Mexico University (WNMU) with a Master of Arts in Teaching and Special Education. A father of five and an Army Sergeant, Soliz’s journey highlights the university’s commitment to supporting veterans through flexible online learning and robust… Continue reading Silver City Army Veteran Transitions from Service to Master’s Graduate

Deming Resident Christina Guerrero Graduates with BSN from WNMU

For Christina Guerrero, the path to becoming a nurse was a mission rooted in personal history. Guerrero, the youngest member of her graduating cohort, is set to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western New Mexico University (WNMU) this December. Guerrero’s inspiration stems from a pivotal moment in her youth while watching… Continue reading Deming Resident Christina Guerrero Graduates with BSN from WNMU

WNMU Student Laura Black Earns BSN, Speaks at Nurse Pinning Ceremony

For Laura Black, life is a delicate, albeit successful, balance of what she affectionately calls “organized chaos.” A native of Bayard, New Mexico, Black is not just a graduating senior; she is also a mother, a business owner, a full-time night-shift employee, and a self-described “professional student of life.” This December 12, Black will cross… Continue reading WNMU Student Laura Black Earns BSN, Speaks at Nurse Pinning Ceremony

WNMU Graduate Valeria Adame Graduates Ready to Elevate Businesses

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) student Valeria Adame is graduating in December 2025 with a double major in business management and marketing, complemented by a minor in accounting. A native of Palomas, Adame channeled her deep connection to her family’s transnational businesses into her academic pursuits. “I thought, if I were to go into the… Continue reading WNMU Graduate Valeria Adame Graduates Ready to Elevate Businesses

A WNMU Graduation Over 10 Years in the Making for Two Sisters

December 2025 marks a shared triumph for sisters Dulce Renteria and Daniela Renteria, lifelong residents of Animas, New Mexico. After years of balancing full-time work, family life, and rigorous online coursework, the sisters will walk across the stage together at Western New Mexico University (WNMU). Dulce Renteria is earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary… Continue reading A WNMU Graduation Over 10 Years in the Making for Two Sisters

Veronica Wahlstrom Marin – From Mustang Volleyball to Chief Financial Officer

Western New Mexico University alumna Veronica Wahlstrom Marin exemplifies the Mustang spirit of excellence both on and off the court. A standout member of the WNMU women’s volleyball team from 1997 to 1999, Veronica built a reputation as a dedicated, driven, and talented middle blocker who helped lead the Mustangs through fierce competition in the Pacific West Conference. During… Continue reading Veronica Wahlstrom Marin – From Mustang Volleyball to Chief Financial Officer

WNMU First-Generation Student Awarded Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) awards first-year student Makiah Granadino one of the university’s competitive Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarships. A Silver City native, Granadino is a first-generation college student who overcame an initial hesitation to apply for the scholarship and ultimately emerged as a standout recipient. Granadino began her studies this September and is pursuing a… Continue reading WNMU First-Generation Student Awarded Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship